Saw Cuts in Slab on Grade 1

[DHKpeWI]

How soon after pouring should saw cuts be made in a slab on grade? The slab is 4" thick and is being poured in Florida.

Thanks

 

[ron9876]

As soon as you can get on it without damaging the concrete. 4-8 hours.

 

[JAE]

Ditto what ron9876 said.

 

[Ron]

faq592-162

Agree with both. With a 4" slab make sure thickness is tightly controlled or thickness variations will create their own control joints... otherwise known as random cracking.

See the FAQ above for more info

 

[ToadJones]

ASAP!!!

This cannot be stressed enough.

 

[JAE]

You want to get on it so early the concrete yells "OUCH".

 

[DHKpeWI]

Thanks guys.

 

[ajk1]

Use an "early entry" saw. with this, should be able to satrt sawcutting within about 2 hours after the completion of the floor finishing operation. Waiting 18 hours or more is too long.

 

[ajk1]

..and you they have to be prepared to work after hours to get on the sawcutting quickly enough...that is a big struggle to get them to do that, and may not be so necessary if it is going to be covered wth carpet or other flexible finshes,,,

 

[abusementpark]

How do you guys specify on your drawings when the slab should be cut?

 

[KateP]

4-8 hours (it depends on concrete structure, ready-mix concrete, conditions)

 

[slickdeals]

4 hours hot-weather, 12 hours cold-weather

It’s no trick to get the answers when you have all the data. The trick is to get the answers when you only have half the data and half that is wrong and you don’t know which half - LORD KELVIN

 

[Ron]

abusementpark...my spec says "Sawcut joints shall be made to a depth of at least 1/4 of the slab thickness and shall be started as soon as practicable after placement when the saw does not cause raveling of the cut edge. Sawcut joints shall be placed no longer than 8 hours after placement of the concrete and shall be made on the same day as placement."