Mixing Concrete

ACSF Assessment tasks

Mixing concrete

Target core skills

This task covers ACSF:
· Reading, Writing and Numeracy at Level 2
· Reading and Numeracy at Level 3.

Target audience

This task has been developed for workers in the Construction industry, but could also be used for candidates who have completed concreting-type tasks around the home.

Content coverage

The task includes reading and interpreting instructions on a brochure and applying them to various circumstances. It includes a role play to answer a telephone inquiry about the information included in the brochure.

Instructions to assessor

Part A of the task requires the candidate to:
· read the brochure
· write answers to the questions that relate to the information in the brochure, which involves carrying out some numeracy tasks.
Ask the candidate to read the text and check they understand the words. Ask the candidate to complete the questions that follow.
Part B of the task involves a role play of a telephone call, where the assessor plays the part of making an inquiry about a concreting task. This task is designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate ACSF Level 3 Oral Communication.

ACSF mapping

Question / ACSF skill level indicator / Domains of Communication
1 / 2.03 2.04 / Workplace and employment and/or
Education and training
2 / 2.04
3 / 2.03 2.04
4 / 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06
5 / 2.09
6 / 2.09 2.10 2.11
7 - 8 / 3.09 3.10 3.11
Part B / 2.07 or 3.07
2.08 or 3.08
3.09 3.10 3.11

Mixing concrete downloaded from www.precisionconsultancy.com.au/acs_framework

Mixing concrete

Part A: Interpret a brochure

Mixing concrete:
Basics and handy hints
Concrete is used in a wide variety of building projects both domestic and commercial. Concrete is a safe, strong and simple building material.
EXPERT TOOLS PTY LTD
Small Building Specialists
Check our website for a store near you!
www.expertools.com.au / Materials
· Water
· Sand
· Cement
· Stone or gravel
Tools
· Hose
· Bucket
· Shovel
· Mixing container, e.g. wheelbarrow
· Rent a concrete mixer for larger projects
Ratios
High strength concrete mix ratio
· 1 part cement
· 2 parts sand
· 3 parts stone or gravel
Gives high strength concrete that is good for ponds, concrete panels and building slabs
General use concrete mix ratio
· 1 part cement
· 2.5 parts sand
· 3 parts stone or gravel
This concrete is good paths, floors and driveways. / Directions
Using a shovel to put the correct ratio of materials in the mixing container. Slowly begin adding water to the mixture, mixing from the bottom and turning the shovel over repeatedly. Gradually add more water and occasionally stab the mixture with the blade of the shovel. Keep mixing for 2 or 3 minutes after all the materials are thoroughly mixed. The concrete should be smooth – not wet and runny or dry and crumbly.
Handy hints
· Allow time to finish the job in one go
· Gravel strengthens concrete, however too much gravel can make it difficult to get a smooth finish
· If the mix is too wet add small amounts of sand and gravel in the correct ratios
· If the mix is too stiff add small amounts of water and cement
· Clean up all the tools and mixing container as soon as you are finished with them
· Water should be clean, fresh and free from any dirt, unwanted chemicals or rubbish
· Always ‘cure’ the concrete to achieve best strength and hardness

Name: Date:

Mixing concrete downloaded from www.precisionconsultancy.com.au/acs_framework

Refer to the brochure above to answer the following questions.

1. Who published this brochure and why do you think they produced it?

2. How can I find out where their stores are located?

3. Provide at least three examples for how concrete might be used in:

Domestic projects / Commercial projects

4. In your own words describe why you think each of the following hints is important:

· Allow time to finish the job in one go

· Clean up all the tools and mixing container as soon as you are finished with them

· Water should be clean, fresh and free from any dirt, unwanted chemicals or rubbish

5. Expert Tools have a 1300 number where the last six numbers match the name ‘EXPERT”. What is the number?

1300 ______

6. On the grid below indicate which section represents which material that is used in making concrete (cement, sand, stone/gravel), according to the ‘High strength concrete mix ratio’.

7. Which pie chart below shows the correct ratios for cement, sand and gravel for high strength concrete? (Circle your answer.)

A / B / C

8. Complete the following table by calculating the correct amount of material (parts) for each of the following examples. Show how you worked out your answers.

Project / Total amount of dry ingredients / Cement / Sand / Gravel/stones
Fish pond / 12
Garden path / 5
Driveway / 9

Part B: Role play a telephone inquiry

You will play the part of a worker at Handy Tools Pty Ltd. Imagine you are new in the job and want to make a good impression. Your manager is busy. When the phone rings you decide to take the call and try and answer the queries of the telephone caller.

Your assessor will play the part of the caller making the telephone inquiry.

The caller (assessor) rings Handy Tools Pty Ltd and wants to discuss completing a project involving making a circular driveway at the front of his house. The caller asks for advice about how much cement, sand and gravel will need to be ordered, and also about hiring a concrete mixer. You need to discuss with the caller the quantities of materials required, and the pros and cons of hiring a concrete mixer.

Name: Date:

Mixing concrete downloaded from www.precisionconsultancy.com.au/acs_framework