Finishing & Flatwork

Get the timing right, avoid trapping bleed water, and coordinate sawcuts and tolerances up front.

Also see: Curing · QA/Field Testing · Joints

Placement → Screed → Bull Float

Consolidate as specified; keep a steady head of concrete ahead of the screed.
Initial bull float embeds coarse aggregate and brings paste—avoid overworking the surface.
No water sprinkling; if finishing aids are allowed, follow product data and limits.

Bleed Water & Timing

Wait until bleed water dissipates before troweling; finishing over bleed water causes dusting/delamination.
Use footprint/edge tests; watch wind/sun/RH (plastic shrinkage). Consider evaporation retardants.
Coordinate hot-/cold-weather plans with the producer and WVDOH if applicable.

Joints & Tolerances

Sawcut when raveling stops; depth ≈ 1/4 slab thickness (min 1").
Respect aspect ratios; isolate columns/penetrations; plan restraint relief.
Review F-numbers (ACI 117) early; protect floors until acceptance testing.

Finishes

Broom: consistent texture, slope to drains, after float/trowel pass per spec.
Steel-troweled: multiple passes with increasing blade angle; avoid early burnishing.
Specialty: expose/seed/hardeners—check compatibility with curing and sealers.

References

ACI 302.1R — Floor & Slab Construction
ACI 117 — Tolerances
ACI 305R / 306 — Hot/Cold Weather (related)

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