The image shows a 1000mm diameter opening being diamond drilled through a 1m thick reservoir wall in Clitheroe. Reinforcement in the wall was 50mm diameter high yield steel bar. The section of concrete removed weighed in at 2000 kg and required the use of a crane to lift it clear of the work area.

Drilling was undertaken using portable, self contained, hydraulically driven equipment. Ram Services are capable of diamond drilling up to 1.5 metres in diameter, up to in excess of 5 metres deep using a wide range of in-house equipment.

Further examples of Ram's diamond drilling capabilities can be seen here www.ddatram.co.uk/html/large_diameter_core_drilling_c.htm including pictures of a 700mm diameter core being diamond drilled at Esholt WwTW in Bradford. The chamber wall was 400mm thick reinforced concrete and the section of concrete removed weighed 380kg.


Due to the wall being part of a storm relief chamber, the drilling proceeded to depth initially and was later completed when dry weather ensured the chamber was not affected by incoming flows.

When drilling was complete, a 15mm thick steel limpet plate was immediately fitted over the hole to ensure that the chamber remained able to accommodate incoming flows.

Large openings can also be formed using the company’s range of diamond wire saws, wall saws and plunge saws.

For further information please visit Ram Services Ltd's - Diamond Drilling & Sawing listing on Build.co.uk at www.construction.co.uk/company_526046.htm