Institute of Technology, Nirma University

Department of Civil Engineering

B. Tech. Sem VII (Civil Engg.)
Advance Construction Technology
Lecture 16

Vacuum Dewater Flooring

Date:
Introduction :

The need of good flooring, appropriate to the industry has been regarded as a major challenge
in construction technology.

With the advent of pallet trucks, fork lifts and other material handling equipment, the need for
joint less flooring was felt.

One of the major drawback of in situ concrete flooring is of shrinkage cracks and contraction
cracks, resulting in proportionately smaller bays of concreting, resulting in increase of joints.

IPS has been found less effective and requires good amount of maintenance and at times
replacement.

Vacuum Dehydrated Concrete technology has provides low shrinkage, high strength floor
with increased wear resistance, less joints and larger bays (lengths/widths).

Vacuum dewatering technique is developed based on fundamental of water cement ratio and
its impact on concrete strength i.e. lower the water cement ration higher the strength.

Excess water, then that required for the hydration of cement, is sucked away by specially
designed pumps from the freshly laid concrete.

Concrete after dehydrating is brought to, nearly an ideal water-cement ratio. This process
achieves high degree of workability and reduced water-cement ratio, leading obviously to a
higher strength.

Reduced water-cement ratio also results in early setting and strength. The process gives
strengths of concretes from twice to four times the ordinary concrete. The floors have proved
to be highly durable and abrasion resistant and are fast acclaiming preference in industrial
floors and abrasive floors.

CONSTRUCTION ASPECTS OF VD FLOORS

Think About:
Find out construction site of vacuum dewatered floor and observe the process.