At Vus Core Drilling, we work alongside construction and installation teams on projects where accurate concrete drilling is essential to keeping the wider job on schedule. Our recent project at a municipal water reservoir in Moloto is a good example.
Vus Core Drilling was appointed as the core drilling subcontractor to the main pipe installation contractor. Our role was to create two accurately positioned openings through the concrete structure so that new pipe connections could be installed.
The project involved two 200mm-diameter core holes through approximately 200mm-thick concrete, using wet core drilling and a Hilti core drilling machine.
The Project Requirements
The pipe installation contractor was responsible for supplying and installing the new pipework, while our team was brought in to complete the concrete drilling required for the installation.
Two openings were required at different locations on the reservoir structure:
-
- A 200mm-diameter opening through the reservoir roof slab
- A second 200mm-diameter opening into the underground valve chamber alongside the reservoir
Both locations involved approximately 200mm of concrete.
Because the openings were being created specifically for the new pipe installation, their position and diameter had to correspond with the requirements provided by the installation team. The objective was to provide clean, accurately drilled openings without causing unnecessary damage to the surrounding concrete.
Wet Core Drilling With Hilti Equipment
Our team used a Hilti core drilling machine and wet core drilling methods to complete both openings.
Wet core drilling uses water during the drilling process to assist with cooling the diamond tooling and controlling dust. It is a well-established method for producing clean, precise openings through concrete.
The first opening was drilled through the roof slab of the reservoir. Working on top of the structure, our team carefully positioned the drilling equipment before creating the required 200mm opening through the concrete.
Once the first opening was completed, we moved to the underground valve chamber to carry out the second drilling operation.
The two locations presented different working conditions, but the requirement remained the same: deliver accurately positioned openings to the dimensions specified by the pipe installation contractor.
Working Alongside the Pipe Installation Team
Core drilling was one part of a larger installation process, which meant coordination between the different teams on-site was important.
Once our drilling work had been completed, the pipe installation team brought in a crane truck to lift and position the large blue pipe sections. The pipe sections were carefully manoeuvred into place and fed through the openings created by our team. Having the core holes positioned correctly allowed the installation team to continue with the pipework without needing to modify the concrete openings.
Our team remained on-site during the installation process to assist where required and ensure that the drilled openings performed as intended. Projects like this demonstrate why communication between the core drilling contractor and the main installation team is important. The drilling dimensions and locations need to be established before work begins so that the completed openings work with the wider installation.
Why Accurate Core Drilling Matters
When a core hole forms part of a larger construction or pipe installation project, accuracy is important.
The opening needs to be drilled to the required diameter and in the correct position. An opening that is incorrectly positioned or does not meet the required dimensions can create additional work for the installation team and potentially delay the project.
Using diamond core drilling equipment allows contractors to create controlled, circular openings through concrete without relying on more disruptive methods of breaking or removing the surrounding material.
For the Moloto project, the requirement was straightforward: two 200mm openings through approximately 200mm of concrete. Our role was to deliver those openings accurately so that the pipe installation could proceed as planned.
The Result
Both core holes were completed successfully using wet core drilling and Hilti equipment.
The two 200mm openings provided the pipe installation contractor with the required penetrations through the reservoir structure and underground valve chamber, allowing the large pipe sections to be positioned and installed without complications arising from the drilled openings.
For Vus Core Drilling, this project is another example of the type of specialist drilling work we undertake as part of larger construction and infrastructure projects.
Core Drilling Services Across Gauteng and South Africa
Vus Core Drilling provides professional core drilling services for construction, infrastructure, plumbing, pipe installation and other commercial applications.
While we are based in Gauteng, our work is not limited to the province. We travel outside Gauteng and provide core drilling services nationwide across South Africa, allowing us to work with contractors and businesses on projects in different regions.
We can work directly with clients or as a subcontractor to main contractors and installation teams, depending on the requirements of the project.
Whether the requirement is for individual core holes or drilling as part of a larger construction project, our team can assess the requirements and provide the appropriate drilling solution.
Need Core Drilling for Your Project?
If you are a construction company, pipe installation contractor, plumber or project contractor requiring accurately drilled openings through concrete, Vus Core Drilling can assist.
We provide core drilling services in Gauteng and nationwide across South Africa.
Contact Vus Core Drilling to discuss your project requirements and request a quotation.