Vibrating screed. Purpose, characteristics, types and choice

The quality of work associated with laying concrete depends on the efficiency of compaction of the working mixture. When concreting floors, forming screeds and pouring mortar into formwork, professional builders compact liquid concrete with a special tool. The vibrating screed helps remove air inclusions from the concrete mass, extending the service life of the monolith, increasing wear resistance, strengthening and leveling the surface. Thanks to its simple design, it is easy to make it yourself, saving money.

Floating electric screed

Vibrating screed for laying concrete - purpose, scope of use and design

Popular among professional builders, a vibratory screed is a special device that resembles a regular rule with a vibration motor. The displacement of the center of mass during accelerated rotation of the rotor causes vibration of the working surface. The metal structure is made in the form of a frame made of hollow profiles.

Purpose of the vibrating screed:

• transmission of low-frequency vibrations through the concrete surface deep into the mass;
• formation of a flat concrete base when moving the device.

Depending on the volume of construction work, various types of tools can be used:

• professional equipment purchased in a store;
• vibrating screed, made with your own hands at home.

The slats differ in design features, as well as in the size of the working platform. For example, a feature of the sectional design is the ability to change the length of the working surface, and the floating one is the ability to adjust the angular position of the working handle.

Vibrating screed EV-270A
The use of vibration compactors allows builders to solve a range of problems associated with laying concrete :

• pour floors;
• arrange sites;
• concrete screed;
• ensure horizontal road surfaces;
• build pedestrian crossings;
• build bridges.

The rail has a simple design. It consists of the following nodes :

• a metal platform, the working surface of which transmits vibration to the concrete;
• a small-sized drive device, which is a source of low-frequency vibrations;
• a cantilever handle, thanks to which the operator moves the rack.

Vibrating screeds are designed for the following purposes:

• accelerated removal of moisture from the massif after laying concrete;
• increasing the homogeneity of the concrete mixture;
• removing air inclusions from concrete;
• increasing the strength properties of the monolith;
• ensuring the horizontal surface of the concrete.

As a result of the transmission of low-frequency vibrations through vibration, performance indicators change:

• strength increases;

Vibrating screed for concrete with guides

• wear resistance increases;
• the service life increases;
• density increases;
• improves appearance and surface quality.

Compared with industrial grouting devices and large grinding machines, homemade vibrating lathe is widely used in private construction due to the following advantages:

• versatility;
• compactness;
• functionality;
• practicality;
• reliability.

Vibrating slats are used on open construction sites, as well as on objects to which there is no power supply.

Operating principle and structure of the rack

The vibration screed consists of two elements:

• Rigid, durable frame. Consists of two parallel slats or wide strips made of high-quality alloy steel or thick aluminum. Lightweight aluminum does not corrode, is easier to maintain and lasts a long time. Steel planks are cheaper.
• Vibration system. A gasoline or electric engine drives the frame into asynchronous motion.

The device moves along the plane manually. When the motor starts, a rotational motion is transmitted, causing translational vibrations of the rack. The vibration of the frame compacts the solution, releasing air from the voids. A vibration screed with a gasoline engine is more powerful and efficient than an electric one. But a gasoline-powered unit emits harmful waste products into the environment, so it is recommended to compact concrete indoors using an electrically driven device.

The length of the planks reaches 10 meters, which allows the structure to be used for leveling surfaces of any size. On large areas it is more convenient to compact with an autonomous gasoline engine. The marks left behind are removed with a grinding machine while the cement screed hardens.

Types of vibration devices

Divided into 3 types:

• Floating, non-retractable. The simplest ones, intended for private use. Their power does not exceed 1.2 kW. The area of ​​the compacted surface is limited by the length (no more than 3 meters) of the floating rigidly fixed strip.
• Telescopic, sliding. The devices are practical and versatile, allowing you to compact concrete screeds of any size. When extending, the slats increase the length to 10 meters. The leveling frame of such units consists of two bars. Designed for use by professional builders. Structurally more complex, they cost more than floating models.
• Sectional. The working part is increased by adding additional triangular frames to the rule. Functional, with convenient adjustment.

