Concrete Vibrator: Understanding the Basics
Ever wondered why some sidewalks are falling apart only a few months after they’ve been poured? Once mixed concrete is poured, you will inevitably be left with a concrete mixture filled with countless air bubbles. When a freshly poured concrete slab looks worn and pockmarked before its time, air bubbles are almost always the guilty party.
Luckily there is a solution to this construction conundrum, concrete vibrations! Concrete vibrations intensely shake the poured concrete until all the air bubbles disappear. The reasons why every contractor needs a concrete vibrator in their toolbox include:
- The surfacing of air bubbles trapped in the concrete
- The adhesion of any inner structural inserts to the concrete
- Rearrangement of aggregates that ensure smooth and high-density concrete structures.
Without reaping the benefits of a concrete vibrator, structures can break apart and cave in from earthquakes, intense weather conditions, and everyday wear and tear.
Benefits of a Concrete Vibrator
Other than the fact that the concrete vibrator assists in eliminating air bubbles the benefits of the nifty tool also include:
- Low-level porosity
- High mechanical strength
- Crackless concrete, especially inside the cement where the reinforcement bars are placed
- An increased lifecycle of the concrete
- Filled and dense concrete structure
Concrete Vibration Variations
If you work in construction, you will know there are three different variations of vibrations, each recommended for different projects. The professionals at OLI can guide you through these variations and what concrete vibration tool is perfect for you. The different vibration variations include:
1.Surface Vibration
Surface vibration works best for concrete pours that are no deeper than 15cm. Surface vibrators, also frequently called ‘jumpers’, are placed directly on top of your poured concrete slab. These vibrations are the anti-aging cream of concrete, leaving your new slab looking flat and smooth.
2.Formwork Vibrations
Formwork vibrations are recommended for precast concrete work. External electric and air-driven concrete vibrators are the tools you will need for this job. These vibrations are ideal for larger concrete pours. The external vibrators are usually 15cm apart and attached to the outside of your concrete form, so they can do their job. Formwork vibrations vigorously vibrate the air bubbles out of the concrete, and we know no air bubbles mean strong, durable, and aesthetically-pleasing concrete work.
3.Internal Vibrations
To create Internal vibrations in concrete, you will need a poker vibrator, also known as an internal vibrator or immersion vibrator. A poker vibrator is handled by only one operator and is usually electric or pneumatically operated. These are the most commonly used vibrators in construction and are fairly straightforward. When using the poker vibrator, you simply push the vibrator into the freshly poured cement and slowly withdraw to eliminate all air bubbles. As this is the most common vibration tool, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of
Poker Vibrator for Concrete
The name of this tool says it all, you just poke or immerse the vibrator into the concrete and allow it to work its magic. The poker vibrator works for a variety of concrete construction projects including industrial flooring, pillars, walls, and slabs. An internal vibrator is a small steel cylinder and usually has an electric cord at the end of the tool. This tool is designed to operate at 12 000 to 17 000 vibrations per minute to vibrate away all air bubbles. There are several factors to consider when choosing a type of poker vibrator:
- Power Source: You can choose between electric, pneumatic, gasoline, or hydraulic internal vibrators.
- Shaft Length and Type: Your required length, diameter, and shape needed for your specific concrete job should to be considered.
- Power Unit Location: This can be located inside or outside the vibrating head.
It’s highly recommended that you contact the professionals at OLI for more clarification and guidance on poker vibrators.
Concrete Vibrator for Sale, South Africa
On the hunt for a quality concrete vibrator in South Africa? Look no further because OLI SA has got you covered. OLI is the international leader in industrial vibration technology, providing clients with industrial vibrators, electric vibrators, concrete consolidation, and frequency converters.
At AGRIFOODSA.INFO we recommend OLI if you are looking for quality concrete vibrators.