Concrete chipping machine: an attachment to the grinding machine

Abstract

Concrete chipping is a mechanical process practiced in the construction industry in order to increase adherence to smooth surfaces. It is carried-out before plastering of beams, columns and other concrete structures with smooth surfaces. The objective of this project was to design a low-cost concrete chipping machine suitable for the construction industry. An initial study was conducted to identify the available methods and machinery used for chipping concrete. Their suitability and drawbacks were studied analyzed and several possible designs were proposed. The best and the most suitable design, out of the proposed designs were selected and manual calculations were performed, in order to determine the dimensions and parameters of the machine. After the initial design, simulations were carried out in order to determine wear and tear and the stress concentration of the tool. It was found that the tool could withstand the forces and stress during impact and that sufficient penetration is achieved, therefore the machine was finally prototyped. It can be concluded that the attachment used for the grinding machine can be successfully used to chip concrete, although several modifications can be further done to improve the machines' operation and safety.