When rodding the bottom layer, how should the tamping rod be positioned?

When rodding the bottom layer, positioning the tamping rod slightly inclined is important for several reasons. This technique allows for better compaction of the concrete, as it helps to distribute the force applied through the rod more effectively throughout the mix. The inclined angle also encourages the material to flow and fill voids within the layer, ensuring that air pockets are minimized and that the concrete achieves a denser consistency.

In practical terms, using a slightly inclined position rather than a completely vertical or horizontal stance prevents the rod from merely compacting the surface without reaching deeper into the mix. An inclined position can also assist in achieving a more uniform distribution of the concrete particles, fostering better overall strength and integrity in the cured product. The goal during the rodding process is to ensure that the bottom layer is compacted adequately before adding additional layers, and this method is particularly effective for that.

While other positioning options may seem functional, they do not provide the same level of efficiency and effectiveness for the intended purpose of achieving proper concrete compaction.