What is used to remove air pockets from plain concrete?

The process of using vibration to remove air pockets from plain concrete is important in achieving a strong and durable final product. When concrete is poured, it can trap air within its mixture, leading to voids that weaken the structure. Vibrating the concrete helps to agitate the mix, allowing air bubbles to rise to the surface and escape, thereby ensuring better compaction of the concrete and enhancing its density and strength.

This technique is particularly useful when placing concrete in forms where the mix may not flow freely, such as in intricate shapes or where limited space is available. By employing vibration, contractors can achieve a smoother finish and reduce the potential for defects in the cured concrete.

Other methods like screeding, troweling, and mixing play different roles in the preparation and finishing processes of concrete. Screeding levels the concrete surface, troweling finishes it, and mixing combines the components, but none of these methods specifically focus on the removal of air pockets in the same effective way that vibration does. Thus, vibration is the most effective option for ensuring the integrity of the concrete by eliminating trapped air.