Concrete is a solid material, used in building construction. The solid state of concrete is achieved by mixing various additive elements, cement, sand, and water. After mixing these constituents, they accumulate, and form a rock-hard state, which are then cut or carved in the required sizes and shapes. The material is employed to give desired shape and firmness to a building or structure.
The Concrete Mixing or Preparation Procedure
For concrete preparation, the first step that one should follow, when there is a construction project going on, is to realize the area that has to be developed. You need to plan out the building construction. Points like, what would be the thickness of the concrete, and the specific area where it would be used, also need to be determined. Every such thing should be mentioned on your construction plan, prepared by a proficient architect or constructionist.
Purchasing the Materials
The second most important step that you have to go for is to gather the materials for the concrete preparation. The cement, especially, should be chosen very carefully. Many building construction experts suggest some definite type of cement, by examining the type of land and the surroundings of the construction site. Wet, dry, overly dry: there could be different types of lands and weather. Thereby, it becomes paramount for you to choose the kind of cement circumspectly. Other construction aggregates that you would need for concrete preparation are sand, gravels, crushed stone, slag and water. You can get these supplies from whichever supply you prefer. However, to avoid the wastage of money, you need to calculate the exact quantity of these materials.
Mixing –
For mixing the materials, it would be imperative to ensure the exact ratio, which would be suitable for the area, being developed. You again need to consult a constructionist for this. If it is a small project, then it will be sensible to mix the mortar manually. Or else, you can consider renting a mortar mixing machine from your local dealer. The use of machine is constructive when it is a large development project.
Once the mixture, the wet (paste like) concrete is ready, you need to prepare the surface, where you are going to use it. Ideally, the surface should be clean and wet, so that the surface and concrete can stick together after drying up. Do not forget to check the level balance of the surface, before and after applying the mixture.
The Importance of Moisture in Concrete Preparation
Without moisture, the concrete would not join the surface, and would not take a rock-solid form. It is the water that gives the firmness to a slab. The water should be used in a deliberate manner, in accordance with the moisture level in the atmosphere and land.
