Concrete work: from mixing to pouring

Concrete is a material used almost universally in repair and construction work. The process itself involves a specific sequence of steps. First, a mortar is prepared, the main component of which is cement. The choice of mortar is based on its key characteristics.

Crushed stone or gravel is used as aggregate, which significantly reduces the cost of the material and also provides the required strength to the finished structure. Sand, a finer aggregate that allows for the combined use of various additives, can also be used. Water acts as a binding agent for these components.

Concrete is mixed in varying proportions. For example, grade 300 cement requires 1.9 kg of sand and 3.7 kg of crushed stone per 1 kg of material. The subsequent preparation process is as follows:

Preparing the base

The area where the concrete will be poured is thoroughly cleaned. Reinforcement elements are also cleaned if necessary. If a cement film appears on the surface of the finished mortar, it must be removed before work.

Pouring concrete

This process involves several methods. In the first case, the concrete is unloaded directly onto the formwork, provided the mixer has access to the area being processed. In the second case, concrete guides are used. These are typically made from pipe or board sections. The concrete is delivered manually. If walls and columns need to be formed, a concrete pump truck must be used exclusively.

Shovel or special devices are used to move the concrete horizontally only. The process must be completed as quickly as possible to avoid damage to the structure. At this stage, beacons, frames, and reinforcing bars, which are installed in advance, are often used.

Compaction of the mass

This is the final step, often requiring a construction vibrator. If you don't have the specialized tool, you can do it yourself. The concrete processing time is approximately 5 to 15 seconds per section.

After the mortar has dried, the surface must be smoothed. A special grinding machine will be required to create a smooth surface.

Errors in concrete work

To ensure the concrete pour is as durable and effective as possible, it's important to avoid some of the most common mistakes:

• Incorrect calculations when preparing the concrete mix. In this case, it's advisable to use a volumetric formula, taking into account the width, length, and height. The task becomes more complex when pouring an irregular structure. Therefore, when preparing the mix or purchasing ready-mixed concrete, it's always best to add extra material.
• Incorrect mixing of the mix. If the component proportions are incorrect, the finished concrete will be weak and short-lived. Insufficient mixing contributes to the formation of voids in the structure and cracks on its surface later on. It's also important to pay close attention to the quality of the selected material.
• Incorrect concrete grade. Materials are labeled according to their specific application. When preparing the concrete mix yourself, it's essential to research the cement's properties in advance or consult with specialists. Choosing the wrong cement grade can lead to rapid deterioration of the structure during subsequent use.
• Incorrectly prepared concrete base. When cleaning the surface, ensure drainage and waterproofing of the base. Otherwise, moisture will accumulate, causing cracks and fractures.

Mistakes during concrete preparation are most often made by amateurs. It's also important to create the formwork, select the right reinforcement materials, and use specialized concrete additives. If you lack the necessary knowledge and skills, it's best to seek help from professional concrete workers. Only then can you be sure of the strength and reliability of the concrete structure.