The main objective of compaction of concrete is:a)To incorporate air ...
Compaction of concrete is the process adopted for expelling the entrapped air as far as possible from the concrete to achieve the highest possible density of the compacted mass.
- Compaction improves the fluidity of concrete and with the reduction of internal friction, packing of coarse aggregates take place
- A well-compacted concrete is free of the loose pockets and air bubbles of entrapped air
- The main purpose of compaction of concrete is to get a dense mass without voids, to get the concrete to surround all reinforcement, and to fill all corners i.e. to provide intimate contact between the concrete and embedded materials
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The main objective of compaction of concrete is:a)To incorporate air ...
The main objective of compaction of concrete is to provide intimate contact between the concrete and embedded materials.
Compaction of concrete is an essential step in the construction process to ensure that the concrete mixture is properly consolidated and densely packed. This process involves reducing the volume of air voids in the concrete and increasing its density, which in turn improves the overall strength and durability of the structure.
Why is intimate contact important?
Intimate contact between the concrete and embedded materials, such as reinforcement bars or formwork, is crucial for several reasons:
1. Bonding: When concrete is properly compacted, it fills all the gaps and voids around the embedded materials. This ensures a strong bond between the concrete and the embedded materials, improving the load transfer capacity and preventing the formation of cracks or weak points.
2. Reduced permeability: Compaction helps to eliminate air voids within the concrete, reducing its permeability. When concrete is less porous, it becomes less susceptible to the penetration of water, chemicals, and other harmful substances. This improves the durability and lifespan of the structure.
3. Improved strength: The density achieved through compaction increases the compressive strength of the concrete. This is important, especially in structural elements such as beams, columns, and slabs, where high strength is required to withstand the applied loads.
4. Dimensional stability: Proper compaction ensures that the concrete mixture is uniformly distributed and compacted, resulting in a consistent volume and shape. This helps to minimize shrinkage, settlement, and other deformations that can occur over time.
Methods of compaction:
There are several methods used to achieve compaction of concrete, including:
- Vibration: This is the most common method used, where mechanical or electrical vibrators are used to agitate the concrete mixture. The vibrations help to reduce the friction between the particles, allowing them to settle and fill the voids more efficiently.
- Tamping: In this method, a rod or a tamping bar is used to manually compact the concrete by repeatedly pressing it into the mixture. This method is often used for small-scale or localized areas.
- Rolling: Rolling or heavy compaction equipment can be used for large-scale concrete placements, such as pavements or roadways. The weight of the equipment helps to consolidate the concrete and achieve the desired density.
In conclusion, the main objective of compaction of concrete is to provide intimate contact between the concrete and embedded materials. This improves bonding, reduces permeability, increases strength, and ensures dimensional stability. Proper compaction is crucial for the long-term durability and performance of concrete structures.