What is concrete vibrator and why is it so important to vibrate concrete after placing?

amd007

Elite Member
What is concrete vibrator and why is it so important to vibrate concrete after placing?

The vibrator is a mechanical device to consolidate or compact the concrete. A vibrator consolidates concrete in a two-part process. The first waves liquify the concrete so it flows better and the continuing waves knock out air bubbles

Right after it’s placed, concrete contains as much as 20% entrapped air, The amount varies with mix type and slump, form size and shape, the amount of reinforcing steel, and the concrete placement method.

At constant water-cement ratio, each percent of air decreases compressive strength by about 3% to 5%.

Consolidating the concrete, usually by vibration, increases concrete strength by driving out entrapped air. It also improves bond strength and decreases concrete permeability.

The problems associated with under vibration include:
  1. Honeycombing
  2. Excessive entrapped air
  3. cold joints
  4. subsidence cracking
The problems associated with over vibration include:
  1. segregation
  2. form deflection
  3. form damage or failure