RC 106 - Concrete and Foundations

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 4

Introduces practical methods and procedures of preparing and setting concrete forms for such areas as basement floors, garage floors, driveways, sidewalks, patios, etc. Requires participation in an active lab that supports on-site building projects. Focus on the concrete and masonry aspects of the construction process, provides experience in additional construction activities in support of the building process.

Prerequisite(s): ARC 101 is highly recommended
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 45
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: Yes

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate knowledge of the basic components of concrete.
1. Describe each basic component
2. Illustrate the proportioning of the basic components
3. Analyze the importance in the relationship of the proportioning of the components
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic types of cements.
1. List five different types of cements
2. Explain the use of each type of cement
3. Discriminate between the use of cements and admixtures
Describe the importance of the concrete mixing water.
1. Describe the properties of proper mixing water
2. Illustrate the negative effects of poor mixing water
Demonstrate understanding of the role of aggregates in concrete mix design.
1. List the percentages of concrete aggregates
2. Analyze how percentages impact strength of concrete
Demonstrate understanding of the importance of concrete admixtures.
1. List major concrete admixtures
  1. Illustrate the knowledge of the special use of admixtures
  2. Interpret the correct or incorrect use of admixturs
Compute proportioning for normal weight concrete.
1. Describe the two basic batching methods for concrete
2. Calculate the quantities for a sample batch
3. Compare the accuracy of the two methods.
Demonstrate understanding of the placing and finishing of concrete.
1. List the steps in the placing of concrete
2. Illustrate the understanding and importance of each step
3. Practice steps with fieldwork for Habitat for Humanity
Discuss the importance of proper concrete curing.
1. Define what is proper curing
2. Explain importance of curing in relation to concrete strength
Calculate the volume of various concrete structures.
1. Calculate volume for footings and foundations
2. Develop “cheat” numbers for volume problems
Practice the testing of concrete qualities.
1. Discuss the various tests used to verify concrete quality
2. Practice simple test during on-site projects
3. Examine further testing at a concrete testing company