Ready-mix concrete is a vital product in many construction sites. If you have such a project, you'll need to observe best practices and avoid mistakes that may cause physical or structural harm. So, use the guidelines below to understand what to do or avoid when handling ready-mix concrete.
The Dos
Below are steps that ensure a hassle-free project with ready-mix concrete.
Prepare the Site
The lack of preparation sabotages your project at the initial stage and may cause severe damage. So, ensure your construction site receives enough preparation before you receive the ready-mix concrete. Site preparation includes:
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Compacting the sub base well enough to ensure an even and sturdy surface finish
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Using suitable gravel consistency to prevent the risk of weak points
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Examining and confirming that the formwork is sturdy enough to support the amount of ready-mix concrete you have ordered
Reinforce the Area
If the concrete construction project involves a floor, reinforce the surface to boost its tensile strength. For example, you could use reinforcement bars, steel mesh, or fibers to enhance the resilience of the ready-mix concrete. Also, use the reinforcement material carefully because a poor shape can do more harm than good to your project.
Use Protective Materials
Whereas ready-mix concrete is relatively safe to work with, some precautions still come in handy. You'll need safety gear to protect exposed body areas. Some protective clothes from workers who handle ready-mix concrete include waterproof rubber gloves, earplugs, construction hats, and safety glasses.
The Don'ts
There are three mistakes that you should avoid in your ready-mix concrete projects.
Don't Order the Ready-Mix Concrete Late
Suppliers need enough time to prepare the suitable ready-mix concrete tailored to your needs. So, order your ready-mix concrete early enough to allow room for preparation. Otherwise, you may lose time and money in construction delays if you order late. Besides, you may have to incur extra charges for urgent orders.
Don't Pour in Bad Weather
Extreme temperatures can cause water to freeze or evaporate from your ready-mix concrete. Rainwater, too, can interfere with the consistency of ready-mix concrete. As a result of the harsh conditions, your ready-mix concrete could become less durable. Thus, the ideal time to pour ready-mix concrete on your construction site is when the weather is warm and clear.
Don't Finish Poorly
A proper finish is paramount to get value for money from your construction project. Besides aesthetics, an appropriate finish enhances the durability of the internal components. So, level up the concrete for a smooth appearance. Also, use high-quality finishing products to improve the sturdiness and longevity of your structure.
Conclusion
A final and essential thing to do is order your ready-mix concrete from a reputable supplier. Do due diligence and consider their reputation so you can get all aspects of your project right from the onset. Then, follow the sound principles in this article to get an ideal outcome out of your investment.
Contact a local concrete company, such as P & L Concrete Products Inc., to learn more.
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