Motorized Concrete Screeds
The Problem
- A hand screed requires the worker to be bent over, using a strong grip to pull the board over the wet concrete.
- Workers exert a lot of shoulder and arm force repeatedly.
- Doing this work often or for a long period of time increases the chance of fatigue and pain.
- It puts major stresses on the back, knees, hands, arms, and shoulders, which may lead to serious muscle or joint injuries.
One Solution
- A hand screed requires the worker to be bent over, using a strong grip to pull the board over the wet concrete.
- Workers exert a lot of shoulder and arm force repeatedly.
- Doing this work often or for a long period of time increases the chance of fatigue and pain.
- It puts major stresses on the back, knees, hands, arms, and shoulders, which may lead to serious muscle or joint injuries
How it Works
- The motorized screed’s blade or plow floats on concrete.
- The concrete is levelled by a vibrating aluminum screed, which is powered by a gas or battery powered engine.
- It works best for small to medium-sized jobs.
Benefits
A motorized screed may reduce a worker’s chance of developing muscle and joint injuries.
This equipment greatly reduces the physical effort needed for hand screeding and eliminates the frequent and prolonged stooping.
Screeding with motorized equipment can be faster than hand screeding. Many contractors report improvements in productivity.
The vibration of the blade improves the consolidation of the concrete and reduces time spent “bull floating” the surface.
Potential Drawbacks
A motorized screed may reduce a worker’s chance of developing muscle and joint injuries.
This equipment greatly reduces the physical effort needed for hand screeding and eliminates the frequent and prolonged stooping.
Screeding with motorized equipment can be faster than hand screeding. Many contractors report improvements in productivity.
The vibration of the blade improves the consolidation of the concrete and reduces time spent “bull floating” the surface.
Further Information
- For product descriptions related to this solution see the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR).
- Products may also be found on the internet using the following search terms: “power screed,” “vibratory screed,” or “concrete screed.”
- Local contractor tool and equipment suppliers or rental companies may be another source of information on products.
- Visit the IHSA website
References or resources
The information was used as part of a project “Kramer, D., Bigelow, P., Vi, P., Garritano, E., Wells, R. Encouraging construction companies to adopt innovations to reduce MSDs using different knowledge transfer techniques. 2008-2011. Workplace Safety and insurance Board (Ontario)”. In partnership with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association of Ontario and CRE-MSD.