Paul Franklin wrote:
On 9 Sep 2006 09:41:54 -0700, "
wrote:

Can anyone tell me the best method to remove one section of concrete
from a sidewalk? I have one row of 4' x 4' of concrete blocks and
one is pretty bad. I thought of patching it, but I'd rather just
remove it and repour that section. I rented a cut-off saw, but I
couldn't get the damn thing started and was so mad that I took it
back the next day for a refund. Now I am wondering if I could buy
masonary blades and use them on an old circular saw and use that,
but they are only 7" blades (depth of cut is 2 3/8"). At that depth
the cut wouldn't go all the way throught the 4" slab. Could I cut
the 2 3/8" and then just use a sledge and hope the break happens
along the control joints? Is there another method?

I've broken up concrete before with a sledge and pick-axe, but I am
afraid of trying to remove this middle section because I don't want
to repair more than just one section if I don't have to.

The cut-off saw cost me $89 ($50 for the saw and the rest for two
throwaway blades). And I'm guessing that a contractor would charge
me $300, plus they remove/recyle the concrete.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

The cutoff saw is the safe way; saw all the way through and break up
the piece. Cutting halfway through makes it pretty likely it will
break on the joint, but it's not certain. Usually it just chips out on
the bottom leaving a clean line on top, but I've had it go both ways.

$300 sounds high, but around here (NE Ohio) I'd have trouble getting
someone to even do such a small job.

If you diy, you might want to drill a few holes in the edges of the
old slabs and insert short pieces of rebar that stick out into the new
slab to tie the parts together.

Keep in mind it's not going to match...

Good luck,

Paul

I will add that not only is not going to match, but it is likely that
the rest of the walk, which is likely the same age and have been subject to
the same conditions, is likely to need replacement soon.

--
Joseph Meehan

Dia duit