A concrete worker is responsible for spreading and leveling poured concrete to create smooth finishes on roads, pavements, floors and curbs. Their work involves a variety of specialist equipment.
They use tools such as trowels to spread the concrete and a long-handled bull float to smooth the surface. They also color the concrete, add small stones for decoration and apply waterproofing and other sealants.
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Cement Mason
A cement mason is a person who works with concrete. They are skilled in using concrete to create walls, walkways, patios, roads, and bridges.
Cement masons pour, level, and finish concrete. They may also add colour, expose aggregate (small stones) in a wall or sidewalk, and create concrete beams and columns.
During a project, they monitor how the weather affects the curing of concrete and take steps to prevent defects. This choosing a concrete contractor is physically demanding and requires healthy people with manual dexterity and spatial perception.
Those interested in becoming a cement mason can complete an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship is a three-year paid program that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction. During the apprenticeship, apprentices learn essential skills in masonry, construction, and safety procedures.
Concrete Laborer
A concrete laborer is a construction worker who prepares the site for pouring concrete. They interpret blueprints, install wire mesh, pour concrete, level surfaces, apply finishing techniques, and perform maintenance work.
They also monitor weather and mix quality. They communicate with the construction manager and other laborers to complete their assigned tasks.
This career requires physical strength and stamina, knowledge of masonry and concrete mixing, and an ability to work with tools. It can be a challenging job but one that is rewarding in the long run.
These professionals often specialize in certain types of concrete projects, such as making kitchen countertops or pouring garage and building floors. They may also imbed rebar to strengthen and support structures like walls, footpaths, and ramps.
Concrete Finisher
What is a concrete worker called?
A concrete finisher works with poured concrete to ensure that it is smooth, durable and attractive. They use a variety of tools and construction equipment to stabilize concrete forms, pour, level and smooth concrete, monitor the curing process and repair damage to concrete surfaces.
They also may perform other duties as assigned by supervisors and foremen on job sites. These duties include reading and interpreting blueprints, code specifications, customer instructions and work-related documents. They may also coordinate jobs with other finishers and labourers on the job site. They often work shifts, over weekends and at night as required.
Concrete Formwork Worker
Concrete is an inexpensive, strong and versatile material used to build many different kinds of structures. Despite this, concrete can be difficult to shape and mold into desired shapes.
For that reason, formwork is an essential part of the construction process. It supports the concrete until it’s dry and cured.
Formwork is the temporary structure that molds and positions the concrete to its desired size and shape, controlling its alignment as well. It’s also a major factor in safety.
During a concrete pour, formwork must be constructed properly and inspected regularly to ensure it meets all required standards. It may be a combination of timber, metal and prefabricated foam.
Timber is one of the most common types of concrete formwork. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, but it can warp if left untreated. Wood can also be painted or treated to reduce this issue. Other types of formwork include metal and stay-in-place structural formwork systems. These are usually assembled on site and are often used for column applications and pier construction.