Concrete works price

Concrete work is virtually synonymous with the construction process. They are based on the preparation of concrete mix from which foundations, slabs, columns, walls and other structural elements of the building are subsequently concreted.

The essence of the whole concrete mixing is the preparation of the concrete mix - concrete. Concrete is prepared from cement, aggregate (sand) and water. These are mixed to form a semi-fluid mixture which is poured or transported to the desired location on the site. For mixing smaller volumes when the concrete is used as a binder for blocks or bricks, construction mixers with a capacity of 26 to 44 gallons (120 to 200 litres) are usually used; there are also 66 gallons (300 litres) mixers. As you prepare the concrete yourself, the cost will be low. However, the effort is enormous. 

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If you are concreting larger areas, such as the base slab of a house, a mixer and a wheelbarrow are no longer sufficient. For a house foundation slab of, for example,46 feet x 33 feet (14 m x 10 m) with a thickness of 8 inches (20 cm), you need approximately 36.6 cubic yards (28 m³) of concrete - if you include compaction - and that is 4 mixer trucks carrying 9.8 cubic yards (7.5 m³), or 230 times to fill the mixer and take out 460 wheelbarrows of concrete.

In the case of professionally supplied mixes, it is the concrete batching plants that will mix the perfect concrete mix for your desired application. Such a service has a higher price, of course, and you also have to take into account the mixer truck that will bring and pump the concrete to the desired location. But it is a guarantee of a perfect concrete mix even at high volumes. 

The quality of the mix determines the result, so for larger volumes of concrete, industrially prepared concrete mixes are used, which are delivered to you by a mixer in volumes from 5.2 to 15.7 cubic yards (4 m³ to 12 m³).

What is the price of concrete?

When building houses from concrete, it is necessary to take into account the price of industrially prepared concrete, which ranges from £65 to £105 per cubic metre, add to this the price of import by a mixer and often with a concrete pump, which delivers the concrete mixture to the desired place of construction up to a distance of 295 feet (90 meters), since the mixer itself can only lay the mixture up to a maximum distance of 10 feet (3 meters).

Preparation of the concrete mix:

• Selection of materials: the quality of cement, aggregate and water is crucial for the properties of concrete. Improper selection or poor quality materials can lead to reduced strength, durability and weather resistance.
• Ratio of ingredients: the correct ratio of cement, aggregate and water is essential to achieve the desired consistency and strength of concrete. A lack of cement can cause reduced strength, while an excess of water can lead to increased porosity and reduced frost resistance.
• Mixing: thorough mixing of the ingredients is essential to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Inadequate mixing can cause uneven distribution of cement and aggregate, which can lead to weak spots in the concrete.
• Admixtures: concrete admixtures are used to improve the properties of concrete, such as workability, frost resistance or setting rate. It is important to choose the right additives and to observe their dosage.

Concrete works and their price:

These are the activities that your mason must take into consideration when calculating the price for concrete pouring:

• Preparation of the substrate: The substrate must be firm, clean and level. If necessary, priming or waterproofing shall be carried out to prevent water from penetrating and damaging the concrete. If the slab of the house is being concreted, a 8 inches (20 cm) layer of gravel is usually used as a base. Do not forget about its cost.
• Formwork: the shalung must be strong and stable enough to support the pressure of the concrete mix. Improper formwork can cause deformation or cracking of the concrete.
• Placing and Compaction: the concrete mix shall be placed uniformly and compacted with a vibrator or other suitable tool. Inadequate compaction may lead to air bubbles and reduced concrete strength.
• Care: Optimal conditions such as temperature and humidity must be ensured during the setting and hardening of the concrete. Moisture is ensured by sprinkling with water. Inadequate treatment can cause cracking of the concrete and a reduction in its strength.

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Risks and problems in concreting:

• Concrete cracking: The most common problem. It can be caused by incorrect proportions of ingredients, insufficient compaction, rapid drying or inadequate frost protection.
• Reduced strength: May be caused by poor quality materials, incorrect ratio of ingredients, insufficient compaction or improper treatment.
• Uneven setting: may be caused by uneven distribution of cement and aggregate, insufficient compaction or temperature fluctuations.
• Corrosion of reinforcement: Can be caused by water and aggressive substances penetrating the concrete.

