Final answer:
The result of not vibrating forms when pouring concrete is improper settlement and potential air pockets, which compromises the concrete's durability and strength. Vibration is crucial for a smooth surface texture and ensuring the concrete fills all spaces within the formwork properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
If forms are not vibrated when pouring concrete, the concrete will not settle properly and may contain air pockets. Vibration is essential to consolidate the concrete mixture and eliminate voids or air pockets that can weaken the structure. Without vibration, the concrete's durability and strength are compromised, leading to a less sturdy finished product.
During the pouring process, the vibration of concrete forms ensures that the concrete fills all corners and spaces within the formwork, surrounds all the reinforcement properly, and consolidates the concrete for a smooth and even texture on the surface. It is vital for achieving the concrete's desired performance characteristics in terms of load-bearing capacity and longevity.
Unlike what might be assumed, not vibrating concrete does not make it settle faster nor dry quicker. In fact, proper settling is a result of effective compaction achieved through vibration. Improperly vibrated concrete can be weaker and susceptible to defects like honeycombing, which appears as voids on the surface where the aggregate is visible.