Trades Involved In Commercial Concrete Construction
Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials in the world. There are a variety of different jobs that require concrete, and each type of job uses it in a different way and needs a different skill set. From concrete finishers to formwork carpenters, we'll take a look at some of the tradesman jobs within the concrete construction industry and what skills are needed for each one.
Bricklayers
Bricklayers are construction workers who specialize in laying bricks, concrete blocks, and other materials to create walls, foundations, and other structures. Bricklayers must have a good understanding of concrete construction in order to properly lay bricks. They must be able to mix concrete, use various concrete finishing tools, and place concrete in forms. This requires a high level of precision and an eye for detail. As a result, bricklayers must be both creative and technically skilled.
Groundworkers
Groundworkers are an essential part of any construction crew. As the name suggests, they work on the ground, performing a variety of tasks related to concrete construction. This can include preparing the site for concrete pouring and installing underground utilities before foundations are laid. In addition to concrete work, groundworkers may also be responsible for excavating and grading the site, as well as setting up temporary fences and roadways. While groundworkers typically prepare the ground for the foundation to be laid, some groundworkers will also lay the foundations, which can include pouring and laying concrete. With so many responsibilities, groundworkers must be highly skilled in a variety of areas. They must be able to read and understand plans, operate heavy machinery, and safely use a variety of tools and equipment.
Formwork Carpenters
A formwork carpenter is a construction worker who specializes in creating the molds to produce concrete slabs during the construction process. Some formwork carpenters also pour out the concrete and make the concrete slabs using the molds they have produced. These concrete slabs are commonly used for both foundation walls and floors, as well as vertical structures like columns and beams. Formwork carpenters must be able to read blueprints and have a good understanding of concrete construction to be able to create sufficient molds. In addition, they must be able to safely use power tools and heavy equipment.
Concrete Finisher
A concrete finisher is a tradesperson who specializes in making concrete smooth and nicely finished within concrete construction industries. Concrete finishers are responsible for finishing concrete surfaces, which includes tasks such as smoothing, texturing, and coloring. This type of concrete construction trade is used for laying asphalt parking lots, driveways, and foundations of buildings, as these all require smooth and finished concrete and cement mixtures. Some concrete finishers add texture and patterns to their work, using a trowel or other tool. In some cases, the finisher may also need to stain or paint the concrete. After the concrete is finished, the finisher will often need to seal it in order to protect it from weathering and wear.
