Module 1 Concrete Technology and Best Construction Practice

A one-day course for construction managers and site supervisors in the control of concrete.

Programme

Fresh concrete

Consistence requirements: Getting the right slump and getting the slump right

Checking cohesion: Problems of segregation, honeycombing, bleeding and reinforcement ripple

Concrete as an engineering material

Concrete schedules: Strength, water/cement ratio, minimum cement content and slump

Concrete strength: The meaning of C40/50 etc

Durability and how it is achieved: Resistance to cracking, abrasion, freezing

Placing and compacting concrete on site:  

The myth of over-vibration

Correct use of poker vibrators and beam vibrators

Curing: What it means and why it matters

Accepting readymix concrete on site

• What to watch for: slump, uniformity, appearance
• What not to sign for: time limitations, adding water to concrete on site

Sampling and testing fresh concrete

• Slump test, cube making, storing and curing cubes
• What to do when the cubes fail

Action plan

Questions, answers and final discussion.