What is the first step in the process of finishing standard weight concrete slabs?

The first step in the process of finishing standard weight concrete slabs is bleeding. Bleeding refers to the phenomenon where excess water rises to the surface of freshly placed concrete after it has been consolidated. This process is essential because it indicates that the concrete is still in a workable state and informs the contractor about when to proceed with other finishing operations. Understanding the timing of bleeding helps avoid issues such as surface scaling or cracking by ensuring that the surface is not disturbed too early.

While other activities like screeding, edging, and jointing are critical in the finishing process, they occur after bleeding has occurred. Screeding, for instance, is the process of leveling the concrete to the desired height immediately after placement, while edging involves rounding the edges of the slab to prevent chipping, and jointing creates intentional cracks to control where the concrete may crack during curing. Thus, recognizing the sequence of these processes underscores the importance of monitoring bleeding as the initial step in achieving a smooth and durable concrete surface.