Mar 28, 2024  
2021 - 2022 Cowley College Academic Catalog 
    
2021 - 2022 Cowley College Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

CST3239 CONCRETE FINISHING COURSE PROCEDURE


CST3239 CONCRETE FINISHING 

3 Credit Hours

Student Level:  

This course is open to students on the college level in either the freshman or sophomore year and to area high school vocational students.

Catalog Description: 

CST3239 - Concrete Finishing (3 hrs.) 

Students will be introduced to the basics of concrete finishing. Students will receive instruction in the profession, including safety, proper use of tools, mathematics used, reading prints and drawings, how to work with the different types of materials, equipment, base skills, and other hands on activities use in concrete finishing.

Course Classification: 

Lecture/Lab

Prerequisites: 

None

Controlling Purpose: 

This course is designed to help the student increase their knowledge regarding fundamentals of industrial related masonry techniques, tools used, terminology, materials, and practices.

Learner Outcomes: 

  • Knowledge of terminology and it meaning as related to Construction and Concrete Industry.  

  • Be able apply basic OSHA guidelines for compliance.  

  • Solve basic problems, apply basic technical knowledge, exhibit teamwork, preform basic mathematics, and apply critical thinking. 

  • Apply safety principles in a work environment to minimize hazards and prevent losses to productivity.  

  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in reading and understanding technical documents and blueprints.

Unit Outcomes for Criterion Based Evaluation: 

The following outline defines the minimum core content not including the final examination period. Instructors may add other material as time allows.

UNIT 1: Introduction to Concrete Finishing

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully describe and use tools and terminology used in the industry.

  • Identify and explain the use of floats, trowels, edger’s and groovers. 

  • Define and use related terminology. 

  • List and explain the requirements for cutting joints. 

  • Identify a variety and explain the types of saws used in making joint cuts. 

  • Explain the responsibility of companies and the ethical care to customers. 

  • Identify and describe the characteristics of professionalism. 

  • Identify the components needed in concrete and how to mix it. 

  • Explain the components used in concrete.  

  • Explain the testing used to determine strength and rigidly.   

  • Identify basic tools used in concrete. 

  • Describe and explain each tool used in the industry. 

  • Demonstrate how these tools are used safely. 

  • Demonstrate proper care and storage of tools. 

  • Demonstrate proper lifting and moving of large tools and equipment. 

  • Describe basic problem for the processes of placing, finishing and curing concrete. 

  • Explain the basic process of troubleshooting.

UNIT 2: Safety 

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully describe and use the necessary PSE.  

  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety factors used in the industry. 

  • Recognize different safety violations. 

  • Define what can cause accidents. 

  • Describe consequences and repercussions from poor safety practices. 

  • Demonstrate proper use of personal protective equipment, hand tools, and power tools. 

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of critical safety information, including; signs, signals, lockouts, tag outs, and emergency response.  

  • Demonstrate proper handling of materials. 

  • Demonstrate safety procedures for both ground and elevated work areas.

UNIT 3: Preparing Site, Placing and Forming

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully describe and use necessary equipment and prepare a site.

  • Identify and explaining site layout. 

  • Explain and Identify forms requirements.  

  • Describe and utilize subgrade preparation.  

  • Explain and identify requirements for various types of joints. 

  • Explain forming requirements. 

  • List and Explain the types of forms and forming materials used in the industry. 

  • Discuss and identify types of form accessories. 

  • Explain the placement and use of anchors, embedments and form removal. 

  • Describe the steps used in the construction of steps, stairs, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveways and low vertical structures. 

  • Demonstrate the ability to ordering concrete from a mixing or batch plant. 

  • Explain the information on conveying and placing fresh concrete using various equipment.

UNIT 4: Mathematics, Measurement, Drawings and Specifications 

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully use and discuss the mathematical, measurement, drawings and specs needed in construction.

  • Describe and demonstrate the ability to perform the mathematical calculations required for these trades, including; material estimates, cost estimates, and square footage.  

  • Demonstrate the ability to perform and apply the various measuring technique used in the industry. 

  • Demonstrate the knowledge of site layout, surveying, and calculating slope.  

  • Describe and identify basic codes for concrete. 

  • Identify selected electrical, mechanical, and plumbing symbols used on plans. 

  • Relate information on blueprints to actual locations on the print.  

  • Interpret and use drawing dimensions, elevations, schedules, sections, and details contained in basic construction plans. 

  • Identify and use different scales used by architects.  

  • Describe the methods and techniques used in estimating material quantity needed for different situations.

UNIT 5: Reinforcement 

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully use and apply their knowledge of concrete reinforcement.

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the metal components used in masonry. 

  • Explain how each metal component is used, why used and how to install. 

  • Describe the physical and chemical properties of concrete. 

  • Explain the difference in concrete type and usage.

UNIT 7: Finishing and Floors

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully apply finishing techniques to cured concrete.

  • Describe techniques for spreading, consolidating and striking off concrete.  

  • Explain architectural concrete and finishes.  

  • Describe surface classes of architectural concrete and treatments commonly used. 

  • Demonstrate the procedures for inspection and testing. 

  • Explain concrete treatment methods. 

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of basic finishing techniques for slabs and other horizontal structures. 

  • Explain and describe the techniques and procedures used in industrial flooring. 

  • List and explain the requirements for the construction of super flat flooring. 

  • List, explain and indicate proper use of tools needed in finishing work. 

  • Describe the methods and processes in curing and protecting concrete. 

  • List and describe the different types of finishes that can be applied.

UNIT 8: Repair and Restoration

Outcomes: Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to successfully apply basic repair and restoration techniques to concrete.

  • Define the problems that can be found in existing masonry.  

  • Identify and explain the techniques used in masonry repair; tucking point, brick replacement, crack sealing, waterproofing and stain removal. 

  • Explain the requirements for making repairs to concrete base and list specific problems with each possible solution. 

  • Demonstrate and explain each repair method. 

  • Describe and utilize each tool used in the repair method.

Projects Required: 

as assigned.

Textbook: 

Contact Bookstore for current textbook.

Attendance Policy: 

Students should adhere to the attendance policy outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Grading Policy: 

The grading policy will be outlined by the instructor in the course syllabus.

Maximum class size: 

Based on classroom occupancy.

Course Time Frame: 

The U.S. Department of Education, Higher Learning Commission and the Kansas Board of Regents define credit hour and have specific regulations that the college must follow when developing, teaching and assessing the educational aspects of the college.  A credit hour is an amount of work represented in intended learning outcomes and verified by evidence of student achievement that is an institutionally-established equivalency that reasonably approximates not less than one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of two hours of out-of-class student work for approximately fifteen weeks for one semester hour of credit or an equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.  The number of semester hours of credit allowed for each distance education or blended hybrid courses shall be assigned by the college based on the amount of time needed to achieve the same course outcomes in a purely face-to-face format.

Refer to the following policies:

402.00 Academic Code of Conduct 

263.00 Student Appeal of Course Grades 

403.00 Student Code of Conduct

Disability Services Program:   

Cowley College, in recognition of state and federal laws, will accommodate a student with a documented disability.  If a student has a disability which may impact work in this class which requires accommodations, contact the Disability Services Coordinator.   

DISCLAIMER: THIS INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. FOR THE OFFICIAL COURSE PROCEDURE CONTACT ACADEMIC AFFAIRS.