Pouring concrete requires levelling. In construction, there are two ways to go about it. Using a spirit level, or the modern method of using a laser level. Click here for more information on the type of concrete we deliver.
Traditional methods
Before laser levels, concrete was poured and then finished using a spirit level. Alternatively, a piece of timber in earlier days. Spirit levels use the flat plane to determine a true level. This method was successful, and operators could see the concrete is flat when levelling. The problem? Pouring concrete over a large area. This is because the more surface area there is, the more room for error.
The laser level began development. It uses modern technology and works like a transmitter/receiver for levelling concrete. The laser being the transmitter is set in a fixed position, casting a signal across the site. The receiver is fixed to a staff, and can be adjusted to the desired height for pinpoint-accuracy. This allows the operator to get the same level at any point of concrete.
Drawbacks
But are there drawbacks to a laser? Yes. They are expensive to replace if broken, and take up valuable space in a van. Operators require training in order to use laser levels. Finally, the laser cannot move during operation, or the level will be inaccurate.
So, why not use both? That’s the issue. An experienced operator will say that using both is not possible. This is because a spirit level is using a flat plane for reference to levelling, whereas a laser level is using depth from the receiver down to the concrete. The two methods are producing results from different data and will eventually differ in areas on the concrete. For more information on spirit and laser levels, click here.
Conclusion
There are drawbacks in both. We recommend choosing one of two methods.