BCT 123 - Concrete/Masonry

1. Define terms associated with concrete construction.
2. Determine the composition and characteristics of concrete.
3. Differentiate the uses of concrete as a building material.
4. Identify the effects of craftsmanship on finished concrete.
5. Explain the concrete construction process.
6. Establish on site operations and work requirements.
7. Review the history of masonry.
8. Describe modern masonry materials and methods.

1. Trade Terminology
   1. Admixtures
   2. Tools
   3. Cement
   4. Hydration
   5. Aggregates
   6. Plasticizing
   7. Working the concrete terms
   8. Pre-stressed
   9. Post-tensioned and pre-tensioned
2. Composition and Characteristics of Concrete
   1. Cement, water, aggregates, admixtures
   2. Availability of raw materials
   3. Versatility
   4. Strength
   5. Hardening in the presence of water
   6. Durability
3. Uses of Concrete as a Building Material
   1. Slabs on grade
   2. Elevated structural elements
   3. Pipes and culverts
   4. Examples of use of concrete:  locks, dams, bridges, docks, tunnels, traffic barriers, curbs, gutters, retaining walls, light poles, railroad cross ties, storm drains, roads, sidewalks, counter tops, and airport runways
4. Effects of Craftsmanship on Finished Concrete
   1. Placing
   2. Consolidation
   3. Forms
   4. Screeding
   5. Bull floating
   6. Edging
   7. Jointing
   8. Troweling
   9. Brooming
5. Concrete Construction Process
   1. Finishing
   2. Tamping
   3. Sealing
   4. Form removal
   5. Mixing
   6. Placing
   7. Curring
   8. Manpower requirements
   9. Installing reinforcement
   10. How to transport material
   11. How to use tools for each phase of placement and finishing
   12. Safety precautions
6. Site Operations and Work Set-Up
   1. Dependability
   2. Responsibility
   3. Team player
   4. Recognize an unsafe situation
   5. Quality work
   6. Skills
   7. Initiative
7. History of Masonry
   1. From prehistory to the industrial revolution
   2. Clay bricks
   3. Hand formed-sun dried bricks
   4. Kiln-fired
   5. Famous arches
   6. Rise of masons
   7. After the industrial revolution
8. Modern Masonry Materials and Methods
   1. Clay products developed and improved
   2. Brick making process improved
   3. Hollow masonry units
   4. Architectural terra cotta
   5. Concrete products
   6. Developed block with air cells
   7. Blocks made with cinder
   8. Admixtures, color dyes
   9. Rafstra-altra lights
   10. Blocks made from recycled materials