Major Work Activity D – Finishes plastic concrete

Task D-9 Floats concrete

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers float the surface to prepare for final finishing or to produce a final non-slip finish. At this stage, irregularities are removed and broadcast materials may be embedded. This is the important first step in the finishing process. Timing is critical. Hand floating is commonly used at slab edges, vertical pipes, and walls, in preparation for trowelling.

D-9.01 Floats concrete by hand

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Thinking, Working with Others

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-9.01.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions, and CSA A23.1

D-9.01.02P

apply hand float to prepare for trowelling

hand float is applied to eliminate holes and produce a consolidated surface paste to prepare for trowelling

D-9.01.03P

apply hand float as a final spin-float or swirl finish

hand float is applied to produce a final finish that has a non-slip texture and uniform appearance

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, setting of concrete materials

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-9.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of techniques and tools used to float concrete by hand

identify tools and floating techniques used to float concrete by hand

 

 

identify surface conditions and describe their effects on timing and floating process

 

 

explain the effect of weather conditions during floating of concrete by hand

 

 

explain the effect of admixtures in the concrete

Range of Variables

floating techniques include: pressure application, angle of float, pattern of floating

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, setting of concrete materials

D-9.02 Floats concrete by machine

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Thinking, Working with Others

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QC

ON

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yes

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yes

yes

yes

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yes

ND

ND

ND

 

Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-9.02.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions, and CSA A23.1

D-9.02.02P

assess work area for fresh air ventilation

work area is assessed for fresh air ventilation according to provincial/territorial safety regulations

D-9.02.03P

apply single machine float or double-pan machine float to prepare for trowelling

machine float is applied to eliminate holes and produce a consolidated surface paste to prepare for trowelling

D-9.02.04P

apply single machine float

single machine float is applied to produce a final finish that has a rough non-slip texture

D-9.02.05P

apply double-pan machine float

double-pan machine float is applied to produce a final finish that has a fine non-slip texture and improved flatness compared to a single machine float

D-9.02.06P

identify defects in blades and machine

defects in blades and machine are identified according to uneven wear or damage

D-9.02.07P

check emergency shut-off switch

emergency shut-off switch is checked and operating correctly

D-9.02.08P

apply machine float in an overlapping pattern and with different blade angles

each pass of the machine is applied at 90 degrees to the prior machine float pass, and the blade angles and machine speed are adjusted according to the set of the concrete

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, setting of concrete materials

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-9.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the equipment and procedures used to float concrete by machine

identify types of floating machines their operation and procedures for use

 

 

identify types of blades their application and procedures for use

 

 

explain the effect of blade speed and pitch on concrete surfaces

D-9.02.02L

demonstrate knowledge of admixtures in concrete, their applications and effects on floating concrete by machine

explain the effect of admixtures in the concrete

Range of Variables

types of floating machines include: walk-behind single machine, double-pan ride-on machine, edge machine

types of blades include: float, combination, pan

Task D-10 Hand-tools concrete

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers hand-tool plastic concrete to control cracking, produce finished edges, provide decorative borders and aid in the removal of formwork. Extruded surfaces are hand-tooled to complete the contoured finish.

D-10.01 Edges perimeter of slab

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Document Use, Thinking

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ON

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yes

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-10.01.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to ambient conditions and concrete materials set

D-10.01.02P

clean adjacent surfaces

adjacent surfaces are cleaned from cement paste

D-10.01.03P

apply edging techniques

edging techniques are applied to ensure a smooth and flat surface

D-10.01.04P

select edger radius

edger radius is selected according to project specifications and drawings

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-10.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of tools and equipment used to edge concrete, their application and procedures for use

identify types of edgers, their application and procedures for use

 

 

identify surface conditions that affect edging

Range of Variables

types of edgers include: tread, safety, walk-along, curb, bullnose

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

D-10.02 Finishes extruded concrete surfaces

Essential Skills

Oral Communication, Document Use, Working with Others

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yes

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yes

yes

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-10.02.01P

select and use specialized tools

specialized tools are selected and used according to application

D-10.02.02P

determine finishing technique

finishing technique is determined according to project requirements

D-10.02.03P

apply finishing techniques

finishing techniques are applied to maintain the contour of the surface and meet project requirements

Range of Variables

specialized tools include: moulds, hand mule, long-handled curb edgers, jointers

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-10.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of extruded concrete surfaces and the tools and equipment and procedures used to finish them

identify types of extruded surfaces and the techniques used to produce them

 

 

identify specialized tools and the procedures used to finish extruded surfaces

 

 

describe characteristics of extruded concrete

Range of Variables

types of extruded surfaces include: curb and gutter, sidewalk, highway, slip form

specialized tools include: moulds, hand mule, long-handled curb edgers, jointers

characteristics include: slump, air content, mix design

D-10.03 Tools contraction joints

Essential Skills

Document Use, Numeracy, Thinking

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-10.03.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions, and CSA A23.1

