Objective Distinguish between site preparation, placing, finishing, and curing

Placing and Finishing Concrete Form: a wood or metal structure that confines concrete to the desired shape until it hardens –Trenches are dug in the ground for footings of buildings, and the soil walls are the forms –Wood or metal can be used. –Use 2”x4”, 2” x 6”, 2”x8” etc. because forms can not bend or break

Placing and Finishing Concrete Forms (continued): in warm weather, forms should stay in place 2-3 days and twice that if weather is cold Concrete should be poured or placed as evenly as possible in the forms to prevent having to move it

Placing and Finishing Concrete Finishing is bringing the surface of concrete to the proper grade and smoothness –Screeding: using a straightedge to level concrete with the top of forms Can use a 2x4

Placing and Finishing Concrete –Bull float: used to impact the concrete at the surface and make it easier to finish

Placing and Finishing Concrete Texture of finishing tool will determine smoothness of concrete surface –Gritty-non-slip surface: use wood, stiff broom or burlap –Smooth surface: steel cement-finishing trowel

Placing and Finishing Concrete Reinforcement is needed because concrete has low tensile strength and high compressive strength Reinforcing helps equalize and prevent cracking or breaking Clean steel rods or bars called rebar and clean welded wire are used in concrete for reinforcement.