Drilling technology/methods combines precise work with efficient material separation. It is the basis for controlled interventions in concrete, masonry, and rock—from core drilling for reinforcement connections to percussion drilling for anchors or blast holes. In practice, it is often combined with hydraulic demolition tools, for example when boreholes create the prerequisites to set rock and concrete splitters effectively, or when components are deliberately weakened for the use of concrete demolition shears. For the application areas of concrete demolition and special deconstruction, strip-out and cutting, rock excavation and tunnel construction, natural stone extraction, as well as special applications, drilling technology/methods provides the predictable, low-vibration foundation.
Definition: What is meant by drilling technology/methods
Drilling technology/methods refers to the entirety of methods, tools, and parameters used to create cylindrical cavities or penetrations in materials such as concrete, reinforced concrete, natural stone, and rock. This includes rotary drilling, percussion and rotary-percussion drilling, diamond drilling (wet and dry operation), and core drilling. The goal is controlled chip or grain removal or the extraction of a drill core, with attention to dimensional accuracy, edge quality, tool life, and occupational safety. Drilling technology/methods is also a preparatory step for downstream processes, such as setting splitting cylinders, selectively widening separation joints for concrete demolition shears, or installing anchors, utilities, and measuring points.
Fundamentals and methods of drilling technology/methods in concrete and rock
The choice of method depends on material, reinforcement density, bore diameter, depth, edge distances, and ambient conditions such as dust and noise control. In rotary drilling, cutting speed and feed rate take priority; in rotary-percussion drilling, additional impact energy is applied to fracture brittle materials. Diamond drilling—often as wet core drilling—enables very precise, low-spall openings. In heterogeneous members with reinforcing steel, combined strategies make sense: pre-drill, locate reinforcement, then core drill with an adapted segment quality. In rock construction, structure, bedding, and jointing govern the drilling strategy, for example in anchor drilling or in borehole arrays for non-explosive splitting methods.
Tools, machines and media
Drilling machines are powered electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Hydraulic systems are robust, offer high power density, and are often used on construction sites in parallel for demolition tools. Drill bits/crowns and chisels are made of carbide or diamond-segmented tools. Carbide is proven for rotary-percussion drilling in concrete and masonry, while diamond tools show their strength in precise core drilling. Flushing media such as water and air serve cooling, chip removal, and dust reduction. In interior work, effective dust extraction has high priority, as does the collection of drilling slurry in wet operation.
Borehole planning for controlled deconstruction
Robust planning begins with defining the objective: Are we dealing with penetrations, anchor points, a cross-section weakening, or boreholes to accommodate splitting tools? For rock and concrete splitters, diameter, depth, and borehole pattern are decisive. Typical diameters—depending on the splitting cylinder—are in the range of a few centimeters. Borehole depth is based on element thickness and, for cross-section weakening, is often 70 to 90 percent of the member thickness. Edge distances are chosen to prevent edge breakout and to guide crack propagation in a controlled manner. Linear borehole rows promote straight separation joints; staggered patterns distribute stresses more evenly. In concrete elements that will subsequently be separated with concrete demolition shears, a tight borehole pattern can define the separation path and reduce the required closing force.
Drilling in reinforced concrete and natural stone: specifics
Reinforced concrete requires dealing with reinforcement. Rebar detection in advance reduces tool wear and minimizes surprises. If the drilling hits steel, adapted speeds, segmented diamond crowns, or a change in approach help. In natural stone, grain structure, moisture, and joints determine drilling behavior. Softer rocks tend to build up slurry on the cutting edge; hard rocks tend to create glazed surfaces on diamond segments. Both are avoided by correct flushing, appropriate feed rates, and short relieving intervals.
