One of the biggest questions that arises when embarking on a new construction project is whether to use concrete or steel. There are benefits to both materials, as well as many other factors. A major issue is safety, as you will want the new structure to withstand natural disasters, such as floods or storms. The
Concrete has changed little in its basic formation – mixing an aggregate with water and cement. Thousands of years ago, the ancient Greeks used concrete. During the Roman Empire, builders constructing arches, cupolas and tombs used concrete, made from volcanic ash, crushed pumice and quicklime. This mixture set quickly and was extremely durable. Notable examples
Concrete and cement are very important materials used by the construction industry, and it is often mistakenly believed that the names for them are interchangeable. In fact they are entirely different substances. Cement Cement is comprised of limestone, calcium, silicon, aluminium, iron and a number of minerals. These materials are heated to a temperature of
Although typically considered a practical building material favoured for its robust strength and extremely long lifespan, concrete is often overlooked for its aesthetic and artistic qualities. Try telling that to the architects behind some of the structures on this list though! 1. Hoover Dam The infamous dam that holds back the Colorado River on the
Applying a finishing treatment to any floor surface is important to increasing its longevity, and staining concrete floors is no different. However, it’s not just for added strength that concrete floors are stained; there are a number of benefits to carrying out this process. Here are just a few… Fire Resistance Particularly beneficial for commercial
As one of the strongest, most robust man-made materials, it’s rare that concrete will crack or rupture without excessive physical force. However, the exteriors of buildings, patios, driveways and other concrete structures do suffer from being exposed to the elements, and can, in time, deteriorate. Similarly, interior concrete floors are often used in warehouse and
Floor screeds are used as the layer between the structural concrete and finishing materials, screed ensures that your surface is level and durable enough to endure the traffic it is likely to encounter. For this reason, focusing on getting the correct screed mix laid in the correct manner is important. Here are a few tips
As construction materials go, concrete can be one of the most effective to work with, with injuries sustained by those working with it very rare. That said, a number of steps should be taken to stay safe while working with concrete, and these cover a wide range of potential hazards and dangers… Protect Head, Eyes
There are a number of measures that must be taken to ensure safe and effective concrete pumping onsite, from wearing the correct protective clothing to checking that your mix is suitable for the project. Careful preparation should guarantee a successful job. However, any difficulties encountered when carrying out concrete pumping are accentuated further by cold
Although a highly durable and robust building material, concrete does require a certain amount of care and attention, and a heavy traffic area such as a driveway will need close attention to remain in the best condition possible. Here are a few handy tips for looking after yours… 1. Remove Stains ASAP It may sound like
