The concrete construction industry has achieved tremendous gains due to the adoption of modern technologies and concrete construction equipment are no exception. These technologies help to improve function productivity, generate higher finished goods, and improve the whole planning and constructing process.
We’ve come a long way with contemporary concrete equipment that aids in the planning and execution stages. Many formerly time-consuming activities are now streamlined by improved instruments that reduce the amount of time and price required.
Here are some game-changing pieces of concrete construction equipment:
No #1: Concrete Mixer
Traditionally, concrete mixtures were made by hand, which took a long time and lacked precision. Due to increased demand and technological advancements, concrete mixers are now used to make concrete mixtures, even in small-scale applications. Concrete mixers are machines that can precisely and swiftly prepare concrete mixtures of varied power. Some concrete mixers may even dispense the concrete mixture directly on the construction site.
No #2: Portable Mixer
A portable mixer allows you to mix tiny volumes of concrete on the job site. Mixers are useful for pours too little to merit a ready-mix order but are greater than what can be easily mixed in a wheelbarrow or mixing tub.
Portable mixers are available in various sizes, ranging from those that can fit in the back of a pickup truck to ones you can tow to the job site. There are both electric and gas-powered variants accessible.
No #3: Plate Compactor
A plate compactor is a huge motorized instrument used to compact particulate surfaces, including a gravel or sand sub-base, to produce a dense, tightly packed surface to support a concrete slab. They are especially beneficial as concrete construction equipment go on uneven or unstable soils, where a solid base is required before pouring concrete.
No #4: Laser Level
A laser level is currently the standard (and preferred) instrument for leveling and elevating shapes. They’re also handy for determining or verifying the height of implanted components like bolts and other anchors. Laser levels emit a light beam to give a straight level or plumb line. Unlike a regular string line, the laser line never gets in the way and can keep true over large distances.
No #5: Groove Cutters
Groove cutters, also known as groovers, are used to produce open circuits on sidewalks, pathways, driveways, and residential slabs where a concrete saw would not be appropriate. Many groovers incorporate a horizontal plate with a vertical fin for cutting the groove. The plate’s sides are frequently rounded to shape the groove’s edges.
An edger is a comparable instrument with one rounded edge and is used to mold a slightly rounded edge along the sides of a slab or walkway.
No #6: Saws
Saws are used for a variety of purposes on a concrete job site. Concrete saws are used in the demolition and removal of old concrete and to cut control joints while the concrete hardens. A great diamond blade suited for cutting concrete is essential when using a concrete saw.
No #7: Forklift
A forklift is a small industrial vehicle with a power-operated forked platform connected at the front that can be moved up and down for insertion beneath a load to lift or transport it. Forklifts are used in various sectors, including warehouses and other big storage sites.
Electric batteries or combustion engines power forklifts. Some forklifts allow drivers to sit while running and controlling the machine, while others require them to stand. It is widely employed in transportation resources and products throughout the industry.
No #8: Thermo-hygrometer
The way cement dries is affected by atmospheric conditions. The rate at which ready-mixed concrete dries is affected by temperature, air force, and relative humidity. A thermo-hygrometer monitors air conditions and informs a contractor about how faster or slower the cement is drying.
No #9: Kneeling Boards
If something requires to be done by hand on the concrete while it is still drying, kneeling boards can help. Kneeling boards enable easier touch-up work by eliminating the need to leave tracks and re-trowel your path.
No #10: Vibrators
Vibrators are important concrete construction equipment. Vibrators are used to settle and compact concrete during pours or the finishing process. The purpose is to shake the wet concrete and remove air pockets, making the slab or foundation more solid.
Concrete vibrators are classified into four kinds:
- Internal (also known as a needle or poker): consists of a vibrating probe buried in wet concrete.
- Form: connects to the outside of the concrete form to generate vibrations that reduce cavities along the form’s edges.
- Surface: connects to a screed to vibrate the concrete surface while screeding.
- A vibrating metal table is used to vibrate concrete inside a mold.
No #11: Water Pump
Rainfall, snow, and drainage can all result in water-filled concrete forms. Hand-bailing water might take up valuable time before a pour. A motorized water pump can remove water quicker and with much less effort.
No #12: Power Hammers and Drills
Many tasks will necessitate the use of contractor-grade speed drills and rotary hammers. Tools that are both corded and battery-powered are now accessible. They are required for numerous finishing operations, such as fastening sill plates and ledgers to foundations or mounting posts and railings to poured steps.
No #13: Dust Collection Systems
When working with concrete, a lot of dust is produced. As previously stated, cement dust can be harmful. As a result, it is critical to get it out as soon as possible. As a result, you should invest in a dust collecting system for the sake of your employees’ health.
No #14: Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) was once only visible on movie screens, but it is now being used in building daily because of quick advancements. AI relies on “machine learning” at its core, in which an intelligent algorithm “learns” by monitoring and finding patterns, linking data, and generating predictions or suggestions based on what it has learned.
Other examples of artificial intelligence include:
- Risk assessment and prioritization
- Auditing BIM designs and reporting to any design clashes
- Building machinery that is self-driving or self-operating
- Robot-assisted off-site pre-construction construction
- Constructing tracking after development is complete.
Conclusion
Traditionally, the construction sector has been one of the slowest to adopt modern technologies, but we’re making great strides with concrete construction equipment. According to recent studies, many organizations prioritize tech investments intending to generate new efficiency.
We’ve seen significant progress in the five categories discussed here during the previous decade. While most organizations in the industry are now employing cloud-based software and apps, some of the more costly technologies are less common.
