Sneak Peek

Learn to make and use concrete

Concrete has been a very important construction material since ancient times. The Romans used it to and we still use it widely today. This course helps you understand how you can create different types of concrete, with different characteristics from strength and durability through to appearance. Concrete is used to build bridges and buildings, paths and pipes, walls and garden furniture. It is used on a daily basis by builders, bricklayers, landscape contractors and others. 

By studying this course you will have a sound foundation to work as a concreter. Property owners and renovators will be better informed about maintaining and repairing damaged concrete. Take this course to enhance your trade skills as an amateur or professional – whatever the application might be.

LESSON 1 APPLICATIONS FOR CEMENT AND CONCRETE 
Introduction 
Cement 
Storage 
Cement Terminology
Mortar 
Mortar Variations 
Using Mortar 
Concrete 
Mixes 
How Much Water? 
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 2 EQUIPMENT, MIXING & SAFETY 
Introduction 
Manual Tools 
Machinery 
Mixing Concrete & Mortar 
Using an On-Site Mixer 
Manual Mixing 
Pre-mixed Bags 
Using Ready-Mix 
Safety 
Safety Procedures 
Using Wheelbarrows 
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 3 CEMENT CHEMISTRY
Cement Constituents 
Chemical Reaction 
Cement Standards 
Other Types of Cement 
Different Types of Lime
Concrete Additives (Admixtures)
Review what you have been learning 

LESSON 4 CURING & TESTING
Setting & Curing of Concrete
What is the Difference between Drying and Curing?
Why is Curing Concrete Important?
Curing Methods
Formwork Curing
Sheet Curing
Membrane Curing
Internal Curing
Water Curing 
Ponding
Sprinkling or Fog Curing
Wet Coverings
Strength of Concrete
International Standards
Assessing The Effectiveness of Concrete Curing
Field-Cured Cylinders (ASTM C31)
Rebound Hammer or Schmidt Hammer (ASTM C805)
Penetration Resistance Test (ASTM C803)
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (ASTM C597)
Pull-out Test (ASTM C900)
Drilled Core (ASTM C42)
Cast-in-Place Cylinders (ASTM C873)
Wireless Maturity Sensors (ASTM C1074)
Combined Method of Strength Testing
Review what you have been learning 

LESSON 5 CONCRETING TECHNIQUES 
Introduction
Pouring and Compacting 
Formwork
Types of Concrete Formwork
How to Build Concrete Slab Formwork
Precast Concrete
Concrete Masonry Units
Aerated Concrete
Advantages of Using Precast Concrete 
Using Moulds
Waterproofing Concrete
Integral Crystalline Concrete Waterproofing
Concrete Sealers
Concrete Waterproofing Membranes
Cementitious Concrete Waterproofing
Review what you have been learning 

LESSON 6 STRENGTHENING CONCRETE 
Introduction
Concrete Foundations
Reinforcement
Carrying Out Excavations
Reinforcing Concrete Slabs
Steel Reinforcement for Crack Width Control 
Options for Controlling Cracks
Positioning Steel Reinforcement
Other Concrete Strengthening Methods
Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Plates
Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Fabrics
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 7 FINISHING METHODS
Finishing Concrete Slabs
Finishing Tools
How to Finish Concrete
Sealing the Concrete 
Types of Concrete Finishes
Review what you have been learning

LESSON 8 REPAIRING DAMAGED CONCRETE
Examining Damaged Concrete 
What Causes Concrete Damage? 
Concrete Repair Materials 
Selecting Repair Materials 
How to Repair Cracked Concrete 
Repairing Small Cracks 
Repairing Wider Cracks
Review what you have been learning
Final Assessment