D-10.03.02P

calculate depth and spacing of contraction joints

contraction joints depth and spacing is calculated according to drawings and specifications and CSA A23.1

D-10.03.03P

ensure joint straightness

joints are straight according to use of lines and straightedges

D-10.03.04P

apply tooling techniques

tooling techniques are applied according to site conditions

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

tooling techniques include: pressure application, angle of tool, depth of groove, location of joints

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-10.03.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the tools and techniques used to tool contraction joints

identify tools required for tooling contraction joints

 

 

explain depth and spacing as it pertains to hand-tooling concrete

 

 

describe tooling techniques and their application

Range of Variables

tooling techniques include: pressure application, angle of tool, depth of groove, location of joints

Task D-11 Trowels concrete

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers trowel concrete to increase the density of the surface and to achieve the final finish. Timing is critical.

D-11.01 Trowels concrete by hand

Essential Skills

Document Use, Working with Others, Oral Communication

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yes

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yes

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-11.01.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions, and CSA A23.1

D-11.01.02P

apply hand trowel to concrete

hand trowel is applied to small areas, slab edges, and areas inaccessible to finishing machines, to achieve a smooth finish without surface imperfections

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, concrete materials

surface imperfections include: pin holes, ridges, chatter marks, wash boarding, blisters

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-11.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of techniques used to apply hand trowel to concrete without surface imperfections

identify tools and their usage to apply hand trowel to concrete

 

 

identify surface imperfections their causes and techniques for correction

D-11.01.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the effects of various factors on the procedures used to trowel concrete by hand

describe the effects of trowel pitch and force

 

 

describe the procedures used to trowel concrete by hand

Range of Variables

surface imperfections include: pin holes, ridges, chatter marks, wash boarding, blisters

D-11.02 Trowels concrete by machine

Essential Skills

Document Use, Working with Others, Thinking

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QC

ON

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yes

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yes

yes

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yes

ND

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-11.02.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions, and CSA A23.1

D-11.02.02P

assess work area for fresh air ventilation

work area is assessed for fresh air ventilation according to provincial/territorial safety regulations

D-11.02.03P

apply various trowelling techniques

trowelling techniques are applied according to the set of the concrete, ambient conditions, and project plans and specifications

D-11.02.04P

identify defects in trowel blades

defects in trowel blades are identified and blades are replaced

D-11.02.05P

check emergency shut-off switch

emergency shut-off switch is checked and operating correctly

D-11.02.06P

use power trowel

power trowel is used to achieve a smooth finish without surface imperfections and according to project plans and specifications

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, concrete materials

trowelling techniques include: finishing at construction joints, patterns for each pass of the trowel machine should be at 90 degree to the prior machine trowel pass, adjusting blade pitch and speed, addressing cold joints

surface imperfections include: pin holes, ridges, chatter marks, wash boarding

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-11.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the tools and equipment and techniques used to trowel concrete by machine

identify types of machines used for troweling and their procedures for use

 

 

identify the effects of types of blades on concrete surface

 

 

identify trowelling techniques used to trowel concrete by machine

D-11.02.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the effects of various factors on procedures used to trowel concrete by machine

describe the effects of weather conditions on the concrete

 

 

describe the effects of admixtures in the concrete

 

 

describe the effects of poor ventilation on slab surface (for health and safety and carbonation)

Range of Variables

types of machines include: walk-behind single machine, double-trowel ride-on machine

types of blades include: steel blades, combination blades, plastic blades

trowelling techniques include: finishing at construction joints, patterns for each pass of the trowel machine should be at 90 degree to the prior machine trowel pass, adjusting blade pitch and speed, addressing cold joints

Task D-12 Applies surface treatments to concrete

Task Descriptor

Concrete finishers apply surface treatments to plastic concrete to achieve specified surface finishes. It is critical that surface treatments be performed at the right time.

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking, Numeracy

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-12.01.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, ambient conditions and manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.01.02P

calculate quantity of materials to be applied

materials are calculated according to placement size, drawings and specifications

D-12.01.03P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to application rate

D-12.01.04P

apply techniques

techniques are applied to achieve surface finish according to drawings and specifications

D-12.01.05P

installs dry-shake hardeners

dry-shake hardeners are installed evenly and in specified quantity according to drawings and specifications, and manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.01.06P

float product into the concrete surface

product is floated into the concrete surface according to site conditions and manufacturers’ instructions

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

techniques include: broadcasting by hand and machine

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-12.01.01L

demonstrate knowledge of products and the techniques used to broadcast them on concrete surface

identify types of dry-shake hardeners and their application procedures

D-12.01.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect dry-shake aggregate surface hardeners on concrete

explain the effect of improper application and finishing of dry-shake aggregate surface hardeners

 

 

explain the effects of surface conditions on dry-shake aggregate surface hardeners

