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RESULTS FOR CONSOLIDATION OF CONCRETE

Definition: the process of reducing the volume of voids, air pockets, and entrapped air in a fresh cementitious mixture, usually accomplished by inputting mechanical energy.- ACI Concrete Terminology


Consolidation is the process of inducing a closer arrangement of the solid particles in freshly mixed concrete or mortar during placement by the reduction of voids, usually by vibration, centrifugation, rodding, tamping, or some combinations of these actions. Consolidation is needed because a mass of freshly placed concrete is usually honeycombed with entrapped air voids that are larger than the intentionally entrained air voids. If allowed to harden in this condition, the concrete will be nonuniform, weak, porous, and poorly bonded to the reinforcement. It will also have a poor appearance.