There are many variables at play in concrete construction. Mix, form, rebar, weather, labor, delivery systems and placement methods all greatly affect the results and are often beyond our control. Until concrete is poured or placed into forms, everything that has been done up to that point can be redone as needed. But once the concrete pour begins, there is no turning back. Each step from pouring to finishing determines the placement’s success or failure. To guarantee satisfactory concrete consolidation, construction teams must use the best equipment and procedures, including vibration technology.
Vibration technology aids in consolidating freshly poured concrete by releasing trapped air, which allows concrete to flow into corners, around rebar and flush against the form face. This enhances the concrete’s appearance, as well as its density, strength and bond with reinforcing steel. Without proper execution, the consolidation process could result in future cracking and slab failure, especially in thick slabs, walls and columns.
THE BENEFITS OF VIBRATION TECHNOLOGY
Industry studies show that vibration technology improves the compressive strength of concrete by three to five percent for each percent of air removed, providing optimal performance and increasing the likelihood of a successful job (Fig. 1). During consolidation, a vibration head (typically round) is inserted into freshly poured concrete and slowly extracted to deliver frequencies that shift concrete particles and remove entrapped air.
A concrete consolidation tool manufacturer has invented the only full-length, flat-sided concrete vibrator head on the market: the Wyco Square Head. It has two forces affecting its orbit: the first is centrifugal force, which moves the head in an orbit within its case. The second—described as Newton’s Law—tries to rotate the head in the opposite direction. Because the head is mounted to a flexible casing or hose, it cannot rotate. Instead, it moves in the opposite direction of the orbit, which results in faster concrete consolidation (Fig. 2).
Compared to a conventional round head vibrator of equal size, the Square Head is more efficient and offers these great benefits:
- Displaces 22 percent more concrete per orbit
- Consolidates concrete up to 50 percent faster in the first 15 seconds
- Up to three times longer lifespan, even in rigorous concrete applications
WHY CONTRACTORS CHOOSE VIBRATION CONSOLIDATION
Consolidating and compacting freshly placed concrete is a simple and straightforward process when using the right technology. Providing production personnel with the proper vibration equipment and training greatly reduces the amount of time and money spent filling bug holes and patching honeycombed areas.
Square head concrete vibrators offer consistently superior concrete finishes, greater durability and ease of use, even on the most demanding construction projects. They also limit labor hours and minimize power consumption, using only the energy necessary for job completion.
