Question

What is consolidation of concrete? Describe different methods for consolidating concrete for small and large jobs.

Please i want the answer written here not on paper

Answer 1

The process of reducing the volume of voids, air pockets, and entrapped air in a fresh cementitious mixture, usually accomplished by inputting mechanical energy.

Consolidation is needed because a mass of freshly placed concrete is usually honeycombed with entrapped air voids that are larger than the intentionally entrained air voids. If allowed to harden in this condition, the concrete will be nonuniform, weak, porous, and poorly bonded to the reinforcement.

Methods of consolidation

1—Manual methods

2—Mechanical methods

3—Methods used in combination

The simplest way consolidation is achieved is by hand rodding. Although it can be successful on the higher slump concretes, it is slow process. Thus most companies use the internal vibrator called the poker or spud vibrator. This vibrator has a spinning eccentric weight encased in a metal housing that will shake or vibrate the concrete in close vicinity to it. The vibrator causes the nearby concrete to settle and forces the entrapped air out of the concrete.