Rapid Runway Repair Program Subtask 1.07 - Rapid Concrete Cutting

Two concrete-cutting technologies utilizing high-pressure waterjets have been investigated to assess their feasibility in achieving rapid cutting rates (30 sq ft/min) to facilitate bomb damage repair to runways. The current cutting rate of abrasive waterjets was established as 0.25 sq ft/min for a 60 hp system. Present scaling information indicates that for the near term the technology cannot feasibly achieve the desired cutting rate without a major technical breakthrough. Data from laboratory tests of linear cutting with a single carbide pick assisted with a waterjet indicate that high cutting rates are feasible with that technology. The waterjet-assisted mechanical cutting technology, however, has not been developed as a concrete cutting system. Prototype concepts are proposed in this report and an estimate is made of the power requirement to achieve the desired cutting rate (250 hp to cut 30 sq ft/min).