Angle connections form corners, nodes, and transitions between components that are not aligned. They appear in steel and metal structures, in concrete and masonry construction, as well as in natural stone. In practice, they shape load-bearing corners of walls and slabs, connections of columns and bracing, but also connections of utilities or attached parts. For deconstruction, gutting works, and precise separation, their geometry, load path, and material combination must be understood. This determines whether cutting, splitting, or selective release is used—such as with concrete pulverizers, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters, combination shears, or steel shears by Darda GmbH, supported by a hydraulic power pack.
Definition: What is meant by an angle connection
An angle connection is the structural joint of two components at a defined angle, often 90 degrees, but acute or obtuse angles are also common. The connection can be bolted, welded, doweled, clamped, bonded, or monolithic (e.g., by continuous reinforcement in cast-in-place concrete). Typical forms include corner joint, miter joint, L- and T-connection, node with angle section, corner angle, or gusset plates. The connection transfers forces and moments, concentrates stresses, and therefore requires careful planning, fabrication, use, and—during demolition—an appropriate cutting or splitting strategy.
Configuration, forms, and typical applications
Angle connections join plates, panels, and bars into spatial load-bearing structures. In concrete practice, corners of walls, drop beams at slabs, or column connections are classic; in steel construction, L-sections, brackets, gusset plates, and node plates are common; in natural stone construction, corner bonds and bed joints form the connection. For deconstruction, it is relevant whether the connection is form- and force-locked (e.g., welded), detachable (e.g., bolted), or material-bonded (e.g., grouting). Regarding tools: steel-intensive angle connections require separating tools such as steel shears or multi cutters; massive concrete corners with embedded reinforcement can be processed, depending on the objective, by sawing, with jaw-based tools, or through controlled splitting. For strictly controlled removal without secondary damage, concrete pulverizers have proven themselves for selective breaking, and rock and concrete splitters for crack-controlled lifting.
Constructive details in steel, concrete, and masonry
Material and configuration determine the working method and the sequence of work steps.
Steel construction and metal structures
Angle connections in steel construction often use L-sections, node plates, and gusset plates. Weld seams and high-strength bolted connections transfer shear and tensile forces as well as bending moments. During deconstruction, steel shears and combination shears serve for clean separation; the cutting path follows the load flow to avoid uncontrolled deformations. When separating plates and angles on tanks or vessels, pay attention to material thicknesses, residual stresses, and possible coatings; for curved geometries, tank cutters are used if needed.
Concrete and reinforced concrete construction
In concrete corners, reinforcement layout (e.g., L-stirrups, anchors), edge distances, and concrete cover control the load path. In selective deconstruction, cover layers are first removed, reinforcement is exposed, and then cut selectively. Concrete pulverizers enable controlled breaking with low vibration. Where crack-controlled separations are desired, rock and concrete splitters can be used: boreholes define the split line; the cylinder generates the wedge effect in the direction of the desired joint.
Masonry and natural stone
Corner bonds, miters, and bed joints characterize the angle connection. In natural stone flanks, joint sets and anisotropic strengths determine the splitting direction. Rock wedge splitters exploit existing weaknesses to release corners and edges with minimal intervention. When opening masonry during gutting works, the course of joints, bonding, and bearing must be considered to prevent unwanted secondary breakage.
Relevance across application areas
Angle connections are a key topic in several application areas:
- Concrete demolition and special deconstruction: Corners, brackets, and nodes are exposed under low load, reinforcement is cut in a controlled manner, and components are released section by section. Concrete pulverizers minimize vibrations in sensitive environments.
- Gutting works and cutting: Interior walls, slab edges, and connections to steel beams require clean cutting lines for follow-on trades. Combination shears and multi cutters facilitate switching between materials.
- Rock excavation and tunnel construction: Natural “angle connections” arise from intersecting joint sets; splitting technology uses these to form defined break bodies.
- Natural stone extraction: Bedding and joint planes meet at characteristic angles; rock wedge splitters act to produce rectangular blocks with usable edges.