Prevention and troubleshooting of concrete work:

• Use quality materials: it is important to choose quality cement, aggregates and water that meet the relevant standards.
• Compliance with technological procedures: the technological procedures for the preparation of the concrete mix and concreting, including the correct proportions of the ingredients, mixing, compaction and treatment, must be carefully followed.
• Consultation with an expert: In case of ambiguity or specific requirements, it is advisable to consult a structural engineer or concrete technologist.
• Regular inspection: It is important to regularly check the quality of the concrete mix and compliance with the technological procedures during concreting.

Concrete compaction

Concrete compaction is the process of removing air bubbles and gaps between the individual components (aggregate, cement, water) from a freshly placed concrete mix. The aim of compaction is to achieve the most compact and homogeneous structure of the concrete, which has a major impact on its properties and quality.

Why is compaction important?

• Increased strength: Compacted concrete has higher compressive, flexural and tensile strength, which is important for the load-bearing capacity and stability of the structure.
• Increased durability: compacted concrete is more resistant to frost, water, chemicals and mechanical damage.
• Porosity reduction: compaction reduces the porosity of the concrete, thus limiting the penetration of water and aggressive substances that can cause corrosion of the reinforcement.
• Improvement of appearance: Compacted concrete has a smoother and more even surface.

Concrete compaction methods:

1. Vibrating: the most commonly used method, in which the vibrator is immersed in the concrete mix and its vibrations cause compaction. There are different types of vibrators, such as submersible, surface or bed vibrators.
2. Tamping: used for smaller volumes of concrete and for concreting hard-to-reach areas. Concrete is compacted by hand using a compactor.
3. Tracing: used in concrete pouring for large areas such as floors or slabs. The concrete is compacted using a vibratory plate or vibratory roller.

What to watch out for when compacting:

• Proper consistency of the mixture: The concrete mix must be of the right consistency to be easily compacted. A mixture that is too stiff is difficult to compact, while a mixture that is too thin can lose strength.
• Vibration time: the vibration time depends on the consistency of the mix, the type of vibrator and the thickness of the concrete layer. It is important to vibrate long enough to achieve the desired compaction, but not too long to avoid segregation (separation) of the aggregate. An experienced concreter knows exactly what the compacted concrete should look like
• Vibration overlap: when vibrating, it is necessary to ensure that the vibration of the individual vibrator dives overlaps in order to achieve uniform compaction.
• Reinforcement protection: care must be taken when vibrating to ensure that the vibrator does not damage the reinforcement.

Important note: Improper compaction of concrete can lead to a reduction in its strength, durability and resistance to weathering. It is therefore important to compact thoroughly and according to technological procedures.

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Shuttering

Shuttering of concrete slabs or walls is a key phase of concrete work, which ensures the desired shape and dimensions of the concrete slab.

In the construction industry, the term "shuttering" refers to a temporary structure or even a mould into which concrete is poured in order to harden and take the desired shape. It is practically the creation of a very strong concrete mould into which the concrete is poured, hardened and given the desired shape. The shuttering can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastic or a combination of these materials. The strength and impermeability of the shuttering is very important, you certainly don't want to have tons of spilled concrete on and around the building.

Shuttering is used in the construction of various concrete structures such as foundations, ceilings, walls, columns, stairs and others. Its main role is:

• Keep Shape: Shuttering ensures that the concrete hardens to the desired shape and dimensions.
• Load transfer: during the setting of concrete, the shalung transfers its weight and pressure to the substructure.
• Ensure surface finish: Shuttering can be treated to create a smooth or textured concrete surface.

There are different types of shuttering, such as:

• Traditional shuttering: It is made of wooden planks and prisms.
• System shuttering: It consists of prefabricated modules that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
• Lost shuttering: It remains part of the structure after the concrete has cured (e.g. polystyrene).

The selection of the appropriate type of shalung depends on the specific project, surface quality requirements and economic factors.

