1. Lesson Planning and Placing Concrete

2. Student Learning Objectives Describe how to plan the job. Describe how to plan the job. Discuss preparation for the concrete pour. Discuss preparation for the concrete pour. Explain placing, finishing, and curing concrete. Explain placing, finishing, and curing concrete.

3. Terminology Bag mix Bag mix Broom finish Broom finish Bull float Bull float Calcium chloride Calcium chloride Coarse aggregate Coarse aggregate Concrete Concrete Concrete drag Concrete drag Concrete edger Concrete edger Concrete form Concrete form Concrete jointer Concrete jointer Curing Curing Darby Darby Earthen form Earthen form Fine aggregate Fine aggregate Float finish Float finish Floating Floating Form nails Form nails Gallon mix Gallon mix Magnesium or wooden hand float Magnesium or wooden hand float Portland cement Portland cement Power trowel Power trowel

4. Terminology Reinforcing bars Reinforcing bars Reinforcing wire Reinforcing wire Steel hand concrete finishing trowel Steel hand concrete finishing trowel Striking off Striking off Troweled finish Troweled finish

5. Anticipated Problem: What do you need to know before pouring concrete?

6. Concrete Is a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, portland cement, and water. Is a mixture of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, portland cement, and water.

7. Concrete Coarse aggregate: Gravel Coarse aggregate: Gravel Fine aggregate: Coarse sand Fine aggregate: Coarse sand Portland cement: Cement made from burning lime, silica, iron oxide, and alumina together. Portland cement: Cement made from burning lime, silica, iron oxide, and alumina together. Gypsum is then added, which acts as a glue that holds everything together Gypsum is then added, which acts as a glue that holds everything together

8. Cubic Yards Concrete is figured and sold by the cubic yard Concrete is figured and sold by the cubic yard Commonly drop the word cubic and refer to concrete by the yard Commonly drop the word cubic and refer to concrete by the yard To calculate the amount needed convert the length, width, and thickness into feet, multiply them together, and divide by 27 To calculate the amount needed convert the length, width, and thickness into feet, multiply them together, and divide by 27 One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet. One cubic yard is 27 cubic feet.

9. Cubic Yards For example a concrete driveway 18 foot × 30 foot poured six inches thick would be 10 cubic yards (18 × 30 ×.5 ÷ 27 = 10 cubic yards). For example a concrete driveway 18 foot × 30 foot poured six inches thick would be 10 cubic yards (18 × 30 ×.5 ÷ 27 = 10 cubic yards).

10. Selecting Materials Use quality materials Use quality materials If soil is present in the sand or gravel, the result will be weak concrete If soil is present in the sand or gravel, the result will be weak concrete

11. Mixing Ingredients Mix in correct proportions Mix in correct proportions Driveways, walks, floors, and watertight foundations should be a six gallon mix Driveways, walks, floors, and watertight foundations should be a six gallon mix Foundation walls, footing, and mass concrete can be a seven gallon mix. Foundation walls, footing, and mass concrete can be a seven gallon mix.

12. Mixing Ingredients Gallon mix: Number of gallons of water used with a bag of cement. Gallon mix: Number of gallons of water used with a bag of cement. Less water means stronger concrete Less water means stronger concrete

13. Mixing Ingredients Bag mix: Number of bags or sacks of cement used per cubic yard of concrete. Bag mix: Number of bags or sacks of cement used per cubic yard of concrete. Example: Six bag mix - Six bags of cement per cubic yard Example: Six bag mix - Six bags of cement per cubic yard Correct proportions for a six bag mix Correct proportions for a six bag mix One part cement to 2¼ parts fine aggregate to 3 parts coarse aggregate. One part cement to 2¼ parts fine aggregate to 3 parts coarse aggregate.

16. Planning Purchase material to build concrete forms Purchase material to build concrete forms Assembling tools needed for Assembling tools needed for Digging, Digging, Building and setting forms, Building and setting forms, Installing reinforcement, Installing reinforcement, Pouring concrete, and Pouring concrete, and Finishing concrete Finishing concrete

17. Anticipated Problem: What do I need to do before the concrete arrives?

18. Preparation Concrete may be mixed Concrete may be mixed In a wheelbarrow using a shovel or In a wheelbarrow using a shovel or Shoveled into a small electric or gasoline powered mixer Shoveled into a small electric or gasoline powered mixer Most people purchase ready-mixed concrete from a local supplier. Most people purchase ready-mixed concrete from a local supplier.

