The most widely used man-made material in the world, concrete is a
combination of cement, sand, gravel, water and other additives. Concrete can be
used by block or pour. When pouring concrete to create steps or any molded
construction, concrete forms are used. These concrete forms can be made of
different materials depending on the kind of job.
Concrete Form Materials
Lumber or plywood are excellent choices for building concrete forms. The wood is
cut to proper dimensions for the construction and then braced and set on the
surface. The inside the concrete form is coated with oil or another release
agent that allows easy concrete form removal when the concrete has dried.
Using the Concrete Form
In order to lower the amount of poured concrete, the bottom of the form is
filled with gravel, broken brick or chunks of concrete. Concrete mix is poured
over this rubble and into the corners and crevices of the concrete form. The
concrete forms are overfilled slightly so that compression will work out the
gaps and air pockets. Using the appropriate tools, screeding and troweling will
smooth out the surfaces and prepare the concrete for curing.
Concrete is left in the concrete form for at least 24 hours, but often much
longer, sometimes as long as a month or so. The longer the concrete cures in the
concrete form, the stronger it is. When the concrete is properly set, the
concrete form can be carefully removed.
Final Words of Advice
Using a concrete form properly is a job for the professionals. The concrete must
be the right consistency so it sets faster and the concrete forms must be
properly secured to the surface to get a good mold. The concrete contractor
understands the intricacies of this process and can supervises the mixing,
pouring and curing of the concrete with confidence.
|