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The procedure for shuttering concrete slabs:

Shuttering holds a huge mass of concrete weighing several tons, its proper assembly is usually done by a carpentry company or experienced concrete workers, because if it is not assembled, braced or fixed properly, it can easily spill the concrete mix or puncture the floor slab, causing huge damage to the building.

1. Preparation of the substrate: Before starting the shuttering process, it is important to check and prepare the substrate so that it is level, firm and free of dirt. If necessary, the substrate shall be levelled with sand or concrete screed.
2. Formwork placement: the formwork is used to create the form for the concrete slab. The formwork usually consists of wooden boards, OSB boards or metal panels. The boards of the formwork are fastened together with screws, nails or concrete bolts.
3. Reinforcement: reinforcement is placed in the formwork prior to concreting to strengthen the concrete slab and prevent it from cracking. The reinforcement consists of steel bars and curry netting, which are fastened together with tie wires.
4. Placing the concrete mix: The concrete mix is prepared from cement, sand, aggregate and water. The mix is poured into the formwork and compacted with a vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure the strength of the concrete.
5. Concrete treatment: It is important to treat the concrete properly after pouring to prevent premature drying and cracking. Concrete is usually moistened with water. In the summer months, it is recommended to cover the concrete slab with a non-woven fabric and pour water - this will ensure slower drying.
6. Formwork dismantling: the formwork is dismantled after the concrete has reached sufficient strength, usually after 7-14 days. Allow up to 30 days or more for underpinning in the case of concrete floor concreting.

Important tips for shuttering:

• Read the construction documents and follow the formwork and concrete mix manufacturer's instructions before shuttering.
• Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask when working with concrete mix.
• Be safe when working at heights.
• If in any doubt, contact an experienced concrete engineer.

Types of concrete slabs:

There are several types of concrete slabs, which differ in their use, dimensions and properties:

• Reinforced concrete slabs: they are the most common type of concrete slabs and are used for the construction of ceilings, walls and foundations. They are characterised by their high strength and durability.
• Prestressed concrete slabs: they are made of concrete with prestressed reinforcement and are characterized by a large span and low weight. They are used for the construction of bridges, halls and other large buildings.
• Filigree slabs: they are made of concrete with holes and ribs and are characterized by their light weight and aesthetic appearance. They are used for the construction of ceilings and floors.
• Prefabricated slabs: they are manufactured in advance in the concrete plant and delivered ready for construction. They are characterized by quick and easy assembly.

Conclusion Concrete work and concrete slab shuttering require skill, precision and adherence to safety regulations. Properly executed concrete work is crucial to the stability and durability of any structure.

Salting and concreting of the staircase

The staircase is a chapter in the shuttering process itself and its construction requires precision and adherence to the correct procedures. It is necessary to solve each individual step with the correct shrouding so that the steps are equal in height and scale length. Underestimating this step will cause expensive additional adjustments to the cured concrete of the staircase. Shuttering and concreting a staircase is a challenging job that must be well thought out and designed and involves several steps:

Preparation:

1. Planning: think about the staircase layout, width, step height and staircase slope before starting work. Draw a plan of the staircase on paper to give you an idea of the material requirements and overall appearance.
2. Material selection: Wood, OSB or metal panels are commonly used for staircase balustrading. Make sure that the material is sufficiently strong and resistant to moisture. A concrete mix with high strength and low permeability is used for concreting the staircase.
3. Field preparation: Level and compact the ground under the staircase with a vibrating plate. If necessary, dig a foundation pit for the staircase.

Shuttering:

1. Formwork placement: the formwork is used to create the form for the stairs and landings. The formwork usually consists of wooden boards, OSB boards or metal panels. The boards of the formwork are fastened together with screws, nails or concrete bolts.
2. Reinforcement: reinforcement is placed in the formwork before concreting to strengthen the concrete stairs and prevent them from cracking. The reinforcement consists of steel rods and curry netting, which are fastened together with tie wires.
3. Creating the steps: the steps of the staircase are created by means of inclined formwork boards, which define the height and slope of the steps.
4. Repeat after each platform: In the case of a multi-storey staircase, the shrouding procedure shall be repeated after each landing.