19. Digging In many cases the area where concrete is to be poured or placed must be dug out. In many cases the area where concrete is to be poured or placed must be dug out. Example: Driveways and sidewalks are generally one inch above the ground level when finished. Example: Driveways and sidewalks are generally one inch above the ground level when finished. Small areas: A shovel may be used Small areas: A shovel may be used

20. Digging Larger areas need a backhoe, grader blade, or loader bucket to speed up the job Larger areas need a backhoe, grader blade, or loader bucket to speed up the job In some cases, like a floor, the concrete should be level while in other situations, like a driveway, the concrete should slope away from the house In some cases, like a floor, the concrete should be level while in other situations, like a driveway, the concrete should slope away from the house

21. Forms Concrete form: Frame or mold that holds new concrete in shape until it has set or hardened. Concrete form: Frame or mold that holds new concrete in shape until it has set or hardened. The forms must be strong and rigid to prevent sagging, bulging, and spreading The forms must be strong and rigid to prevent sagging, bulging, and spreading

22. Forms Freshly poured concrete exerts great pressure Freshly poured concrete exerts great pressure Earthen form: Trench dug in the ground with solid walls Earthen form: Trench dug in the ground with solid walls Used for concrete footing Used for concrete footing

23. Forms When wooden forms are used they must be tight to prevent the escape of the water-cement paste When wooden forms are used they must be tight to prevent the escape of the water-cement paste A tightly stretched nylon line is useful to set the forms in a straight line A tightly stretched nylon line is useful to set the forms in a straight line Wooden stakes are used to hold the form boards in position Wooden stakes are used to hold the form boards in position

24. Forms Small jobs: Four foot level on top of the form can be used to set the forms level or sloping Small jobs: Four foot level on top of the form can be used to set the forms level or sloping Surveying level: Needed to set larger jobs. Surveying level: Needed to set larger jobs.

25. Forms Form nails (or scaffold nails): Double-headed nail used to fasten the boards to the stakes Form nails (or scaffold nails): Double-headed nail used to fasten the boards to the stakes Coating forms with used motor oil or diesel fuel and using form nails make form removal much easier Coating forms with used motor oil or diesel fuel and using form nails make form removal much easier

26. Fill Fill sand or rock should be added if the area is too deep. Fill sand or rock should be added if the area is too deep. Drag board can be used as fill is added so that the recommended thickness of concrete will be poured Drag board can be used as fill is added so that the recommended thickness of concrete will be poured

27. Fill Fill, especially sand, should be packed or tamped down so that it is solid. Fill, especially sand, should be packed or tamped down so that it is solid. Do not use soil as fill because it will settle later leaving a void or hole under the concrete Do not use soil as fill because it will settle later leaving a void or hole under the concrete

28. Plastic Place sheet of plastic on top of the fill if the weather is very warm and you would like to slow down drying and curing time Place sheet of plastic on top of the fill if the weather is very warm and you would like to slow down drying and curing time Also concrete floors with plastic under them are less likely to be damp. Also concrete floors with plastic under them are less likely to be damp.

29. Reinforcing Bars and Wire If heavy equipment will drive over concrete or freezing and thawing will be a problem, concrete should be reinforced If heavy equipment will drive over concrete or freezing and thawing will be a problem, concrete should be reinforced Reinforcing bars: Steel bars with ridges that bond with the concrete Reinforcing bars: Steel bars with ridges that bond with the concrete Commonly seen in the construction of highways and bridge decks Commonly seen in the construction of highways and bridge decks

30. Reinforcing Bars and Wire Reinforcing wire: Rolls with wire rectangles or squares approximately 6 inches on center Reinforcing wire: Rolls with wire rectangles or squares approximately 6 inches on center Used in lighter construction such as patios and sidewalks. Used in lighter construction such as patios and sidewalks.

31. Hot Weather Consider spraying the area to be poured with water when the concrete arrives Consider spraying the area to be poured with water when the concrete arrives

32. Moisture Content Be sure there are no dry clumps and the concrete is thoroughly mixed whether you mix or buy ready-mixed. Be sure there are no dry clumps and the concrete is thoroughly mixed whether you mix or buy ready-mixed. Water content is very important Water content is very important

33. Moisture Content Extra water will result in weak concrete but concrete that is too dry is very difficult to pour and level off. Extra water will result in weak concrete but concrete that is too dry is very difficult to pour and level off. Watch experienced concrete finishers or hire one to help the first time you pour concrete. Watch experienced concrete finishers or hire one to help the first time you pour concrete.

34. Fiberglass fibers May be added to the concrete as it is mixed at the ready-mix plant as a way to reinforce it. May be added to the concrete as it is mixed at the ready-mix plant as a way to reinforce it.

35. Calcium Chloride Calcium Chloride If concrete is poured in cold weather calcium chloride is added to prevent the concrete from freezing as it cures If concrete is poured in cold weather calcium chloride is added to prevent the concrete from freezing as it cures Building paper or straw can be used to cover the concrete after it is finished and while it is curing Building paper or straw can be used to cover the concrete after it is finished and while it is curing

36. Anticipated Problem: How is concrete placed, finished, and cured?

37. Placing and Finishing concrete Should not be attempted without having plenty of labor Should not be attempted without having plenty of labor After concrete is mixed the drying and curing process begins you are working against the clock After concrete is mixed the drying and curing process begins you are working against the clock Be sure all placing and finishing tools are on hand Be sure all placing and finishing tools are on hand

38. Moving and Spreading Concrete Common tools used to move and spread material: Common tools used to move and spread material: Shovels, Shovels, Spades, Spades, Rakes, and Rakes, and Concrete drags Concrete drags