• Before starting, the tool is carefully checked: the bar must be clean, the fasteners are securely tightened;
• the operating engine must not be touched;
• after turning off the device, the rack is washed with water;
• if necessary, work with a gasoline model indoors, ensure good ventilation;
• The electric motor must be grounded.

Prices for vibrating screeds

The table shows the cost of some popular vibrating screed models:

Assembling a basic vibration screed with your own hands

To compact a concrete surface in a small room in 30 minutes, a disposable device is assembled from scrap materials. For production you will need:

• A smooth, strong board 3-3.5 cm wide, 25-28 cm long, 50-60 cm long.
• Handle made of a block or pole up to 1.5 m long.
• Drill with button lock.
• Aluminum mounting plates.

The tool is assembled in the following order:

• The surface of the board must be smooth; for this it is cleaned and sanded.
• The drill is fixed with aluminum plates and self-tapping screws on a wooden plank in the middle so that the axis of rotation of the chuck and the center of the board coincide.
• The handle is filed at an angle and similarly secured to the board with an oblique cut.
• A rod with a shifted center of gravity is installed in the drill chuck: a piece of reinforcement, a crooked drill bit, or a clamping key to the chuck.

The button of the drill connected to the network is clamped and fixed. The vibration created by the displaced center of gravity of an object inserted into the chuck is transmitted to the board.

The metal profile is more even and smooth than the board. And the weight and power of the units sold make it possible to use long slats and cover a large area, but for a single use such a vibrating screed will do.

Assembling a metal rail

For many craftsmen, the main difficulty is the lack of a welding machine and skills in handling it. In this case, welding of parts is replaced by a bolted connection.

For production you will need:

• steel channel, profile pipe or aluminum rail of the required length (1.5-2 meters or more);
• 2 corners 4x4 20x25 cm or channel sections;
• 2 pieces of pipe or fittings for handles of a convenient length;
• vibration motor, electric motor or internal combustion engine (for example, from a chain saw or walk-behind tractor, together with a clutch).

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• Corners are welded on top of the center of the channel across the strip. The distance between them is determined by the size of the engine. Holes for mounting the motor are drilled and it is installed. The fasteners are tightened thoroughly so that the vibration is transferred to the frame and the motor does not come loose.
• Handles made of the selected material are welded on both sides of the engine. When working with an electrical device, they are isolated and the motor is grounded. Having the appropriate knowledge in electrical engineering, a speed controller is installed on the handle.

Homemade vibrating screed - types of special tools

Vibration compactors are classified according to the following characteristics:

• design features;
• area of ​​use;
• drive station power;
• metal structure material;
• the size of the site.

Do-it-yourself vibrating screed for laying concrete.
The devices also differ :

• amplitude of oscillations. The frequency of vibration depends on the mass of the eccentric and the design of the drive;
• weight. As the mass of the device increases, the depth that is subject to compaction increases;
• productivity. The most effective seals are those that transmit an increased level of vibration at low speeds;
• cost. Products from well-known manufacturers and professional tools have an increased price.

Vibratory ramming work can be carried out:

• indoors. An electric floating vibration screed is used;
• on an open construction site. A floating petrol vibration screed is used.

The oscillation generator can operate from various sources:

• electricity. The connection can be made to a household power supply, an electric generator or a battery. They are characterized by noiselessness, environmental safety, versatility and affordable price;

  
  Gasoline vibrating screed

• gasoline. Petrol driven racks can only be used on an open construction site. Features: increased power, efficiency, autonomy. Productivity depends on the weight of the vibrating tool.

The following types of devices are used to perform tasks of vibratory compaction of solid concrete::

• vibrating screed floating. Floating platform equipment is a lightweight design for fine leveling. Installed directly on the surface to be treated. With a platform length of up to five meters, the tool compacts the massif to a depth of up to 20 cm. Features of the floating type slats are low weight and ease of maintenance;
• telescopic vibrating screed for concrete. This is a device whose movement is carried out only along special guides. Has a working platform more than 6 meters long. The design allows you to increase the length of the working part to improve the performance of the vibration compaction. Low frequency oscillations penetrate into the array to a depth of 0.3 m;
• sectional vibrating screed. It consists of individual elements, the design of which allows you to increase the length of the working surface up to 30 cm, which increases the area processed in one go. The increased mass of the metal structure provides an increased depth of vibration compaction. Universal equipment is used for large-scale construction work;
• aluminum vibration screed. For laying concrete with your own hands, such a tool is indispensable, thanks to the light weight of the aluminum frame. The device, made of a lightweight profile, can be carried on a construction site by one worker. Aluminum vibrating tools can easily slide along guides and also “float” independently on concrete.