Concreting:

1. Preparation of the concrete mix: The concrete mix is prepared from cement, sand, aggregate and water. The mix should be of a density suitable for concrete staircases and should be easy to compact.
2. Concreting of the steps: the concrete mix is poured into the formwork of the steps and compacted with a vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure the strength of the concrete. Ensure that the concrete mix is flush and that the edges of the steps are sharp and straight.
3. Concreting of landings: in the case of a multi-storey staircase, the landings are also concreted. The procedure for concreting the landings is analogous to the concreting of the steps.
4. Concrete treatment: It is important to treat the concrete properly after pouring to prevent premature drying and cracking. The concrete is usually moistened with water or covered with foil.

Dismantling of formwork:

1. Dismantling after the concrete has set: The formwork is dismantled after the concrete has reached sufficient strength, usually after 7-14 days.
2. Finishing: After the formwork has been removed, the staircase surface is prepared by grinding and sealing. If necessary, the staircase shall be lined with tiles or other material.

Important tips for concreting a staircase:

• Read the construction documents and follow the formwork and concrete mix manufacturer's instructions before shuttering and concreting.
• Wear protective gloves, goggles and a mask when working with concrete mix.
• Be safe when working at heights.

Installation of ceramic ceiling

By ceramic ceiling we mean a ceiling made of large prefabricated blocks made of the same material as the brick. These prefabricated elements are stacked on a supporting structure and joined with concrete. They have the advantage of being less technical and time-consuming. In the case of ceramic ceilings, it is not necessary to construct a shalung, properly assembled supports are sufficient. 

The installation of a ceramic ceiling, also called a miako ceiling - because of the large gaps in the ceramic blocks, which are called miako - requires skill, experience and precision in following the correct procedures. The result is a strong and durable ceiling. If you don't use plaster, but give the ceramic brick character, it will add a rustic and cosy look to your interior.

When installing a ceramic ceiling, the support beams and their anchoring are very important to allow the ceiling to be safely erected.

Installation procedure of the ceramic ceiling:

Preparation:

1. Planning: think about the layout of the beams, their dimensions and the type of fixing before starting work. Ensure that the beams are strong enough to support the weight of the ceiling and its required load.
2. Choice of material: choose high quality ceramic ceiling tiles and beams from a reputable manufacturer. The inserts should match the required ceiling thickness and the beams should have sufficient load-bearing capacity.
3. Preparation of the substrate: The substrate for the ceramic ceiling should be flat, firm and free of cracks. If necessary, the substrate is levelled with concrete screed.

Installation of beams:

1. Anchoring of the beams: the beams are fixed to the load-bearing walls or to the ceiling joists using metal dowels and screws. Ensure that the joists are fixed evenly and that they are equally spaced.
2. Reinforcement: reinforcement is placed between the beams to strengthen the ceiling and prevent it from cracking. The reinforcement consists of steel bars and curry netting, which are fastened together with tie wires.

Placing ceiling inserts:

1. Placing on beams: the ceiling liners are placed on the beams in the transverse direction. The inserts should fit tightly together and form a flat ceiling surface.
2. Support: it is important to sufficiently support the ceiling with supports when placing the inserts. The supports are placed in the centre of the span between the joists and prevent the ceiling from sagging.
3. Reinforcement: a second layer of reinforcement is placed on the ceiling inserts and bonded to the reinforcement between the beams.

Concreting:

1. Preparation of the concrete mix: The concrete mix is prepared from cement, sand, aggregate and water. The mix should be of a density suitable for concreting a ceiling and should be easy to compact.
2. Concreting: the concrete mix is poured onto the ceiling and compacted with a vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure the strength of the concrete. Ensure that the concrete mix is flush and that the ceiling surface is smooth.
3. Concrete treatment: It is important to treat the concrete properly after pouring to prevent premature drying and cracking. Concrete is usually moistened with water. In the summer months, it is recommended to cover the concrete slab with a non-woven fabric and pour water over it - this will ensure slower drying.

Disassembly of supports:

1. Dismantling after the concrete has set: Supports are dismantled after the concrete has reached sufficient strength, usually after 30 days.
2. Finishing: After the supports have been removed, the ceiling surface is prepared by sanding and sealing if necessary.

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