Concrete pouring is one of the most crucial tasks in the construction industry. Due to this, you need to be ultra-cautious about how you go about it. To help you out, here are tips on how to ensure that you have an easy time pouring the concrete:

Ensure the pour is thick enough

Concrete can be durable and sturdy, but only if thick enough. If this is your first time, you should know that the minimum thickness for a concrete slab is six inches.

Once at the construction site, the concrete delivery company will pour and place the concrete according to the project specifications. Because not every site is ideal for a pour, concrete pump rental is frequently an essential component of the concrete delivery process.

You can rent two types of concrete pumps: the concrete boom pump and the concrete line pump.

The concrete line pump is made up of numerous connected pipes. It is used to negotiate obstacles on the job site, travel large distances, and speed up concrete delivery.

The concrete is channeled into the hopper and pushed to its final destination via the pipes. The line pump guarantees that your concrete will be delivered quickly and cleanly.

If you want to drop delivery from above, the boom pump is what you need. A hydraulic arm makes it easier to lift and place pipes in areas with limited access. Boom pumps are best used on sites with limited access or in constructing multi-story structures.

Work with the correct number of people.

Working with fewer crew members is a big concern while laying concrete. There should be sufficient personnel to carry out the pouring procedure.

Not enough subcontractors could result in costly reworks, injuries, or accidents.

Concrete tends to harden quickly, especially if the smoothing and leveling operation is not completed on time.

Contractors can use subcontractor scheduling software to supervise and track all parties involved. Use technology that allows you to review time and work hours. This software application should be installed at work and always available to crew members.

Make use of fibres

Not everyone is familiar with concrete reinforcing fibers. These extremely thin and short plastic strands give any concrete structure significant crack resistance and strength.

You should advise the delivery company to add a pint of fiber to each mixing drum load of concrete. The fibers will gradually spread out during the mixing process, helping to bind the hardened concrete together. It makes a significant difference.

Use the right concrete mix.

Even before placing an order for concrete, it is critical to contact the supplier and convey your reason for ordering. This will help you achieve the optimal concrete mix for your future projects.

If you are new, ask for guidance and ideas before placing your order.

You should know that there are two main types of mixes you can use on your site: mix-on-site and ready-mix concrete.

Mixing on-site concrete entails transporting raw concrete ingredients in volumetric trucks. Once in place, the truck is set to mix the concrete batch you need fresh and ready to pour. Multiple batches can be created during a single visit.

This method is useful when concrete needs to be used immediately or when ready-mix batching units are not readily available on the construction site. Site owners benefit from freshly mixed concrete, less waste, and the option to adjust the volume or mix on-site.

Ready-mix concrete uses specialist batching plants that mix concrete ingredients in precise amounts.

The freshly mixed concrete is then carried to the construction site using transit mixers, which are big trucks outfitted with rotating drums.

The regulated ready mix concrete delivery process ensures a consistent, high-quality concrete mix that is adapted to the exact needs of your project.

If you will be mixing the concrete on the site, you should note that the standard concrete mix is usually one part cement, two parts sand, and three parts clean crushed stone.

You should not skimp on crushed stone since it is filler. Never use anything other than the recipe. Remember that if you’re having trouble troweling a smoother, finer surface, you can use a little less stone.

Pour concrete at the right temperature.

You shouldn’t pour concrete when the temperature is too high and humid. Pouring and mixing concrete when the temperature exceeds eight degrees Fahrenheit is hazardous.

If this is the case, the concrete may harden before you can trowel or pour it. Furthermore, pouring concrete when there is a possibility of frost is a common problem since concrete loses a significant amount of strength.

Know the amount of concrete that you need.

When determining the concrete you need for your project, “less is more” is not applicable. In fact, you are better off ordering more concrete than you need instead of ordering less.

You should know all the areas where concrete needs to be used. If you are installing a concrete slab, you should know the amount of concrete you need for the task.

Will there be driveways and other foundations? You should know about them and their dimensions, which will help you order the right amount of concrete.

Have clear communication with the concrete delivery company

Effective communication between the construction project team and the concrete suppliers Potomac is essential for efficient delivery. Regular updates, communicating project plans, and proactively addressing potential difficulties are critical to ensuring operations run smoothly.

Clear, effective communication requires a workforce with industry expertise or training to understand concrete applications, concrete delivery, and customer expectations.

Parting shot

These are some of the best practices you should observe when pouring concrete. As mentioned, you need to be ultra-cautious when doing the pouring. This means choosing suitable concrete for the task. You also need to ensure that you work with the right people who will help with the pouring and advise you on the right process to follow.