Chalk and clay are used more often today in making concrete because the mixture can be fired at a higher temperature, which makes the resulting concrete more durable.
The first person to use reinforced concrete was Joseph Monier, who was a Parisian gardener who used concrete with iron mesh. This added tensile strength to concrete and made it more able to withstand heavy loads.
Foundation defined: A structure's foundation, as defined by Oxford Dictionaries, is "the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level."
A major benefit of concrete building materials is the relatively low level of maintenance they require. Since concrete is inert, compact, and nonporous, it doesn’t attract mold or lose its main properties over time.
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.
Do you ever worry that a customer’s change to your blueprints are going to set the project behind schedule while you wait for additional materials? If you’re in need of concrete, we may be able to help.
There is evidence of a concrete like material that was used by the Egyptians about 3000 BC. They used gypsum mortars and mortars of lime. They also used mud mixed with straw to bind bricks when building the pyramids and they’ve lasted pretty well!
Can you guess the three main ingredients in concrete? If you guessed water, gravel and cement (as a binder), you're right. It can take months for concrete to dry completely, and the rate of drying can have an impact on the strength of the overall project.
Precast road barriers provide flexibility and mobility during highway construction projects. Once they have served their purpose in one section, they can be picked up and moved to another location, keeping costs down and the project on schedule.
If your new concrete slab will be covered with materials that are moisture-sensitive, let us know. We will determine the proper length of time it needs to cure, so that the coverings will not become damaged from moisture by applying them too soon.
Using pre-cast concrete offers many advantages over on-site, standard concrete. One of the main advantages comes from the amount of control over the process. If specific molds are needed, or a certain quantity is necessary, the one overseeing the build has complete control over the pre-cast.
Can you name the five most common building materials in use today? We'll give you a hint: Concrete is used the most. Here are the other four in no particular order: steel, wood, aluminum and plastic.
You may think concrete is a drab option for lively and unique construction projects, but that's not true. Concrete can be tinted, painted, and textured to produce surprisingly interesting and attractive effects.
Before freezing weather sets in, clean the gutters along the roof and check the downspouts to make sure they direct water well away from the foundation to prevent water penetration and cracking from frost or ice.
An important step in the concrete construction process involves curing the cement. Here, concrete surfaces are cured by sprinkling with water or by using moisture-retaining fabrics. A curing compound can also be used to prevent evaporation of water from the surface.
Did you know that cement (one of the ingredients in concrete) by itself is considered a brittle material and fractures easily? Thus, many additives have been developed and are used to increase the tensile strength of the final concrete product.
"In most areas of the country, a reputable contractor will have a clause for the depth of the hydraulic piling (typically 20 to 30 feet)," writes Concrete Network. "Beyond that depth, there is usually an additional charge, ranging from $20 to $30 per foot."
When was concrete first used by man as a construction material? Although the ingredients and proportions have changed over the centuries, historians believe concrete was first used in construction over 5,000 years ago.
Check basements and crawl spaces to see if posts are standing straight. There should be no sagging and the piers should align with their concrete posts as they cure.
Concrete was invented thousands of years ago and used by many early civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Interestingly, the first concrete contained burned and crushed gypsum as well as limestone, which is still a key ingredient in today's concrete.
Did you know that homes designed with concrete are more energy efficient than traditional homes? This is because the concrete serves as an excellent insulator that retains both cold and heat and the tight seal between each block minimizes wall leaks.
Hardscape elements in the landscape, non-organic materials used for utility and decoration, can add interest to an average backyard. Hardscape feature can include water features like ponds, walls, and fences; large rocks; patios; decks; gravel walkways; concrete pavers; and brick barbecues.
Are pre-cast concrete products durable? How long do they last? Pre-cast concrete products actually last much longer than other forms of concrete. They are able to withstand the elements, severe weather, and last decades longer than other products.
When you take pride in your landscaping, few things can look worse than a few rogue weeds growing up through cracks in your driveway or foundation. If you need quick concrete repairs to keep the weeds from taking over, we’re always here for you.
