Method 07
Concrete beam cutting in Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Al Ain
Structural alteration of reinforced concrete beams, downstands and transfer elements. Propped, sequenced, scanned and cut under an engineer approved method statement.
What it is
When to specify beam cutting
Beam cutting is the most consequential work in this trade. A beam is carrying load from everything above it, and removing or notching one without transferring that load first is how buildings crack, deflect and in the worst cases fail. Nothing on this page should be read as an invitation to cut a beam on a verbal instruction.
We cut beams for openings through downstands, for full removal during structural alterations, for notching to accept new services, and for demolition sequencing. In every case the work runs to a structural engineer's design showing how load is carried while the beam is out of action, and to a method statement that has been signed before mobilisation.
Method is chosen by section and access. Wall sawing suits shallower beams with clear faces. Wire sawing handles deep sections, heavy reinforcement and awkward geometry. Core drilling forms the corner holes that let either method start and finish cleanly.
Applications
What we use it for
Openings through downstand beams
Penetrations for ductwork and services through beam webs, positioned and sized to the engineer's approval.
Full beam removal
Complete removal during structural alteration, with load transferred to permanent works before the beam is cut.
Notching and reduction
Controlled reduction of beam depth or width where new services or levels require it.
Transfer structure alteration
Cutting to transfer beams and deep sections where the consequences of error are highest.
Demolition sequencing
Beams cut in a designed order so the structure comes down in a controlled sequence rather than unpredictably.
Post-tensioned beam works
Cutting adjacent to or through PT elements, always after scanning and always with engineer involvement.
Sequence
How the job runs
Engineer's design first
We do not price a beam cut without a structural design showing propping, load transfer and sequence. If you do not have one, we will say so.
Prop and monitor
Temporary works installed to the design, with movement monitoring where the engineer requires it.
Scan and set out
Full scan of the cut zone to locate main bars, links and any post-tension cables before the first cut.
Cut, restrain, remove
Section restrained throughout the cut, removed in planned pieces, and the area handed back with props left as designed.
Site control
What we will not do
We will not cut a structural beam without an engineer's design. Not on a verbal assurance that it is fine, not because the programme is tight, and not because another contractor quoted it without asking. This costs us work and we are comfortable with that.
We will also stop mid-job if the scan finds something the design did not account for, such as post-tension cables in a beam recorded as conventionally reinforced. Continuing on the original method statement at that point is how people get hurt.
If you need a structural engineer, say so at enquiry. We work with consultants across Abu Dhabi and Dubai regularly and can point you at one rather than leaving you to find someone mid-programme.
Questions