CONCRETE

The length of curing time after concrete is poured greatly affects the way a diamond blade will interact with it during cutting. Curing can be affected by weather (temperature, moisture, and time of year), and the composition (admixtures,  aggregate, and sand).

Concrete is typically in its green state for 6 to 48 hours after it is poured. In this early state the sand has not completely bonded with the mortar and the concrete has not reached its full hardness. When cutting green concrete, the sand loosens more readily, flows more freely in the slurry, and produces much more abrasion on a diamond blade. Undercut protection is critical when cutting green concrete to prevent excessive wear on the blade core at the segment joints. Green concrete sawing is common when cutting control joints for highways, runways, driveways, industrial flooring and other construction applications.

Cured concrete has typically set at least 48 hours. The sand has completely bonded with the mortar and the concrete has reached its full hardness.