This project developed tool designs for energy-efficient cutting and removal of concrete pavement. The concept takes advantage of the lateral propagation of cracks in concrete produced by using indentors with unconventional asymmetric geometric shapes (Figure 1). The production of lateral cracks in hard rocks facilitates the breaking and removal of material with reduced energy consumption and improved efficiency and productivity. The effectiveness of various indentor configurations was investigated for crack initiation and propagation in rocks, such as limestone, and model materials, such as unreinforced optical glass. Results of theoretical modeling and experimental tests show that cutters with an asymmetric elliptical insert are most effective in producing cracks and breaking the rocks with considerably reduced energy consumption. Based on theoretical and experimental work, the tool designs were developed and prototypes were fabricated and delivered.

Final Report is not available.