Q.1.What is the principle behind consolidation of concrete mixtures?

Describe the
sequence of actions that take place in a fresh concrete mixture when it is exposed to
a high-frequency vibrator.

 Compaction (consolidation) is required to achieve adequate strength and

density and hardness of wearing surface. If you shake and vibrate the concrete
the air is pushed out.
 1- The poker is inserted quickly into the concrete
2- The size of the poker determines how much concrete is vibrated at one time
3- The area vibrated at one time is called the radius of action
4- This can be seen by over what radius air bubbles rise to the surface.
5- The radius of action will be greater with a larger poker and more-workable
concrete
6- Always compact in a definite pattern so the radius of action overlaps and
covers the whole area

Q.2.What are the features and precautions while using the “poker vibrator”?

 Taking the poker out too quickly will leave a hole in the concrete
 To close the hole, vibrate near it and take the poker out very slowly
 Never touch the form face with poker as it can damage the formwork and the
concrete
 Never touch the reinforcement with the poker
 Never spread or move concrete sideways with the poker, always use a shovel
 Never leave the poker running when not in use
 Always be sure to vibrate concrete evenly
 Concrete should usually be vibrated for 5 to 5 seconds

Q.3.Mention the other method used to consolidate the concrete inside the forms.

1) Surface vibrator (Screeds)

2) Vibrating screeds
3) Rodding
4) External vibration

Q.4.What are the functions of both initial and final finishing of concrete surface?

 Initial Finishing: includes screeding of concrete surface to the level of

formwork, then bullfloated and left to set, and bleed water appears on the
surface of the concrete.
 No final finishing until bleed water has dried up
  Final Finishing: includes Floating, trowelling, edging, jointing or patterning the
concrete.

Q.5.Explain the different technologies implemented in the final finishing process.

a) Floating:
i- Bullfloating : part of the initial fload, and is performed to smooth then
concrete surface immediately after screeding
ii- Hand floating : part of the final float, operated in a regular pattern ,leaving
a matt finish
b) Trowelling: Leaves a dense, hard, smooth and durable surfaces, and it can be
done by hand or power trowel (helicopter)
c) Edging and grooving: Special edging tool gives a neater and stronger edgem
less prone to chipping

Q.6.What are the functions of concrete curing?

 Improve compressive strength

 Reduce the incidence of drying shrinkage cracking
 Reduce surface dusting
 Improve protection of reinforcement
 Increase the hardness of surfaces, and consequently their resistance to
abrasion

Q.7.Discuss the precautions to be followed while choice and application of curing

compounds.

Methods of curing:
 Applying extra water to the surface
 Stopping water loss from the concrete
a) Covering sheets or barriers

 Covering with plastic sheets, or damp protective covers such as canvas, empty
cement bags.
 Keep concrete evenly moist
 Check under the sheets from time to time
 Condensation on the underside of sheet is a good sign
 b) Curing compounds

 Should be applied soon after finishinging

 Sprayed or brushed on
 Some types of curing compounds may late make it harder or impossible to
apply a surface finish to concrete such as paint, or to stick down floor
coverings
 Check with the supplier to ensure compatibility with surface coatings and
adhesiveness

c) Evaporation retardant

Q.8.Is the “Evaporation Retardant” a curing material? Explain.

 No they are not curing compounds, their effect is temporary as they only retard
the water evaporation, therefore normal curing techniques should still be used
immediately

Q.9.Describe a typical temperature cycle for steam curing.

1) Initial delay prior t streaming (3 to 5 hours)

2) Temperature increases period (2 ½ hours)
3) Constant temperature period (6 to 12 hours)
4) Temperature decreases period (2 hours)
Q.10.Draw a sketch for the effect of period of steam curing on the compressive
strength of concrete.

Q.11.Draw the relationships that explain the effect of curing period and curing
temperature on the compressive strength of concrete.