What Is A Concrete Vibrator? What Can I Use Instead Of A Concrete Vibrator?
What Is A Concrete Vibrator?
A concrete vibrator is a construction tool used to eliminate air bubbles and air pockets from freshly poured concrete and make it more durable. It is used after the concrete has been poured and molded into the desired shape, but before it hardens.
The vibrator works by shaking the concrete at a high frequency, which helps to reduce voids in the mixture and to help ensure that the particles are tightly packed together for a stronger finished product.
This vibration helps consolidate wet material, release trapped air, work out any coarse aggregate segregation or honeycombing, and fill any surface voids that weren’t filled with compaction equipment.
Concrete vibrators are a very important tool when it comes to making sure your jobsite yields strong and durable results.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Concrete Vibrator?
A great alternative to a concrete vibrator is the Sawzall without a blade – it is an inexpensive and handy tool for vibrating concrete forms. Simply remove the blade from the Sawzall, and you have an instant solution to your problem at hand.
It is also convenient because it is usually always in the truck, so no need to go out of your way to find one. With this easy workaround, you can rest assured that your forms will be properly vibrated even if you don’t have access to a conventional concrete vibrator.
How Does A Concrete Vibrator Vibrate?
These formwork vibrators are typically powered by either pressurized air or electricity and connected to the outer side of the formwork, usually at an interval of six feet.
The vibrations produced by these formwork vibrators help to remove any trapped air bubbles inside the wet concrete mix while allowing it to settle uniformly between the formworks.
This is why they are considered the preferred choice when it comes to precast concrete work. The vibration produced depends on factors such as size, speed, type of vibration, and design of the vibrator used.
Generally, larger vibrators can produce a greater amplitude than smaller ones which means a more powerful force that helps in compaction.
Does Vibrating Concrete Make It Stronger?
Yes, vibrating concrete does make it stronger. Through the process of vibrating the concrete, it removes any air pockets that may exist and packs the aggregate particles together more tightly – both of which increase the density and strength of the concrete.
As a result, this creates a much stronger and more durable structure as compared to non-vibrated concrete. Ultimately, by using vibration during installation, a much stronger and longer-lasting structure can be achieved.
What Is A Concrete Vibrator Called?
A concrete vibrator is a device known as a surface vibrator, screed, or pan vibrator which is clamped to the surface of the concrete while screeding (striking off) to vibrate it and ensure proper leveling.
These vibrators are effective when the thickness of the concrete does not exceed 20 cm, as intense vibrations can shake up any particles and make them settle into place.
With an appropriate speed, vibration, and power, these devices help in creating an even layer without leaving air gaps or hollows in between.
