The modern world is built with towers upon towers of concrete. But for something so commonplace, be it on our sidewalks, in the buildings we work in and the houses we live in, it’s surprising how few people know the difference between a good and bad concrete pour. The fact of the matter is that most concrete projects can be made better by using high quality cement and mixing the product according to the instructions, because if the concrete is mixed badly it can lead to a whole host of issues. For this reason, it is advisable to consult experts. Visit DIY Cement for more information on how to procure the best cement for your home.
Some of the signs of animproper concrete pour include:
The segregation of concrete – This means that the cement has been over compacted and vibrated causing the heavier aggregate to settle to the bottom and the cement paste to rise to the top. This can be disastrous in the application process as some parts of the concrete will be harder than others causing weak points in the structure. In addition, this can affect the strength and durability of the project, because in well mixed concrete, cement and sand paste coats the aggregate so that it becomes an evenly coated mass.
The bleeding of concrete – When left to set,concrete will often bleed to a certain extent. This means that the cement, sand, and aggregate will settle causing some of the free water to rise up over the level of the concrete. While some bleeding is always to be expected, excessive bleeding can cause structural issues and deteriorate the strength and aesthetic of the finished product. Therefore, high-quality concrete and adding the correct amount of water to a mix is extremely important.
Ultimately, an improper concrete pour will often lead to worse problems down the line, like cracking. A crack is a small linear fracture that exists in the concrete due to excess pressure that has been exerted on it. If the concrete is mixed badly the tensile strength of the final structure will be lower. Despite the possibility to mixing concrete badly due to user error, it is an extremely useful material if made well: as it can be useful in-home renovation, in general construction work, in making electrical poles, bridges, gates, tunnel lines, driveways and patios. So, it is simply a matter making a few changes to your process to make better concrete.
To make better concrete, ensure that the concrete is fully mixed through. For the concrete to set well, the wet and dry ingredients need to be thoroughly combined. So that no dry spots are present, and no water starts pooling at the top of your mix, continue to mix it with a hoe or spade or mixing equipment until it is a completely homogenous mass. And ensure that the amount of water that you add to the mix is the amount specified on the packaging to avoid bleeding and a weaker product at the end.
Concrete is what the modern world is built on due to its versatility, so why not learn how to do-it-yourself to add an edge to your next creative art piece, pave your own driveway, or fix your house. Just ensure to get proper advice and mix it well.
