| |
Concrete Form SettingConcrete which is a mixture of cement, gravel, sand, water and other additives is used in poured or block format in construction. Poured concrete walls and other constructions such as steps, require forms to be built or set into which the mixed concrete is poured. The forms are made from different materials depending upon the kind of construction.
Building the Forms
Plywood or lumber is the most preferred
material for building forms. Sheets of plywood or lumber are cut according to the dimensions for the construction at hand. These sheets of plywood are then put together to form a brace and are firmly set on the surface or ground. The inside surfaces of the forms are coated with oil or any release agent that would make the removal of these forms easier once the concrete is dry and ready for use.
Pouring the concrete into the forms
The low areas in the forms are filled with gravel, chunks of concrete blocks, and even broken brick. This will help reduce the amount of concrete mix to be poured into the forms. The concrete mix is then filled into the forms and mixed with the rubble beneath. The forms are overfilled to some extent so that the concrete can be worked upon and air pockets and gaps can be eliminated. Using different tools, screeding and troweling is carried out to smoothen out the concrete surface. The concrete is now ready to be cured.
Curing concrete in form setting
The concrete is left untouched for at least 24 hours. This allows the concrete to harden and achieve maximum strength. The curing for concrete foundations may even go up to 28 days. Once the concrete is cured and the surface ready to be used, the forms are removed taking care not to damage the concrete structure.
Concrete form setting tips
The poured concrete must be of the right consistency and thickness. This will enable the concrete to set faster. Also the plywood forms that are used must be secured properly to the surface. Concrete form setting will also depend upon the skills of the concrete contractor who would supervise the mixing, pouring and curing of the concrete used in forms.
Precast concrete - the long-lasting miracle
Pre-casting concrete is an ancient concept. However with the development in the technology of construction, the technique developed for precast concrete is fairly modern, since it never existed before the 20th century. This is a technique where the...
Concrete Curbing
Concrete curbing is a process that is part of landscape designing. Decorative landscape borders can be constructed using concrete curbing. An activity that is generally carried out by professional concrete curbing contractors and design artists,...
Concrete Angle
Concrete panels or large concrete surfaces may require support in the form of concrete angles. When the entire structure is made of concrete, using angles made from other materials may not be a designer's choice of work. Concrete angles are made...
Concrete Steps
Concrete steps are built using concrete mix and a few other simple tools. This can also be an easy do-it-yourself kind of project. Concrete steps are durable and attractive and blend easily with the surrounding landscape. The concrete mix can be...
Concrete Paint - Decorate Your Concrete
Concrete painting was thought of as a passing fad when it first came up but this industry is now booming like never before. Concrete painting is becoming hugely popular due to the great look that it provides and hence it is the fastest developing...
|
|
|
|
|
