When it comes to Brisbane core drilling, concrete experts who are
required to do concrete core strength tests have some options. They may decide
to drill the cores themselves or hire a testing lab or concrete sawing and
drilling company to drill the core.
No matter who drills the core, it is essential to have a
written core test system that considers the right place in a wall or slab to
extract the core and how to manage it after removing them from the concrete.
Here are some tips for you if you want to drill the core by
yourself.
Select a drill. Whether
you buy or rent a drill, you have options to choose. Basically, you need to use
a hand-held core drill for holes about 3 inches in diameter. A minimum core
size for testing is about 3.7 inches in diameter; this is why you need to utilize
a drill rig-mounted or stand unit.
If you are buying a unit, you may use a model that gives
the flexibility to do other projects such as drilling dowel holes, electrical
work, or holes for plumbing. There are different sizes of hand-held versions,
rig-mounted units, as well as intermediary units that can be used either with a
drill stand or hand-held.
Stand attachment. When it
comes to Brisbane core drilling in slabs with a flat surface, it is possible to use a
vacuum stand that connects to the floor with suction power and does not need
anchor holes. You need to secure the stand to the wall using anchors when
drilling cores in a wall. Saunders also advises a safety chain that has drill
stands as a preventive measure in case of a slip.
Power. Core
drill motors are available in three power options: electric, hydraulic, and air.
The job site power availability and working environment can dictate the power
option you pick. Some units also enable you to choose the ideal speed for the concrete
hardness and hole size.
Pick a diamond bit. When
choosing the right diamond core bit, consider aggregate hardness and concrete
psi. During core drilling, the diamond core bit needs to match the material you
are drilling. You can use a softer diamond bond for much harder materials and for
softer concrete, use a harder diamond bond.
Depth. The
majority of the standard concrete core testing samples is possible to be
drilled using a 1-foot bit. If you want to drill a core deeper than that, it is
better to utilize barrel bits. These are basically bit extensions that let you
drill much deeper compared to the cutting bit itself.
Conclusion
When renting or purchasing a hammer drill for your core
drilling, opt for one with good power, preferably with a stop function, more
than a one speed setting, and an auxiliary handle for your other hand for increased
safety, comfort, and control. A quality hammer drill, also called a
rotary hammer, can bore in less than a minute a two-inch-deep and ¼-inch-wide
hole. This is much faster compared to a rotary drill, which justifies its cost.