Application of the Atlas Copco BT90 modular vibrating screed

There are also reversible units that can change the direction of movement.

Description of the electric model TSS VR-3 203233

This model is intended for leveling and compacting the mixture when laying floors, platforms and other coverings. The profile, as in the model described above, is made of aluminum and ensures easy movement along the surface. The tool is a rigid profile with a fixed length. With its help you can achieve a durable and smooth surface. The power of this electric vibrating screed is 250 W. Its length is 3 m. Movement is carried out along guides. The device weighs 45 kg. Horsepower is 0.34.

Homemade vibrating screed for concrete - specifics of use

Despite the simplicity of the design, follow certain rules when working with a vibrating compactor:

• check the operation of the equipment before starting;
• mount, if necessary, guides at the zero level;
• use a lath with a power corresponding to the thickness of the concrete layer;
• pour concrete mortar onto the base two centimeters above the level of the guides;
• start the vibration installation and gradually move the device;
• control the invariance of the position of the beacons during the operation of the rack;
• add small portions of concrete mixture in areas of subsidence;
• clean the metal structure from adhering solution;
• Clean up any defects on the finished surface after the concrete has hardened.

Compliance with these rules will ensure the quality of the formed surface and make it easier to work with the tool.

Description

A vibrating screed for concrete is a special type of equipment used for laying, compacting and leveling concrete mixtures. With this tool, compaction work can be carried out on almost any surface. Thanks to this approach, it is possible to improve the quality of concrete pavements and extend their service life.

In the process of using the described device, it is possible to remove excess water and air from concrete. This increases the wear resistance and strength of the future structure. A vibrating screed for concrete consists of an aluminum or steel frame and a vibration unit, the latter of which is powered by an electric or gasoline engine. The frame length can reach 10 m, while the minimum value is 0.5 m.

How to make a vibrating screed yourself

To make a vibrating power tool, prepare the following materials and equipment:

• metal profile for frame assembly;

Testing a vibrating screed for pouring a floor

• plates and corners for making a platform;
• vibrator with fasteners;
• blanks for the future handle;
• power cable;
• electric drill;
• grinder;
• welding machine.

Produce according to the following algorithm:

1. Prepare the blanks.
2. Weld a metal frame.
3. Weld the handle to the frame.
4. Attach the vibration motor.
5. Connect the power cord.

After applying voltage, check the reliability of the assembly.

Do-it-yourself vibrating screed for concrete - optimal parameters

When making a small device for household needs, pay attention to the following nuances:

• the length of the working part, which should not exceed 2–2.5 m;
• drive power, which corresponds to 1.2–1.5 kW.

The guides are installed level, which avoids unevenness of the poured base

Before production begins, you should decide on the design features and develop a drawing.

Description of the petrol model NARVIN VRB 4-7 045-0582

This vibrating screed is a high-tech equipment and is excellent for use on construction sites where there are no external power sources. The guides can be changed in length from 4 to 7 m, which expands the range of use of the device. This vibrating screed, the price of which is quite impressive and amounts to 62,600 rubles, is used for distributing, leveling and compacting the concrete mixture.

The equipment is powered by a gasoline engine, which is quite powerful and provides high operating efficiency. Power is 4000 W. The unit is powered by a four-stroke engine. Horsepower is 2.9.

This vibrating screed, the price of which is justified, has many positive features, among them the following should be highlighted:

• convenient service;
• reinforced structure;
• sustainable work.

As for ease of maintenance, it is expressed in the favorable location of the fuel tank. This allows the operator to easily refuel. It is impossible not to mention the reinforced structure. The equipment is strong and rigid thanks to the cross bars.

The service life of the vibration screed is extended, because the manufacturer has taken care of damping pads. The design is telescopic and does not provide for additional maintenance. The aluminum profile is lightweight. As practice shows, this model of equipment is highly efficient.