A poker vibrator consist of an electric weight encased in a housing and may be driven by an electric or pneumatic motor or a petrol or diesel engine. Poker diameters range from 25 to 75 mm.
A poker vibrator should be used as follows
Insert the vibrator quickly. When compaction is complete, withdraw it slowly to avoid leaving a hole.
Compaction is complete when the surface of the concrete gets a water sheen and air bubbles no longer break through it.
Concrete must be placed in layers and the tip of the poker must penetrate the layer below to knit the concrete.
The poker must be inserted at regular intervals in both directions. Points of insertion should be no more than 10 times poker diameter.
Where void formers occur, concrete should be placed and compacted from one side until it has flowed under the obstruction.
The poker must not touch the formwork.
Slump of concrete for compacting by means of a poker vibrator is normally between 50 to 125 mm.