In construction engineering, efficiency and precision are the key factors. To maintain the quality and durability of building structures, especially those made with concrete, concrete chipping is one important process that cannot be overlooked.
But what is meant by concrete chipping? Understand the definition, usage standards, and the appropriate pouring schedule in this article!
What Is Concrete Chipping?
Concrete chipping is the process of cleaning hardened concrete on various structures, such as the drum walls of ready-mix trucks, cement storage silos, and central mixers.
When carrying out this work, workers must enter a designated area and use specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats, steel-toed boots, and eye protection. This is necessary because concrete fragments can potentially injure workers when detached from the wall.
This concrete chipping method is performed when the concrete has flaked and experienced spalling or cracking, which, if left untreated, can expose the rebar to air and wind, potentially leading to corrosion and rusting.
This process is conducted with attention to the thickness and type of concrete in each structure. Generally, the chipping is done to a depth of about one finger from the concrete surface, or until the reinforcement is visible.
The concrete chipping tool that is commonly used in construction projects is the jack hammer, also known as a concrete breaker. In addition, there are various types of hammers and chisels used in this process, such as demolition drills, hammers, wedges, grinders, and so on.
Because the tools are heavy and each has special specifications, as well as certain techniques for using them, construction workers or operators involved in the chipping process must first understand how to operate these tools.
Workers or operators must also understand the condition of the concrete structure before starting the concrete chipping. By understanding the condition of the structure, workers will find it easier to determine which areas need to be chipped.
Additionally, the areas to be chipped must also be identified and analyzed beforehand to avoid execution errors. The concrete chipping process is generally focused on areas that are experiencing deterioration and where the reinforcement is exposed.
Read also: What is a Rebound Hammer Test? The Function & How to Do it
Why Is Concrete Chipping Important?
Concrete chipping is important to prevent total damage. By removing dried concrete from the walls of ready-mix trucks and central mixers, the equipment becomes easier to use, the construction process is smoother, and the building remains sturdy.
Several benefits can be gained if you regularly chip concrete, including:
1. Extending the Lifespan of the Building
The first advantage of concrete chipping is its role in extending the lifespan of the building. Deterioration often occurs in concrete, and if left untreated, the structure and durability of the building could potentially be damaged.
By scheduling concrete chipping regularly, affected areas can be repaired so that more serious damage can be avoided.
2. Reducing Potential Further Damage
Concrete chipping can also reduce the risk of more serious damage. By taking this preventive step, areas that are experiencing deterioration can be repaired earlier, so the construction team does not have to spend more money on the damage that occurs.
3. Maintaining Building Structure Safety
Another advantage is to maintain the safety and strength of the building structure. Concrete chipping can help the building remain solid and safe for use.
By making repairs to the deteriorating parts, the overall building structure will also be better maintained.
4. Optimizing Maintenance Efficiency
The last benefit is that it can help optimize overall maintenance efficiency. By knowing and repairing damage earlier, building owners can avoid complicated and expensive maintenance processes. Therefore, it is important to regularly schedule concrete chipping.
Concrete Chipping Standards
Since concrete chipping is one of the crucial processes in building construction, some standards must be adhered to in its execution, namely:
1. The Value and Strength of the Concrete
Several grades of concrete are commonly used in construction. The ratio of the mixture of cement, sand, and aggregate depends on the construction needs. However, determining the mixing ratio takes 28 days for the concrete to reach the required compressive strength.
2. Nominal Cover
Concrete columns must be reinforced with steel and concrete. Reinforcing steel will be placed in a layout before the concrete is added. This nominal cover can help protect the steel from corrosion and provide the right reinforcing bars to be attached so that they do not slip when pressed.
In addition, the nominal cover can also provide insulation from heat and fire. Therefore, the depth of the concrete chipping should be less than the nominal cover of the reinforcement.
Read also: Get to Know Conventional Concrete, Its Advantages & Disadvantages
Concrete Pouring Schedule for a More Optimal Chipping Process
Although concrete chipping is an important aspect of building construction, there are certain recommended times to carry out this process. Generally, concrete chipping can be done every three months.
This is because wet concrete cannot flow smoothly through the cement storage silo. Therefore, concrete pouring is usually given a break of several months to allow for the chipping process to be carried out optimally.
However, this schedule can still be adjusted based on the conditions in the field. If a longer drying time is needed, then an extension of several days or months can be made for more optimal results.
That is all the information about the concrete chipping process, starting from the definition, benefits, standards, and the appropriate concrete pouring schedule. As explained, concrete chipping is a crucial process that should not be done carelessly and must be scheduled properly according to construction needs.
Although there are concrete chipping methods to protect buildings from more serious deterioration, building deterioration can also be prevented by selecting high-quality building materials, one of which is the appropriate choice of concrete.
Concrete plays a crucial role in construction projects. Therefore, you should choose the best products wisely and carefully, such as trusting Semen Merah Putih.
Semen Merah Putih offers a variety of top products, such as Ready Mix Concrete. Ready Mix Concrete is produced in a batching plant with proportions of materials that adhere to project specifications. This concrete can also be an efficient and effective option for contractors as it can be used immediately.
For large-scale construction projects, Ready Mix Concrete is superior in terms of consistent quality and delivery speed. That way, project productivity can be maintained, and the risk of errors can be minimized, such as mix variations or inaccuracies in material ratios, which often occur when concrete is mixed directly on the construction site.
In addition to Ready Mix Concrete, there is also Precast Concrete, which has high standards, precision, practicality, and provides efficiency in the construction time, making it the best solution for achieving maximum construction.
The process of making Precast Concrete is supported by high-quality materials and high standards of quality, ensuring that every Precast Concrete product meets strict requirements regarding both physical characteristics and strength.
Precast Concrete is also more practical, allowing contractors to save time since concrete elements can be used directly in construction without drying processes and further adjustments.
Contact us immediately to get information about the superior products of Semen Merah Putih that are suitable for your construction project needs!