Range of Variables

types of dry-shake hardeners include: mineral or metallic aggregates, natural or pigmented

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

D-12.02 Applies exposed aggregate finish

Essential Skills

Numeracy, Document Use, Thinking

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-12.02.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, and ambient conditions

D-12.02.02P

determine requirement for and amount of surface retarder

requirement and amount of surface retarder is determined according to drawings and specifications, and manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.02.03P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used according to manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.02.04P

apply surface retarder

surface retarder is applied according to ambient conditions and manufacturers’ instructions

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

tools and equipment include: spray equipment (pressure washer, pressure spray can), push broom, darby float, magnesium float, hoses

surface retarders are water-based

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-12.02.01L

demonstrate knowledge of exposed aggregate finish and the procedures used for application

identify types of exposed aggregate finish and the procedures used to expose the aggregate

 

 

identify tools and equipment used to apply surface retarder

 

 

explain how to broadcast aggregate uniformly or in desired pattern

 

 

explain the saturated surface-dry ( SSD) requirements for aggregate

D-12.02.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect applying retarders

explain how surface conditions affect the application of surface retarders

Range of Variables

types of exposed aggregate finishes are ready-mixed and broadcast

tools and equipment include: spray equipment (pressure washer, pressure spray can), push broom, darby float, magnesium float, hoses

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

D-12.03 Textures concrete surface

Essential Skills

Document Use, Thinking, Working with Others

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QC

ON

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yes

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yes

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-12.03.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, and ambient conditions

D-12.03.02P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used to produce the desired texture

D-12.03.03P

apply texturing techniques

texturing techniques are applied to achieve patterns according to drawings and specifications

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

tools and equipment include: broom, flat wire texture broom (tyne), hand float

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-12.03.01L

demonstrate knowledge of the requirements and techniques for texturing concrete surfaces

identify types of textured surfaces and the techniques required to achieve them

 

 

identify tools and equipment used for texturing surfaces

D-12.03.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect texturing concrete

explain how surface conditions affect the texturing process

Range of Variables

types of textured surfaces include: broomed, tyne finish, swirl, herringbone

tools and equipment include: broom, flat wire texture broom (tyne), hand float

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

D-12.04 Applies stamped concrete surface finish

Essential Skills

Thinking, Working with Others, Numeracy

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-12.04.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used, and ambient conditions

D-12.04.02P

protect surrounding area

surrounding area is protected from broadcast products

D-12.04.03P

apply release agents

release agents are applied according to manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.04.04P

lay out pattern

pattern is laid out according to manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.04.05P

stamp pattern

pattern is stamped consistently for location and depth

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: firmness, presence of bleed water, concrete materials

release agents are powder or liquid

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-12.04.01L

demonstrate knowledge of stamps, patterns, designs and the procedures used to stamp concrete

identify types of patterns for stamping concrete surfaces and the procedures for use

 

 

identify different types of stamping tools for stamping concrete surfaces

 

 

identify mix design required to accommodate pattern

 

 

identify stamp compositions

D-12.04.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect stamping of concrete

describe the effects of broadcast products on setting time prior to stamping

 

 

describe the effects of weather conditions on stamping procedures

 

 

identify the use of evaporation reducers prior to stamping concrete surfaces

Range of Variables

types of patterns include: grouted (cobblestone, random stone, barn board), seamless

stamping tools include: textured mats, stencils, stamp roller, chisels, tamper, touch-up roller

mix design includes: 10 mm aggregate size, C-2, aggregate shape

stamp compositions include: flexible urethane, paper, metal

D-12.05 Applies evaporation reducers

Essential Skills

Numeracy, Document Use, Thinking

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yes

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Skills

 

Performance Criteria

Evidence of Attainment

D-12.05.01P

assess surface conditions

surface conditions are assessed according to the concrete materials used and ambient conditions

D-12.05.02P

determine requirement for and amount of evaporation reducer

requirement and amount of evaporation reducer is determined according to manufacturers’ instructions

D-12.05.03P

select and use tools and equipment

tools and equipment are selected and used to ensure even coverage

D-12.05.04P

apply surface evaporation reducers

surface evaporation reducers are applied to maintain surface plasticity and minimize concrete mix water evaporation

Range of Variables

surface conditions include: presence of bleed water, concrete materials

tools and equipment are hand or power sprayers

 

Knowledge

 

Learning Outcomes

Learning Objectives

D-12.05.01L

demonstrate knowledge of evaporation reducers and the procedures used for application

identify evaporation reducers and their applications

 

 

identify tools and equipment used to apply evaporation reducers

 

 

identify procedures used to apply evaporation reducers

 

 

explain mixing procedures for evaporation reducers

D-12.05.02L

demonstrate knowledge of the factors that affect applying evaporation reducers

explain how surface conditions affect the application of evaporation reducers

Range of Variables

tools and equipment are hand or power sprayers

surface conditions include: presence of bleed water, concrete materials

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