A concrete vibrator is a tool used to ensure uniformity and remove air bubbles in concrete pours. It comes in various sizes and attachments, and improper use can weaken the concrete. Proper use requires training and attention to detail.
A concrete vibrator is a construction tool used at concrete pouring sites. A variety of manufacturers build these machines and an assortment of accessories designed for multiple applications. A vibrator is used to ensure that a pour is uniform and free of air bubbles so that the concrete remains strong and has a smooth finish even after the formwork has been removed. While not required for small jobs, this tool is essential for large, heavy-duty projects.
These machines range in size from small battery-powered wands to much larger plug-in versions that can be used on very deep spills. In all cases a concrete vibrator should be used which can reach the bottom of the formwork, ensuring uniform treatment of the entire concrete casting. The attachments are selected according to the depth of the pour and the type of concrete used.
A concrete vibrator uses an off-center weight, which is rotated up to 10,000 times per minute, causing large pockets of air to be dispersed in the concrete as the concrete is shaken. Especially in low-slump concrete castings, which use a minimal amount of water, the use of a vibrator is essential to ensure that the concrete does not bubble or mold. Where consumers will be looking at finished concrete, as is common in some design schools that employ concrete counters and floors, this tool will help create an attractive, uniform surface, rather than a slightly frayed one.
Proper use of a concrete vibrator requires some training. The head should always be lowered slowly into the jet and pulled out gradually to avoid the formation of air pockets. The tool should never be dragged across a pour, because it will leave a groove in the concrete behind it. The amount of time required varies depending on the mix, but it usually takes no more than 30 seconds to set the concrete sufficiently and move on to the next section of concrete.
If a concrete vibrator is used incorrectly on a concrete mix with a wide range of material sizes, it can cause the larger pieces of rock to sink to the bottom, making the concrete weaker. Additionally, the tool can push rock and gravel away from the area being shaken, causing a weaker cement paste to fill the area, which can cause instability. The goal is to build a solid matrix of material that will stand up to years of use. If the vibrator is used correctly, the operator will see large bubbles float on the surface of the concrete casting and a layer of mortar will appear on the surface to indicate that the concrete is evenly mixed and unlikely to have air pockets and honeycomb.
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