Concrete delivery is the process that involves the placement of a concrete slab over a foundation or prepared subgrade to create an effective, durable, and water-tight floor. The process requires many steps and equipment, from digging out the existing earth to placing and finishing cement.
Whether you’re in charge of concealing an earth-filled basement or building a large studio, there are numerous things you need to know about concrete delivery. When placed correctly and reinforced properly, concrete is a strong material. When not, it can crack and break. For effective concrete delivery, follow these tips:
Shortload concrete delivery requires two primary materials to make it effective: cement and water. The ratio of the two is known as hydration. There are many factors that determine the actual portion of each that mixes with the other. For example, a 5:1 ratio will mean five parts cement to one part water. This is considered standard for most applications today. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure will also affect your ratio. There are a few things to consider if you want your concrete delivery to go smoothly:
Pouring the concrete makes up only one step in concrete delivery. The steps involved include removing the old and filling in with new material as well as leveling it out and waterproofing it for stability after pouring. The process of leveling includes using stakes and string tied between buildings, using measuring sticks (the level), and plotting points with paint on sidewalks or streets.
Footing, also known as subflooring, is the layer of concrete that sits directly on the ground or foundation. Footing is typically 4 to 6 inches thick in areas where it can absorb and support large amounts of weight. The purpose of the footing is usually to provide a stable base for the concrete slab so it won’t deform, crack or sink into the ground upon initial application. There are several methods used to ensure a solid footing:
Hedging consists mainly of pouring small quantities of liquid cement into an open trench and then covering it with thin sheets called lats. This creates a perforated surface that allows water to seep through but not escape, giving time for drying. Hedging is primarily done as a form of the footing.
Isolation is a system that involves creating a hole in the footing for water to escape and for the slab to drain after application. Isolation holes can be made with a variety of methods, including pneumatic drills, vibrating perforators, or hydrocodone on concrete floors. When installed properly, these holes should be covered with 90% glass and 10% plastic (polyethylene plastic) in order to keep the water out. The stoneware used in these holes must be strong enough to hold up against the added weight of the isolation membrane but not too rigid that it disrupts moisture flow.