Interfaces with concrete demolition shears and rock and concrete splitters
Drilling technology/methods and hydraulic demolition tools complement each other. Borehole rows define separation joints into which rock and concrete splitters introduce forces with high linearity. This reduces vibrations and enables non-explosive separations in sensitive environments. In massive members, pre-drilling can serve as a predetermined breaking point so that concrete demolition shears grip cleanly and separate in a controlled manner. Drilling along reinforcement zones helps make rebar visible and targeted cutting with steel shears or combination shears. hydraulic power units provide the required energy for downstream work with splitting cylinders, concrete demolition shears, multi cutters, or steel shears. In special applications, such as thick foundations or in tunnel heading, borehole fans are planned so that splitting forces open the rock along existing joints without affecting surrounding structures.
Applications in the fields
Concrete demolition and special deconstruction
Boreholes mark separation lines, provide access for splitting cylinders, and enable controlled release of components. After drilling, concrete demolition shears take over defined separation of wall and slab sections; reinforcing steel can then be cleanly cut with steel shears. The interplay of borehole pattern and tool selection lowers noise and vibration levels.
Strip-out and cutting
In selective deconstruction of existing buildings, core drilling provides low-dust openings for utilities, penetrations, and anchor points. Borehole rows close to edges facilitate subsequent cutting with multi cutters or edge breaking with concrete demolition shears. For tanks or hollow bodies, boreholes are often installed for venting or media testing before tank cutters are used. Safety takes precedence: residual contents must be properly identified and neutralized.
Rock excavation and tunnel construction
Borehole fans in rock are the basis for non-explosive splitting methods. Targeted borehole patterns control crack propagation. In areas with vibration limits, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters are an alternative. Anchor and injection drilling stabilize advanced sections. Tight tolerances, reliable flushing, and robust tools are key.
Natural stone extraction
In quarries, borehole rows serve raw block extraction. Orientation follows natural bedding; splitting cylinders separate along the boreholes. For high-value natural stones, a low-spall edge is essential, which is why moderate feed rates and well-cooled tools are used.
Special applications
Special boundary conditions—confined access, heritage-protected areas, vibration-sensitive installations—require adapted drilling concepts. Low speeds, precise positioning, and low-dust methods take priority. After drilling, compact hydraulic tools are often used, supplied by hydraulic power packs and operating with a small footprint.
Process parameters and quality
The quality of a borehole results from the interaction of speed, feed, impact energy (if present), contact pressure, and flushing. A stable cutting speed prevents glazing on diamond segments and increases tool life. For rotary-percussion drilling, choose impact energy so that the material fractures without fraying the borehole. Temperature control is crucial; overheating damages the bonding and segments. Edge quality, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish are the most important acceptance criteria, especially when the borehole is an interface to splitting cylinders or concrete demolition shears.
Typical issues and remedies
If a bore wanders, the cause is often a skewed start, excessive feed, or changing material zones. Remedies include centering aids, lower feed rates, and consistent guidance. Edge breakout indicates insufficient edge distance, dull tools, or excessive impact energy; a small countersink area reduces the risk. Glazing of diamond segments is indicated by sparking and a low penetration rate; short dressing phases in abrasive material and increased cooling restore cutting capability. Dust generation indicates missing flushing or inadequate extraction—particularly relevant indoors with regard to health protection.
Safety, environment, and documentation
Occupational safety takes priority. Dust and noise reduction, protective clothing, slip and impact hazards, and electrical safety are fundamental aspects. Water and slurry management prevents environmental releases; containment systems and proper disposal must be planned. Structurally relevant boreholes must be reviewed in advance; component properties and utility plans must be considered. Complete documentation of bore diameters, depths, angles, and positions facilitates the subsequent use of concrete demolition shears, rock and concrete splitters, steel shears, combination shears, multi cutters, or tank cutters, and serves quality assurance.
Planning and coordination in conjunction with hydraulic demolition tools
A coordinated sequence reduces downtime: drilling crew and hydraulics team coordinate borehole pattern, sequence, accessibility, and energy supply. Hydraulic power packs are positioned so that line runs are short and changes between splitting cylinders, concrete demolition shears, and other tools can be performed efficiently. By anticipating bore diameters and depths, splitting forces can be introduced optimally, enabling downstream cuts and separations to succeed faster and with greater precision. The result is a predictable, low-vibration process across all application areas mentioned by Darda GmbH.