What is slurry? We’re glad you asked. It’s a general term for the sand, gravel, water and cement that are blended into a smooth, flowable mixture that can be pumped underneath foundations and slabs to lift and stabilize them.
We realize that not every business owner loves the idea of increasing the temperature outside their building over the summer by using asphalt. Let’s talk about how using concrete for your parking area can provide superior comfort and performance.
While a strong foundation is a must for every building, ground preparation is even more crucial. Knowing the type of soil and the conditions present means that the most appropriate foundation can be utilized for the project.
Pozzolan is the name of an early concrete, which has been used for buildings and roads for more than 4000 years. Pozzolan is a true marvel. Made from volcanic ash, lime and aggregate, it bonds with stone, hardens in water, and grows stronger as it cures.
So what exactly is a frost protected shallow foundation (FPSF)? This foundation building method provides protection for the structure without any digging below the frost line, using insulated concrete to provide protection instead.
"Slump" is a technical term in the concrete industry, and refers to how workable the material is in its liquid state; it is a measure of its consistency. The greater the slump of the concrete, the better its workability.
What exactly is pre-cast concrete? This is concrete that is poured and cured in a reusable form or mold. The curing process takes place in a controlled environment. The pre-cast concrete is then transported to the site of a build, ready for use.
Cement may seem like an unromantic material to use in home construction, but it's actually pretty remarkable. For instance, concrete has four to eight times the insulating capability of wood. For energy conservation and efficiency, it's a homeowner's best friend.
Concrete is essentially man-made rock. However, unlike natural rock, the performance of the concrete mixture can be manipulated to meet certain parameters set by engineers. To be able to do this, additives known as chemical admixtures are used.
One of the benefits of concrete construction lies in the high rate of durability of the concrete. When well-designed and well-placed, concrete is exceptionally durable and offers a very long life cycle for the structure.
Even if your driveway or parking lot is in good shape, investing in preventative maintenance such as crack filling and seal coating, is an excellent way to protect your investment. This will also provide you with a safer surface to navigate.
A major advantage of precast concrete products is the advanced quality control that’s available during the manufacturing process. Inspections can be done for dimensional accuracy, properties of the hardened concrete, and position of reinforcement.
Concrete curbs and gutters are used to direct water runoff toward catch basins. Concrete curbs and gutters can also be designed in the form of a ramp known as a roll curb. Most homebuilders prefer roll curbs because they combine efficiency with cost effectiveness.
Fly ash (a product of coal-burning plants) can be used to replace as much as 15 to 30 percent of the cement in the mixture. Fly ash offers several benefits, in that it improves workability, is easier to finish, and reduces the heat generated by the concrete.
Concrete reinforced with steel bars not only improved its fire resistance but also its strength under tension, or flexing. Concrete and steel also expand similarly under heat stress. Not to mention that steel is protected physically and chemically when embedded in concrete.
If you are pouring a large expanse, but have a small crew, consider breaking the large area into a series of smaller ones. Trying to create a large slab with inadequate help leads to inconsistent curing times for the concrete, and this can cause structural problems.
Identifying foundation damage can be tricky, but there are some pretty straightforward tell-tale signs. Small cracks, peeling paint, leaks, dampness, and mold or mildew smells are unmistakable and point to physical damage of your foundation.
No building can be made without a sewage or drainage system. For further proof that pre-cast concrete can be used for any build, there are pre-cast molds specifically created for sewage and drainage systems. They can withstand harsh environments.
The first concrete road in the U.S. was laid by George Bartholomew in 1891. It was placed in Belefontaine, Ohio, and still survives today as a test to the strength and durability of concrete.
What if the pre-cast concrete needs to be replaced? In the very unlikely chance that the concrete will need to be replaced, then it is usually an easy fix. And the fix will not be expensive. Fixing pre-cast is very cost effective.
When cracks or other damage to the foundation goes unchecked, it can result in displaced or damaged gas, sewer, or water lines and these will need to be repaired as well at significant expense.
Did you know that not all concrete mixtures are created the same? When you need high-quality concrete you can count on for your next building project, we’re always ready to supply it.
