Concrete quality control involves measuring the water/concrete ratio, testing the strength of the concrete, and ensuring proper curing. Slump testing is common for measuring the ratio, while strength testing varies based on environmental factors. Proper finishing is also important to avoid weakening the foundation.
There are many different methods of concrete quality control that every contractor must adhere to to ensure their workmanship is sound. The overall ratio of concrete mix to water plays a huge factor in the curing time and long-term stability of any project, and the purity of the concrete itself is also rigorously measured for the exact same reasons. There are also various types of collapse tests to determine the strength of the concrete over time once it is mixed. A finisher, who is the individual who lays and smoothes the concrete during the final stages of quality control of the concrete, also plays a vital role in ensuring it is properly cured.
Perhaps the most common method of determining the water/concrete ratio is to measure concrete slump, which is when a sample of concrete is poured into a hollow cylindrical steel pipe and then the pipe is removed. Gravity will cause the concrete to sag and the resulting drop will be measured. Professional analysts estimate the ideal drop to be between 3.8 and 4.9 inches (9.7 centimeters to 12.4 centimeters). A major concern is that the concrete mix contains an excess of water, making it weaker and less durable, which is why slump testing is an essential part of quality control in manufacturing.
The second procedure in concrete quality control, strength testing, differs between concrete quality control systems as a mix of environmental factors must be considered. For example, if the concrete mix is intended for a construction project in Borneo where the humid climate and waterlogged soil can weaken the building’s foundation, the strength test must simulate those conditions to provide accurate conclusions. Different designs require concrete to support loads of different weights, which is why strength tests are extremely variable.
Also, the final steps are less about the actual manufacturing process as they are instead focused on the hands-on quality control in the build. A concrete finishing professional should be on hand to ensure that the timing and curing of the concrete mix is done correctly. Improper techniques can trap moisture beneath the concrete surface, weakening the entire foundation. The concrete finishers will be able to consider the environmental conditions of the construction site and give expert advice on how long it will take to complete the mix before a load can be mounted on the foundation.
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