Case Studies

Wire Sawing, Nuclear Generating Facility

Client

Nuclear Generating Facility—Electric Power Company, North America

Project

One of the largest electric power companies in the United States, needed to gain access to two existing 36 inch pipes, buried under nine feet of solid concrete, in order to attach 90 degree fittings in one of their nuclear plants. They also needed to provide clearance so a worker could fit between the two 36 inch pipes to install the fittings.

Process

Due to the massive amount of concrete to be sawed and removed— over 16.8 tons, Diamond used a combination of core drilling and wire sawing which allowed the concrete to be cut into pieces, and provided a method for easier removal of the concrete. In addition, the plan allowed for strict adherence to OSHA, NSD, and CSDA Health and Safety codes.

Outcomes

“This was a major concrete removal project that had to be accomplished in a short period of time.” said the Senior Project Manager in charge of the project. “The pipes were almost inaccessible—buried deep under very hard concrete. The detailed plan and the process that Diamond developed and followed provided us with the results we needed. From planning, to technical and implementation —they did an exceptional job in the completion of this project.”

 

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