CONCRETE

Concrete is the most widely used construction material due to its unique advantages. Concrete can be mixed in a wide range of specifications to suit any construction application. Concrete in its liquid state can be cast into complex shapes and configurations. It is energy efficient in its production, environmentally friendly, fire and rot resistant and is exceptionally durable.

COURSE

CONCRETE CUTTING & CORING – 40 HOURS / 5 DAYS

This course covers the proper safety, use, and handling of concrete sawing equipment. The course has extensive hands-on training in the use and operation of:

• Walk-behind saws
• Hydraulic track-guided wall saws
• Floor saws
• Coring & drilling equipment
• Handheld hydraulic chainsaw
• Hearing conservation

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COURSE

CONCRETE PATCH & REPAIR – 40 HOURS / 5 DAYS

Students learn how to repair both fresh and hardened concrete products. Also covered is learning what causes and how to identify and repair concrete surface defects, such as:

• Excessive bleeding
• Blisters
• Sticky mixes
• Abnormal or inconsistent setting times
• Rock pockets
• Applying RACO products
• Hardened concrete problems

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COURSE

CONCRETE PLACEMENT – 80 HOURS / 10 DAYS

Concrete is the most versatile construction material ever invented, and it is used in one application or another on almost every construction project. All construction craft laborers must understand and be able to: 1) prepare for concrete placement; 2) place it correctly, and 3) predict the chemical reactions that will occur when it cures.Concrete is a major job-skill area within the spectrum of work performed by construction craft laborers. This is a “must-have” course for any career laborer.This course includes:

• Preparing for placement
• Calculating quantities
• Cement-to-water ratios
• Chemical reactions during curing
• Mixing basics

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COURSE

CONCRETE PLACEMENT (ADVANCED) – 80 HOURS / 10 DAYS

This course provides additional information for the more advanced concrete worker. Trainees should have at least 1 year of concrete experience or have completed the Basic Concrete Placement class. This course covers various advanced aspects of working with concrete:

• Advanced finishing techniques
• Advanced forming methods

MORE ABOUT CONCRETE TOPICS

CONCRETE FORMING

Participants learn the fundamentals of forming for concrete placement. The curriculum covers the following topics:

• Types of forming systems: Focus on different formwork material options, such as timber, steel, and prefabricated systems, along with their advantages and limitations.
• Formwork design: Understand the factors affecting formwork design, including load-carrying capacity, concrete pressure, and deflection limits.
• Form setting and bracing: Learn the proper techniques for setting and aligning forms, as well as securing them with bracing to ensure structural support during concrete placement.
• Formwork components and accessories: Get hands-on experience using various formwork components like ties, fasteners, and clamps, essential for assembling and disassembling forms.
• Form release agents: Gain knowledge on proper form release agent application to prevent sticking and facilitate a smooth removal of forms after concrete has set.
• Formwork safety and precautions: Learn about the safety measures and precautions to be taken during the formwork process to minimize risks on-site.

CONCRETE FINISHING & CURING

Key topics include:

• Surface preparation: Understand the importance of substrate preparation for optimal adhesion, including steps such as cleaning, repairing, and surface leveling.
• Application techniques: Learn different techniques for placing, consolidating, and finishing concrete, like hand finishing and mechanical finishing.
• Finishing tools and equipment: Familiarize yourself with various tools, such as screeds, floats, trowels, and edgers, for achieving desired surface finishes.
• Surface treatments: Gain expertise in decorative and protective concrete surface treatments, including brooming, stamping, and staining.
• Joint placement: Learn how to properly place control joints and expansion joints in concrete slabs to minimize cracking due to shrinkage and thermal expansion.
• Curing practices: Understand the importance of curing and its different methods, such as wet curing or using curing compounds to ensure optimal strength and durability.

CONCRETE REPAIR

Key aspects include:

• Damage assessment: Learn techniques to assess damage in concrete structures, including visual inspection, non-destructive testing, and laboratory testing.
• Repair methods and materials: Understand the various repair methods available, such as crack sealing, patching, and concrete replacement, as well as material selection for different repair situations.
• Surface preparation for repair: Learn proper surface preparation techniques, such as cleaning damaged areas and ensuring appropriate substrate conditions for optimal repair material adhesion.
• Repair procedures: Familiarize yourself with the proper procedures for applying repair materials, including mixing, placement, consolidation, and finishing.
• Protection and reinforcement: Gain knowledge of protective treatments, such as sealants and coatings, as well as techniques to reinforce damaged concrete structures, including the use of steel reinforcement and fiber-reinforced polymers.
• Maintenance and monitoring: Understand the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure the longevity of repaired concrete structures.