39. Moving and Spreading Concrete Since concrete is so heavy: Move it downhill with a chute Since concrete is so heavy: Move it downhill with a chute Closer the concrete chute is to where the concrete is needed, the less work is required Closer the concrete chute is to where the concrete is needed, the less work is required Areas where the chute cannot reach: use wheelbarrow Areas where the chute cannot reach: use wheelbarrow Concrete should be pushed, pulled, or lowered rather than lifted Concrete should be pushed, pulled, or lowered rather than lifted

40. Moving and Spreading Concrete Concrete drag: Solid blade with a handle used to push or drag concrete into low spots Concrete drag: Solid blade with a handle used to push or drag concrete into low spots Striking off: Using a drag board that is usually a 2 ×4 or a 2 ×6 that is used to saw back and forth to level the concrete. Striking off: Using a drag board that is usually a 2 ×4 or a 2 ×6 that is used to saw back and forth to level the concrete.

41. Moving and Spreading Concrete Work team for placing concrete: Work team for placing concrete: One person needed at each end of the drag board One person needed at each end of the drag board Third person with rubber boots and a concrete drag in middle of the concrete make a good team for placing concrete Third person with rubber boots and a concrete drag in middle of the concrete make a good team for placing concrete Other workers are needed to operate the wheelbarrows and shovels Other workers are needed to operate the wheelbarrows and shovels

42. Moving and Spreading Concrete A drag board vibrator can be clamped to two drag boards A drag board vibrator can be clamped to two drag boards One person with the drag board vibrator can do the same work as two people without it. One person with the drag board vibrator can do the same work as two people without it. The concrete should be dragged twice before going on to the next step. The concrete should be dragged twice before going on to the next step.

43. Moving Fine Material To vibrate the fine material next to the form board: To vibrate the fine material next to the form board: Hammer: Used to tap the form boards Hammer: Used to tap the form boards Spade: Used to jab up and down inside the form board Spade: Used to jab up and down inside the form board

44. Floating Pushing the rocks down and bringing sand-cement paste to the surface and beginning the smoothing process Pushing the rocks down and bringing sand-cement paste to the surface and beginning the smoothing process Magnesium or wooden hand float: Used to smooth the area near the edge of the work area Magnesium or wooden hand float: Used to smooth the area near the edge of the work area ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

45. Floating Darby: Two handed float usually 18 long that is also used near the edge Darby: Two handed float usually 18 long that is also used near the edge Bull float: 36 or 42 inch float with long round handle used to reach areas away from the edge Bull float: 36 or 42 inch float with long round handle used to reach areas away from the edge

46. Rounding the Edge Concrete edger: Used to push rocks down near the form board to round the edge Concrete edger: Used to push rocks down near the form board to round the edge Prevents a chipping or breaking when the form board is removed Prevents a chipping or breaking when the form board is removed ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

47. Grooving Concrete jointer: Used to put grooves across concrete areas like sidewalks Concrete jointer: Used to put grooves across concrete areas like sidewalks Joints help the appearance and provide relief area Joints help the appearance and provide relief area Makes cracks in concrete less noticeable Makes cracks in concrete less noticeable ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

48. Finishing Concrete Float finish: Leaves rough finish Float finish: Leaves rough finish acceptable for a livestock feeding floor or footing acceptable for a livestock feeding floor or footing Troweled finish: Very smooth finish Troweled finish: Very smooth finish Used for basement and garage floors Used for basement and garage floors ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

49. Finishing Concrete Steel hand concrete finishing trowel: Used for small jobs and near the edge on large jobs. Steel hand concrete finishing trowel: Used for small jobs and near the edge on large jobs. ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

50. Finishing Concrete Power trowel: Gasoline powered trowel with three or four blades Power trowel: Gasoline powered trowel with three or four blades Used to finish large areas Used to finish large areas ( Picture Courtesy, Interstate Publishers, Inc.)

51. Finishing Concrete Broom finish: Made by using a coarse bristle concrete broom or floor broom either after floating or after troweling Broom finish: Made by using a coarse bristle concrete broom or floor broom either after floating or after troweling Often used on driveways and sidewalks for added traction Often used on driveways and sidewalks for added traction

52. Curing Process of concrete drying and hardening. Process of concrete drying and hardening. Slower the moisture leaves, the stronger the concrete will become. Slower the moisture leaves, the stronger the concrete will become.

53. Curing Helpful Hints: Helpful Hints: Spray concrete with water every day of the first week Spray concrete with water every day of the first week Covering the concrete with plastic or a tarp Covering the concrete with plastic or a tarp Allow the concrete to cure for at least 7 days prior to driving vehicles on it. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 7 days prior to driving vehicles on it.

54. Review / Summary Describe how to plan the job. Describe how to plan the job. Discuss preparation for the concrete pour. Discuss preparation for the concrete pour. Explain placing, finishing, and curing concrete. Explain placing, finishing, and curing concrete.