What process removes air pockets and ensures that concrete fills all parts of the forms?

The process that removes air pockets and guarantees that concrete fills all parts of the forms is consolidation. During this phase, the concrete is agitated and vibrated to allow air to escape and ensure a dense, uniform mixture. Proper consolidation is critical because trapped air can lead to weak spots and reduce the overall strength of the finished product.

Compaction, while closely related, refers more generally to the overall process of increasing the density of the concrete, which includes consolidation as a key component. Mixing, on the other hand, involves blending the components of the concrete before placement, and pouring simply refers to the act of placing the concrete into the forms. Both mixing and pouring do not address the need for removing air pockets specifically, which is why consolidation stands out as the correct answer.