Concrete

Concrete

Concrete is a highly versatile material that can be used for many types of building and construction work. Some concrete is poured on-site as a 'Cast in Situ' pour, other concrete is prefabricated or 'Precast' off-site and delivered on to the worksite when required. 

Watch this video to learn about what concrete is made from and how it works.

Practical Engineering. (2018, Mar 27). What is Concrete? [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOHURuAf5iY&t=18s

Equipment

This section 08 Concrete floors has information about the equipment you need for construction, mixing, testing, placing, finishing and curing concrete as the techniques are explained, however more information on concreting equipment can be found:

• 01 Tools and equipment / Mechanical equipment / Concreting machines  and
• 01 Tools and equipment / Non mechanical equipment

Safe work practices

Safety - cement

Read this article at SiteSafe on how to stay safe working with cement. SiteSafe Cement

Safety - precast concrete

Follow this Worksafe guide on working safely with precast concrete. Safe work with precast concrete

Construction

What will I learn from this interaction?

Learn about concrete (as would be used in a concrete slab).

Learn about:

• Qualities and characteristics of concrete
• Read working drawings to identify relevant information and calculate concrete required
  
  

Link to learning interaction

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• Concrete floors / Concrete / Construction

Then, select the title. This will take you to the interaction's home page. Follow instructions to explore the learning interaction.

Mixing

What will I learn from this interaction?

Learn about best practice on site concrete mixing:

1. Legal requirements as per NZS 3104
2. Ingredients and proportions as per design and performance requirements
3. Calculating ingredients and measuring proportions
4. Mixing on site
5. Ready to go concrete
6. Health and safety
7. Selection of tools and equipment
   
   

Link to learning interaction

Please select the link below to open the interaction.

• Concrete floors / Concrete / Mixing

Then, select the title. This will take you to the interaction's home page. Follow instructions to explore the learning interaction.

Concrete admixtures

Select this link to learn about the different names and purposes for concrete admixtures.

Testing

What will I learn from this interaction?

Learn about concrete tests:

• Types of concrete tests used in New Zealand
• On site testing procedure
• Why testing is important
  
  

Link to learning interaction

Please select the link below to open the interaction.

• Concrete floors / Concrete / Testing

Then, select the title. This will take you to the interaction's home page. Follow instructions to explore the learning interaction.

Placing, finishing and curing

Watch this time lapse video of laying a concrete driveway.

Swacksta420. (2016, September 3). NZ Concrete [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHMif5gLnAw

What will I learn from this interaction?

Learn about procedures for transporting, placing, finishing and curing concrete slabs.

Link to learning interaction

Please select the link below to open the interaction.

• Concrete floors / Concrete / Placing, finishing, curing

Then, select the title. This will take you to the interaction's home page. Follow instructions to explore the learning interaction.

In situ concrete columns and beams

Watch the video to learn about Precast concrete and In situ concrete: Precast Concrete VS Cast In Situ Concrete

Engineering Motive. (2019, July 23). Precast Concrete VS Cast in Situ Concrete [Video file].
Retrieved from https://www.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfgnHt6gpLQ

Precast concrete portals and beams

Select this link to learn about concrete portals and beams through a company based in Northern Ireland.

Prestressed and precast concrete

Select this link to learn about a New Zealand company that produces Prestressed and Precast concrete