Manual on risks associated with lack of knowledge and lack of standardization in the use of ready-mixed concrete in construction sites: A useful tool for the user

Abstract

Ready-mixed concrete is a product that has been widely applied in civil constructions, as they offer some advantages such as reducing the execution time of the work and better-quality control in the concrete manufacturing processes have better quality. Its choice is based on properties such as compressive strength (fck), water/cement factor (w/c), minimum cement consumption per m³ (kg/m³), slump, durability, setting time, among others. To obtain the desired properties for the machined concrete, there is a need for technological control, which covers everything from the choice of component materials to the stages of thickening and curing the concrete. There are standardized procedures for both the concrete company and the professionals involved with the application of ready-mixed concrete. With the growth of the city of Poços de Caldas in recent years, there is a tendency to increase the occurrences related to failures during concreting in small and medium-sized works, in line with the lack of professionals with knowledge and experience that provide better technological control. These possibilities can cause insecurity for future residents, with the appearance of pathologies and even accidents. In view of the above, this work aimed to prepare a practical guidance manual for the general population, with emphasis on the owners who hire the services of the concrete company and the technical managers, to guide them on the actions, control, and responsibilities during the receipt/use of machined concrete.