Soft saw cuts & S.O.G.

[Ibeam]

I've been reviewing some older posts for slab on grade construction, and read about the "soft" cut method for creating control joints. This really sounds like the way to go... what would be the disadvantages? If it's a large pour and in hot weather, does it set-up too fast? Other questions I had on S.O.G. joints are the following:

1. Is the width of a traditional saw-cut 1/4"? If soft saw-cuts are used, would the width become 1/8" due to a smaller blade?

2. When designating construction joint locations, does this hinder the contractor? Some locations are not desirable from an engineering or architectural point-of-view so I prefer to show them on the plan, but how do we know what the ideal location is, or maximum amount of a pour should be?

 

[Ron]

The Soff-Cut system allows early control jointing so that "random" cracking potential is reduced. This is an excellent process, resulting in proper early sawing and narrower joints (yes, the blade is a bit thinner).

It is a wet method, saw cutting process. Check out their website

http://www.soffcut.com

 

[Focht3]

I wouldn't worry about the width of the control joint. But you do need to worry about getting them installed quickly, particularly in hot, dry, windy conditions.

Advantage: Cost.
Disadvantage: Could install them too late to be effective.

 

[jheidt2543]

The beauty of the "SoftCut" system is that the finishers can start cutting the control joints as soon as they are done finishing. You really have to see the equipment used to appreciate it. See if the SoftCut Rep. in your area can send you a video.

 

[Focht3]

Agreed. But the problem can be that the finishers take too long, and cracking begins before the Soff-Cut guys can even get started. Just imagine a typical summer afternoon in Laredo, Texas: 100+ degrees F., southwest winds 10-20 mph, relative humidity only about 10%, lots of sunshine. Under these conditions, every minute counts.

I wasn't picking on Laredo - these conditions are quite prevalent in the summer from southern California to central Texas. And the southern Rockies.

 

[Ibeam]

Thanks for the reassurance. I'll try to contact a rep. to discuss the misgivings that Foch3 talks about. I can't say I didn't think about it, especially as these slabs (both indoor and outdoor) are in Las Vegas. But even if the set is getting away from the finishers, it seems like the worst that could happen is that you end up with a typical control joint..?

Does anyone have thoughts on the construction joint locations?

 

[redhead]

"IBeam":
We prefer locating the control joints on the contract drawings for the reasons you mention. You don't have to worry about the limits of the pour if you provide a construction joint detail for the contractor to use at the pour limit, with the proviso that it be placed at a control joint location.

 

[Ibeam]

Thank you Redhead. Sound Advise. One of my slabs is 130x40', outdoor equipment pad, and has drain points on the interior. I suppose if the grading is accurate, a construction joint could be placed without screwing up the slopes...but still sounds a bit tricky. Right now, I hold the potential constr. joint location at constant elev. and slope to drain from 4 sides.