KEMROC KDS Diamond Saw Powers Tunnel Cutting in SNCF Project, France BROKK 180E with KEMROC KDS 20 | Vertical Cuts in Limestone Rubble and Concrete
In a recent SNCF (French National Railway) tunnel project in France, ALSACIENNE DE MINAGE ET DEMOLITION were tasked with executing precision cutting in a confined and challenging underground environment. The project involved cutting through a combination of limestone rubble and concrete with compressive strengths ranging between 15 and 20 MPa.
The client selected the KEMROC KDS 20 diamond saw, equipped with a concrete blade (800 mm diameter), and mounted it on a BROKK 180E machine with an extendable arm, an ideal setup for operating within narrow tunnel profiles.
The project spanned a duration of 2 months, requiring cutting a total of 400 meters along the vertical tunnel walls. The target cutting depth varied between 10 and 15 cm, with an expected production rate of approximately 40 linear meters per day, adjusted for non-continuous operation cycles dictated by site logistics.
Application Challenges
Tunnel environments present significant operational limitations:
1. Space constraints limited the use of larger hydraulic equipment.
2. Dust suppression and cooling were critical; water supply was available onsite to enable wet cutting
3. The site required vertical cuts, demanding high stability and precise control.
4. In addition, the material composition, a mix of concrete with embedded limestone rubble, presented a variable cutting profile, placing additional demands on tool performance and wear resistance.
Why KEMROC KDS Diamond Saw?
Faced with these challenges, the project team evaluated multiple cutting options. The KEMROC KDS 20 was chosen for its: High productivity in confined spaces, ability to achieve precise, clean vertical cuts, minimal vibration and noise compared to impact tools, proven performance on BROKK electric demolition robots, which offer superior maneuverability in tunnels, and efficient blade consumption, only 1 diamond disc was used over the entire 400-meter scope.
Performance on Site
Once mounted, KEMROC Diamond Saw KDS 20 delivered excellent results:
1. The cutting process was stable and smooth, with operators able to maintain consistent depth and line across all wall sections.
2. The BROKK 180E’s extendable arm provided the reach and positioning flexibility required for vertical cutting along the tunnel walls.
3. Water cooling effectively managed dust and blade temperature, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Productivity averaged 40 linear meters per day, aligned with the project’s targets, a testament to the reliability of the KDS Diamond Saw as a smart solution under continuous use.
Results & Customer Feedback
The project team reported high satisfaction with the KEMROC KDS solution: “The KDS 20 proved to be an excellent choice. We completed all vertical cuts as specified, with minimal blade consumption and without the vibration issues associated with conventional cutting methods. The setup with BROKK 180E was ideal for our confined work area.”
Conclusion
KEMROC’s KDS Diamond Saw once again demonstrated its value in a critical infrastructure application, enabling safe, precise, low vibration, and efficient cutting in a challenging SNCF tunnel environment.
The success of this project reinforces KEMROC’s position as a trusted partner for smart cutting solutions in railway, tunnelling, demolition, and civil engineering sectors across Europe.