MAXIMIZING THE SOFF-CUT SYSTEM
“The timing of concrete operations - especially finishing and jointing - is critical”, states a quote from the foreword of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 302.1 R-96. It goes on to say that “Failure to address this issue can contribute to unde- sirable characteristics in the wearing surface as cracking...” (It mentions other problems).
The patented Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry system has revolutionized the method used to control random cracking. While Soff- Cut is being specified more today than ever, sometimes the ultra early-entry spec is not always followed on the job site. In order for the Soff-Cut system and an experienced Husqvarna contractor to do a satisfactory job, four components must exist to meet the “specification”:
1.A Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry dry up-cut saw
2.A Husqvarna Excel Series dry-cutting diamond blade
3.A Husqvarna anti-ravel skid plate installed with every new diamond blade
4.An operator skilled in using the Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry cutting system.
Without this, joints can not be cut clearly enough to control random cracking before it starts, which is what the building owner is paying for.
The ACI Spec 302.1R-96 says it best:
“Early-entry dry-cut saws use diamond-impregnated blades and a skid plate that helps prevent spalling. Timely chang- ing of skid plates is necessary to effectively control spalling. It is best to change skid plates in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations...The goal of saw-cutting is to create a weakened plane as soon as the joint can be cut...The timing of the early-entry process allows joints to be in place prior to development of significant tensile stress in the concrete...”
The Portland Cement Association (PCA) engineering bulletin, Concrete Floors on the ground, also states:
“Proper jointing can eliminate unsightly random cracks. Aspects of joining that lead to a good job are choosing the correct type of joint for each location, establishing a good joint pattern and layout, and installing the joint at the correct time...
Timing of joint sawing is critical...Lightweight, high-speed, early-cut saws have been developed to permit the joint sawing very soon after floor finishing, sometimes within 0 to 2 hours...if the cut is sawn within a few hours after the final finishing, random cracking can be controlled...”
Husqvarna has the only Ultra Early Entry dry-cutting system (Soff-Cut) which controls random cracking through the early tim- ing of the cut. With the patented Soff-Cut method, control joints are usually cut within 0 to 2 hours after the finishing process. Joint cutting should begin as soon as the concrete will support the weight of the saw and the operator at each joint location and before final set. If the joints are not being cut within this time frame then the Soff-Cut Ultra Early Entry method is not be- ing followed and building owners are not getting what they are paying for or the finished product that they expect.
We hope this information is beneficial to building owners, general contractors, concrete finishers, saw operators and the entire industry. For additional information, contact Husqvarna Construction Products at (951) 272-2330 or (800) 776-3328, or see our website www.husqvarnacp.com.
