The mechanical effort applied to wet concrete to eliminate large air pockets and force the mix to settle tightly against formwork and reinforcement. This is usually achieved using internal vibrators, vibrating screeds, or external form vibrators. Proper compaction ensures maximum structural density and a smooth surface finish.
Heard on the job
Hit that corner again with the stinger, we need better compaction around those heavy rebar cages.
Do not mix it up with
- Consolidation: In concrete terminology, consolidation is the exact same process, though soil engineers use compaction strictly for dirt.
Related terms
Consolidation
Working fresh concrete, usually by vibration, so it fills the form completely and releases trapped air.
Stinger
An internal concrete vibrator, or specifically the vibrating head on the end of its flexible shaft.
Honeycomb
Patches of bare, loosely bound stone with open gaps, left where paste never worked in around the coarse rock.