Table of Contents
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
D-9.01 - Floats concrete by hand
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-9.02 - Floats concrete by machine
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-10.01 - Edges perimeter of slab
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-10.02 - Finishes extruded concrete surfaces
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-10.03 - Tools contraction joints
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-11.01 - Trowels concrete by hand
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-11.02 - Trowels concrete by machine
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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.
D-12.01 - Applies dry-shake aggregate surface hardeners
Essential Skills: Document Use, Thinking, Numeracy
D-12.01 - Applies dry-shake aggregate surface hardeners
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-12.02 - Applies exposed aggregate finish
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-12.03 - Textures concrete surface
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-12.04 - Applies stamped concrete surface finish
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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
D-12.05 - Applies evaporation reducers
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Skills
| Reference Code |
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
| Reference Code |
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