Before beginning the concreting process, there are several factors to consider. These include the Mix design, Temperature control, and placement of steel reinforcement cages. These factors will be discussed in this article. Read on to learn more about concrete pouring with the help of concreting contractor mackay. This article will be helpful for those who are new to the process. Listed below are some of the most important factors to consider. Once you have these factors under control, you will be on your way to a successful project.
Precautions to take
Before commencing with a concrete project, it is important to follow some basic safety procedures. Using unwashed aggregates or heaping concrete may result in unevenness and segregation, which may lead to costly maintenance. Concrete should be mixed correctly and the strength should be as per the mix design. Excessive fines, volumetric batching, and gamelans are not advisable, since they may cause segregation between concrete constituents. Another important precaution is to avoid pouring semi-dry concrete as this could lead to a honeycomb effect inside the concrete.
During summer months, concrete should be protected with plastic sheets or tarpaulins. If rain is expected on the day of the concrete pour, a tarp can be put over the area to prevent it from drying out too quickly. Water under freshly-poured concrete may cause plastic shrinkage cracks, which will ruin the finished product. Ensure that the pouring process is closely supervised by a concrete finisher.
Mix design
Concrete mix design is the process of determining the proportions of materials to form the proper mix. Concrete mix design should achieve the desired workability when fresh and the ability to be compacted. It should also develop the durability and strength required for the application. Mix design also involves the use of appropriate reinforcement materials. Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting the proper mix design:
Aggregate properties are important for the performance of concrete mixes. In the framework stage, researchers should define these properties based on their effects on pavement performance. For example, research should prioritize aggregate testing based on the effects of these properties. The system should also be designed to link test procedures with concrete mix design.
Temperature control
In any construction project, monitoring the concrete temperature is of utmost importance. Without it, the concrete may not attain the desired level of strength and durability. CTL Engineering offers thermal control monitoring and concrete maturity assessment. We understand the impact of temperature on the strength of the structure, and we provide the necessary solutions to make the process smooth and efficient. Read on to learn more about the benefits of temperature monitoring. Listed below are a few of them.
A thermal control plan is an effective way to monitor the concrete’s early-age temperature and ensure that the maximum difference in temperature between the surface and the core is not exceeded. This thermal control plan specifies concrete temperature limit values and the frequency of the measurements. The maximum differential in temperature between the surface and the core is not more than 150 degrees, which can lead to cracking. Listed below are some tips on temperature control during or before the concreting process.
Placement of steel reinforcement cage
When constructing a shaft, it is important to consider the size and location of the steel reinforcement cage. The cage should be sized to permit the concrete to pass through it, and stiffeners may need to be positioned inside the cage during concreting. The cage should be positioned on the bottom of the shaft excavation, so that it remains stable during concrete placement. The cage must have enough clearance to allow the concrete to pass through without vibration.
The reinforcing steel must be fabricated to retain its dimensions and spacing while in place during the concrete placing process. This can be achieved by using a chair or small metal to support the steel. Lap the steel with the cross-section of the concrete form so that it is tied at every 1.2-1.8-meter intervals. This method allows the installer to monitor the position of each bar and its height and lap distance.
Proper compaction
The correct compaction of soil plays a critical role in the construction phase. It provides a stable base for the construction structures and strengthens the ground beneath them. Since most human-made structures are supported by the ground beneath them, proper compaction is an essential part of the construction process. Without proper compaction, the soil under a construction structure may be unstable structures may be weak. Proper compaction of soil is therefore essential for the success of any construction project.
In order to simulate the final density of concrete, a variety of techniques are used. One of these methods is the Marshall method. This method requires compaction of concrete before it reaches 115 degrees Celsius. The Superpave method and the Hveem method both require compaction at higher temperatures, although the latter may also be achieved at lower temperatures. Regardless of the technique used, the final density of the concrete may not be reached until 30 min after the pavers are placed.
Precautions to take in hot weather
In addition to increasing the workability of concrete, hot weather concreting increases the water demand by adding more water than usual. The extra water increases the cement to water ratio and reduces the strength and durability of the concrete. Adding extra water to the mix also increases the drying shrinkage of hardened concrete. These risks are significant enough to warrant special precautions when concreting during hot weather. However, they do not have to be problems. Listed below are some helpful tips to avoid them.
As a general rule, concrete temperature affects the compressive strength of concrete by about 10 percent. The exact temperature range depends on the cement content, materials in the mix, and transport equipment. However, it is generally accepted that ambient temperatures of 77-95 degrees Fahrenheit are considered hot weather. Concrete contractors should plan accordingly, so that they do not encounter any unexpected challenges.
