Hole cutting in building frames by laser

Necessary laser performance for attaining useful kerf depths and cutting speeds in concrete is estimated with simple models and published data. The results indicate the model to be possible in principle, but probably requiring very high laser power outputs (several tenths of a kilowatt), and an intricate beam waveguide system. The equipment needed does not exist. In a laboratory test a 14 kW carbon dioxide laser, operating at 8 kW cut 38 mm thick concrete: cutting speed was 0,85 mm/sec for an average hole diameter of 6.4 mm.