- Special operations: For complex nodes in mixed construction (steel/concrete), a sequential process is necessary that respects the transitions of the angle connection.
Loads, load path, and damage patterns
Angle connections concentrate forces. Typical are shear in joints, tension in anchors, and bending moments at the corner node. Common damage patterns: spalling at concrete corners, fan-shaped cracks at openings, weld seam failures, hole bearing failures at steel gusset plates, edge breaks in natural stone. For deconstruction this means: choose cutting and splitting lines along the load path to avoid uncontrolled crack propagation. For reinforced concrete, sequential removal with concrete pulverizers is recommended; for more brittle materials, splitting along lines of weakness is suitable.
Tool selection for corners, edges, and nodes
The choice of tool depends on material, thickness, degree of reinforcement, and target surface.
- Concrete pulverizers: Selective breaking at edges and openings, good control in confined situations, suitable for near-edge reinforcement.
- Rock and concrete splitters: Crack-controlled separation in massive components or natural stone, low vibration, defined split edges.
- Combination shears and multi cutters: For mixed nodes with steel, sections, and light plates, enabling quick switching between materials.
- Steel shears: Cutting angles, gusset plates, node plates, and sections; accurate cutting along lines at steel nodes.
- Rock wedge splitters: Especially in natural stone and rock, where natural joint angles are used.
- Tank cutters: For curved shells and attached angles on vessels where a defined cutting contour is required.
- Hydraulic power pack: Supplies tools with energy; hose routing and 90-degree fittings ease work at corners. In practice, this is provided by hydraulic power units.
Work sequence: safe cutting and targeted splitting
A structured approach reduces risks and improves result quality.
- Analysis: Check the geometry of the angle connection, material layers, reinforcement position, gusset plates/weld seams, and bearings.
- Load release: Temporary shoring and decoupling of adjacent components to avoid unwanted load redistribution.
- Exposure: Remove coatings, coverings, and plaster; create visibility of connection details.
- Pre-weakening: Drill relief boreholes for splitters or make a relief cut; define crack paths.
- Cutting/splitting: Break appropriately with concrete pulverizers, open in a controlled manner with splitters, or cut steel with shears.
- Finishing: Remove protrusions, secure edges, and remove components section by section.
Hydraulic angle connections on equipment
“Angle connections” also exist on tools in the sense of 90-degree screw fittings, rotary joints, and hose bends. Proper orientation improves ergonomics and accessibility at corners. Tight radii should be avoided to reduce pressure losses and hose fatigue. The hydraulic power pack should be positioned so that hose runs remain short and low-tension; kink-free routing increases operational safety.
Quality of the separation joint and dimensional accuracy
The desired surface quality influences the tool choice: splitting produces rough, load-bearing fracture surfaces that are desirable in many deconstruction and extraction scenarios. Shears deliver smooth cut edges on steel sections. With selective breaking using pulverizers, defined edges at openings can be produced. For subsequent works (e.g., installation of new components), dimensional accuracy at corners is critical; tolerances must be considered in planning.
Safety and care
Work on angle connections requires a careful hazard assessment. Corners tend to brittle spalling and sudden load redistribution. In general: work load-free, plan fall directions, provide shoring, and use personal protective equipment. Standards and guidelines must be observed; legal requirements can vary by project and region and must be checked before starting work.
- Structural stability: Never release nodes uncontrolled; define the sequence in advance.
- Sparks/dust: Provide protective measures when cutting steel and breaking concrete.
- Utility lines: Locate utility lines running in corners and reinforcement sensors.
- Noise/vibration: Choose methods that protect the surroundings; splitting and pulverizers reduce vibrations.
Practical tips for precise corners
Good results arise from small, controlled steps. Choose drilling patterns for splitters so that split lines run parallel to the desired edge. When using concrete pulverizers on reinforced corners, work in layers: first the protective layer, then the core, finally cut the reinforcement. At steel nodes, plan the cutting sequence so that residual forces do not cause jamming. In natural stone, start at existing joint angles; this protects both material and tools.