When to use concrete vibrator

Contractor best practices for concrete vibration techniques on concrete forming projects. Matching the size of the vibrator to the job and limiting the insertion spacing to one and a half times the radius of influence will minimize honeycombing and other form surface blemishes. Deposit concrete with a maximum lift thickness of about inches. Make lifts level as possible and do not use the vibrator to move concrete horizontally.

The process of vibrating concrete is a vital part of any concrete pour which cannot be overlooked. Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia , also known as CCAA, describes concrete vibration and compaction as the process which expels entrapped air from freshly placed concrete and packs the aggregate particles together so as to increase the density of concrete. Tightly packed particles will result in a stronger, more durable concrete structure. Concrete which has not been vibrated is full of small air pockets sometimes known as honeycombing which results in a poor finish and weak structure. As a vital part of a successful concrete pour, concrete vibrating techniques have been widely used to ensure the correct compaction of concrete structures all over the globe. Due to concrete being used in so many varying structures and applications, concrete vibrating tools come in different forms and variations.

By Adam D. Consolidating and compacting freshly placed concrete with an internal vibrator is a fairly simple and straightforward process. However, precast concrete manufacturers are continually spending unnecessary amounts of time and money repairing defects often associated with the improper use of internal vibrators. A majority of honeycombing, rock pockets, bugholes, sand streaks, pour lines and voids can be avoided by taking the time to properly train and educate employees on the proper use of internal vibrators and the future problems that may arise from incorrect vibration practices. Concrete with a high percentage of entrapped air will likely have a reduced strength and increased permeability, which will greatly reduce the durability of the concrete product once in service.

One of the most important steps when pouring concrete is the consolidation or vibration of concrete. Concrete vibrators , if used properly, will help consolidate concrete and will reduce the number of air pockets inside the concrete mass. You can use internal vibrators or external vibrators depending on the application and where the concrete is being placed. However, there are very important factors that you need to consider before buying a concrete vibrator: frequency, power, and size.