Fly ash is a fine powder, a byproduct of burning pulverized coal in electricity-generating power plants, and a pozzolan, or a substance that contains aluminous and siliceous material which forms cement when introduced to water. When mixed properly, fly ash forms a material similar to cement, making it suitable as a building material. When used […]
Because concrete is one of the few building materials that can be impacted after transport, the addition of water to concrete is one of the biggest challenges faced by many construction sites today. Ready-to-mix concrete requires the addition of water, but many people prefer to do this after the product has arrived from the manufacturing […]
Whether your current project has you searching for laborers, the best plywood for sale, or high-quality concrete, you want to ensure you are using the best possible products. When it comes to concrete, the addition of admixtures before or during mixing can improve quality, manageability, acceleration, or retardation of setting time. Many concrete mixes available […]
Concrete production relies on a reaction that binds water and cement with fine aggregates (primarily sand) and coarse aggregates (like crushed stone or natural gravel). A relatively small amount of water is usually needed to facilitate this chemical reaction, known as hydration, and to transform the ingredients into concrete’s final form. But in some cases, […]
When you see a finished construction problem, you are looking at the final product of hours and hours of labor, much of which is invisible to the eye. In some cases, equipment is used during the process that, when work is done properly, the average person will never know contributed to the building process. This […]
If you’ve ever been responsible for quality control of new construction or assessing the condition of existing infrastructure, you know that on-site evaluation of concrete strength can be a major challenge. Most stakeholders will prefer non-destructive and non-intrusive methods of testing in order to avoid further damage to a structure that may already be struggling […]
As an industrial builder, you’re always looking for the best suppliers of concrete wall forms and subcontractors that align ultimately with your budget but also with your expectations for quality work. There are certain qualities and attributes to look out for when partnering with other manufacturers and suppliers. So, the next time you’re looking for […]
A breakthrough in research by biochemists at the University of Colorado may change the way buildings are made forever. We know construction projects require forms and concrete formwork ties, but what about using living, biological materials? Read on below to learn how bacteria is joining concrete materials in changing and revolutionizing the future of construction. […]
Remember back to simpler times when you didn’t have to worry about social media, notifications, and texting? Long gone are the days where job sites were free of distractions. Rather than just worrying about what concrete forms to use, or finishing a job on time, many workers are being negatively influenced by their cellphones. The […]
If you’re in the concrete industry, you’ve definitely heard of the new code, “ACI 562-19: Code Requirements for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures and Commentary”. Because of it, concrete crews will likely see new changes being implemented across the industry. The ACI (American Concrete Institution) is continually updating these codes—the 562 Committee […]