Due to the inherent density of concrete, both commercial and residential buildings constructed from concrete are particularly quiet. With concrete, both sound reduction and overall levels of privacy for occupants are assured.
Segmented piers are a fairly new type of foundation repair and are, for the most part, too new to be well-established. Purely price-driven at this point, segmented piers are sometimes affected by fluctuation moisture levels in clay soils.
Did you know that aggregates comprise 75% of concrete by volume? Aggregates serve several functions in the final concrete product, improving the formation and flow of the cement paste and enhancing the structural performance of the concrete.
Which noted early American figure was interested in developing new uses for concrete? If you guessed Benjamin Franklin, you're right. With 49 concrete patents to his name, Franklin was very interested in bringing concrete construction to the American landscape.
If a slab is poured against a fixed foundation element (frost foundations and other fixed items), cracks may develop as the slab moves but the fixed features do not. Isolating joint material must be placed between the two surfaces.
"What's the difference between cement and concrete?" It's common for people to use these terms interchangeably, but they mean different things. Concrete is an aggregate mixture that hardens into a solid mass and can be used in the construction of roads, buildings, and dams. Cement is the "paste" that holds loose concrete elements, like sand and rock, together.
Did you know that the exterior of a precast concrete structure can be left unpainted without damage from the elements? Even if painting is desired, repainting is only needed on average every five to ten years, minimizing maintenance needs.
Concrete cures over time, which means it gets stronger the longer it sets. For example, if you get a new driveway, it usually is strong enough for cars after 4-5 days, but achieves its full strength after 28 days.
When you add an addition to your home, you will need a new foundation poured for it. If underground utilities are in the area where you will be building, they may have to be moved.
When vibrating concrete, the slump of the mixture plays an important role. In general, the lower the slump, the more vibration that is needed. However, both under and over vibrating can lead to honeycombing, and over-vibration can lead to significant loss of air.
Prior to the invention of the transit mixer by Stephen Stepanian, concrete was transported from the plant to the site using ordinary dump trucks. As such, the concrete had to be remixed as the aggregates in it would have already settled by the time it reached the site.
Retaining walls over a certain height require construction permits. Before you get started on your wall, make sure you not only have a good design, but have everything you need to do it legally.
Pouring concrete in winter can be difficult because the water in the concrete cannot evaporate if it is frozen. When working with concrete in the cold, add materials that facilitate curing when temperatures are low.
Although it is fairly common to find shrinkage cracks in the corners of a slab foundation, they should still be addressed by a professional. It may be something as simple as hydraulic cement that is needed. Masonry epoxies and sealants also work and have the dual benefit of preventing water from entering the foundation.
One of the biggest differences between concrete and asphalt pavement is that concrete is rigid whereas asphalt is flexible. Thus, concrete stands up much better to shifts in the ground that occur over time or with seasonal weather changes.
Do wood and concrete function well together? If you guessed no, you're right. Since concrete can be corrosive to wood over time, these two ingredients are not typically considered compatible for long term applications.
Care to guess how much concrete is produced annually worldwide? Although the geographical areas of highest production change from year to year, the production figures for concrete hover around 7.8 billion cubic yards annually.
So what exactly is a spread foundation? This consists of a concrete or block frame around the outer perimeter of the building that’s considerably thicker than the walls themselves, allowing for better weight distribution of the structure.
When you’re finally ready to add extra space to your business’s parking lot, you may wonder whether to use asphalt or concrete. Remember that concrete has a more stable price than asphalt and provides superior durability.
Foundations for homes really took off after in the building boom following World War II. With the country’s great housing expansion, pressure was on to build homes quickly. Concrete foundations became known as a faster and cheaper approach to building projects in shorter times than using posts, beams, joists and sheathing.
Using precast concrete components can keep your project moving forward, especially when weather is wreaking havoc with deadlines. Because precast materials are created in a factory setting, their production can continue even when site work is delayed.
Foundation types vary. "Every house is built on a foundation, but not every house is built on the same foundation," writes About.com.
Which two countries are currently the biggest customers for cement (a key component in the building trade and a common indicator of economic growth)? If you guessed China and Brazil, you're right.
If you're a locavore who believes in supporting your local economy when it comes to everything from sourcing food to finding clean energy, concrete is likely one of your building materials of choice. Why? It's locally sourced and provides employment to workers in your community.