Manufacturing and Production

Concrete Block and Paver Production

A block plant sells a dimension and a strength, and both are produced by a machine that compacts a nearly dry mix in under a minute, which leaves almost no margin for a mix that is wrong. This course covers running that machine well. Delegates work through aggregate grading for zero slump mixes and why the fines content decides both compaction and surface finish. Cement content and the strength it buys are addressed against cost. Moisture control is treated as the central variable, since a mix that is too dry will not compact and one that is too wet will slump on demoulding. Machine operation follows: vibration, compaction pressure, cycle time and mould condition. Face mix and coloured pavers are covered, including pigment dosing and colour consistency between batches. Curing is addressed across yard, chamber and steam methods. Dimensional tolerance and strength testing follow. Efflorescence and its causes are covered. The course closes on cubing, handling damage and yard stock management.