Modern Methods of Concreting

In this 21^st century, a lot has evolved and when it comes to the construction industry, you should expect no less. Concreting involves pouring concrete so as to achieve a final concrete mass that can be used in construction. However, the process is not just about pouring concrete.

The efficiency also counts and the pouring has to be done in a way that will maximize the compaction and reduce the probability of cracking. So of you are getting your feet wet in this industry, here are some modern concreting methods you need to know about.

3D Volumetric Construction (Modular Construction)

This process involves producing the three dimensional units in an off-site controlled environment (factory) before transporting the concrete to the site. This concreting method can either be done to achieve a basic structure or comprehensively install all the internal and external finishes to make the final product ready for assembly. For instance, a room can be completely prepared in the factory and the necessary finishing and paint applied. It's then transported as a box-like module to the construction site and assembled with the rest of the house.

Using the factory's controlled environment enables the modules to be created optimally because the temperatures and quantities of the concrete are easily managed. It's mostly used where there is need for a repetitive production that requires rapid assembly.

Tunnel Form

This method enables the daily construction of monolithic walls and slabs. It combines the efficiency and quality of producing the concrete in a controlled factory environment, and the flexibility of casting the concrete at the construction site. The product from the factory (off-site) is created in a way that is ready to mix and all that's done at the site is the casting and curing.

This method is applicable when working on repetitive cellular projects such as building schools, student accommodation and hotels. The advantage of this method is that it is fast because the concrete is partially done off-site, which leaves little work for the constructors. It also offers impressive flexibility because the designs and layout of the final finish can be customised during the construction.

Insulating Concrete Formwork 

This concreting method uses thin-walled polystyrene blocks that are built to produce formwork. This formwork is the structure into which the concrete is poured to build the walls. The insulating blocks hold the concrete mixture in place and are left intact once the concrete hardens.

The main purpose of the polystyrene blocks is to boost the thermal insulation of the walls and also increase the sound insulation levels.

For more information, check out companies such as Armstrong Creek Concreting & Outdoor Constructions.