Which Type of Concrete is Right for Your Home?

Which Type of Concrete is Right for Your Home?

Which type of concrete is right for your home? 

The answer to this question can be complicated because there are many different types of concrete available–each with their own benefits. 

For example, some people prefer the aesthetic appeal of decorative concrete, while others may want ready mix concrete if they’re on a strict timeline. 

In today’s blog post, we will explore all the options available so you can make an informed decision about which type of concrete is best for your project.

Decorative concrete 

This is a great choice for homeowners who want to add some extra flair to their property. Decorative concrete can be stamped or stained to create a unique look that will enhance the appearance of your home. 

It can also come in pre-designed, etched slabs and is most often used on walls. Not to mention, it’s also very durable, so you can be sure it will last for many years.

Transit mix concrete 

If you have a large job that requires high volumes of concrete, then transit mix is the way to go. This type of material is often used when contractors need to pour a large cement slab or foundation in one fell swoop. It’s important to note, however, that most concrete companies will have a minimum order amount for transit mix concrete.

Bulk dry materials 

For homeowners looking for a simple and cost-effective option, bulk dry materials can be a great choice. They’re typically used by contractors or homeowners with experience mixing concrete and are perfect for large projects.

Ready mix concrete 

Ready mix concrete is ideal for homeowners who don’t have a lot of time to spare. This type of concrete comes premixed, executing your project on a quicker timeline than custom orders like decorative concrete. 

For homeowners who are trying to create the perfect blend of strength and beauty for their home improvement projects, ready mix may be the right choice. In most cases, this type of concrete doesn’t need additives or special equipment because it comes ready to go.

Dry ready mix concrete

Dry ready mix is available for purchase in large bags. Simply add water as directed and you’ll have your own concrete in minutes that can be used for various projects. This type of concrete is often used in small projects and is well-known for its simplicity when it comes to mixing and pouring. 

Concrete has come a long way over the years, and there are now many different types available to choose from. By taking the time to carefully consider your options, you can find the perfect material for your home improvement projects. 

Port Aggregates offers the highest quality ready mix concrete in central and southwest Louisiana. It’s why we’ve been a trusted contractor for over 40 years! Contact us today to request a quote and get started on your residential project. We look forward to helping you build or renovate your home using concrete.

The post Which Type of Concrete is Right for Your Home? appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://cedarparkconcrete.org/?p=406

Break Tests vs the Maturity Method

Break Tests vs the Maturity Method

Every year, contractors all over are looking to improve their concrete building practices. For many this past year, that has likely meant fine-tuning their logistics to adapt to the global shipping crisis. However, that crisis is still ongoing, which means contractors will face more delays while attempting to complete their construction projects on time.

Delays can waste a lot of valuable time. So to counter that loss, contractors should consider what they can do to become even more efficient.

One way to boost efficiency is to simply consider how you evaluate your concrete’s compressive strength development. Are you solely relying on break tests? If so, you’re missing out on a faster, simpler, and more accurate method: the maturity method.

To see why that is, we’ve once again brought on Maturix’s instructional designer, Marina Salvador, to explain why.

(Want to see her definition for the maturity method first? Take a look at her post here.)

Is Either Concrete Strength Assessment That Crucial to Worksite Efficiency?’

In a word, yes. For construction projects, knowing concrete strength is crucial as many future decisions depend on it. Decisions such as determining when to remove forms, schedule post-tensioning operations, open bridges and roads to traffic, and remove heating measures against cold weather all depend on having the right concrete strength.

Break tests and the maturity method are two approaches on how to determine that strength.

A lab worker is placing a cylinder concrete sample in the compression strength test machine.

What about Break Tests? How Exactly Do They Work?

Break tests are the traditional and established way to test the compressive strength of concrete. And they do so by using a destructive approach by crushing concrete cylinders or cubes and measuring the pressure of that crushing until the cylinder or cube breaks.

Under this method, test samples are casted and cured either at the jobsite or in a testing laboratory. When placed on-site, the samples are placed as close as possible to the structure to replicate the same curing conditions. These are also known as field-cured specimens. In testing labs, the samples are cured under controlled conditions. For instance, these may be in water tanks that are kept at a constant temperature, which is also known as standard curing.

After a certain amount of curing time, the samples undergo break tests. Each sample is placed in a compression test machine. Then, pressure is applied to the top and bottom of each sample until the samples break. Once they fail to withstand the pressure, the compressive strength can be calculated, which is done by dividing the failing load with the cross-sectional area resisting the load.

The results of these tests are used to validate concrete strength for a wide range of factors. These can include helping contractors determine when to move to the next step in construction and helping them document and validate the 28-day strength of concrete.

A cluster of concrete cylinder samples rest together after being cracked from compression testing.

What Are the Advantages and Limitations of This Specific Test?

Break tests are common for a good reason. But that doesn’t mean they don’t come with limitations.

dvantages

Break tests are one of the most commonly used methods for estimating the compressive strength of concrete. They’re accepted internationally and have been standardized in almost every country.

Limitations

But do break tests accurately represent the actual strength of a structure?

One of the main limitations of these tests is the difference of mass between the concrete samples and the concrete structure. This difference is important because it affects the heat emitted during the cement hydration process. And the amount of emitted heat affects the concrete’s strength development speed.

For instance, let’s observe the following graph. We can see that the strength development in the test sample (represented in purple) does not follow the same development as the corners of a mass structure. Instead, it has a slower strength development due to the temperature history of the cylinder being lower.

A graph is showing the concrete strength development of four corners of a mass structure and one test cylinder. It shows that the test cylinder has a lower strength development compared to the structure's corners.

Additionally, when using break tests, it is assumed that the structure cures at the same speed everywhere. However, in a structure, there are zones that will cure faster than others due to temperature differences. For instance, a concrete structure’s surface is normally more exposed to cold air, winds, and different weather conditions. These will all directly affect the strength development of the concrete at the surface.

For all these reasons, there is room for debate about whether break tests are representative of the structure’s actual in-place strength. The smaller volume and lower temperatures of samples will always result in a different rate of strength development when compared to the volume and temperature of a full concrete structure.

A senior construction worker is holding a blueprint and contemplating it at a construction site.

With These Limitations, Can Break Test Results Be Trusted?

Low breaks or inconsistent compressive strength test results is a common problem in the construction industry. Still, there are many standard procedures that describe how to properly handle and prepare test samples. However, these procedures are often not done according to the specifications, producing inconsistent results.

That makes it difficult to identify what the cause of those results might be. A low break result could indicate that the concrete mix was not designed well. It could also indicate that the supplied material was not up to the specifications. But it might also have happened for a number of other reasons. These might be because the samples were not prepared or cured properly, they were damaged during transport, or the testing machine was not calibrated properly.

With no clear identifiable cause, a project’s success will quickly become uncertain as it would be harder to determine how to proceed next, wasting a lot of time as contractors wait while they investigate different possible causes.

An image of a construction worker holding a Maturix Sensor is right next to a different image with a person's hand holding a tablet that is showing the data from the sensor in a coffee shop.
What about the Maturity Method? How Does It Work?

The maturity method is a non-destructive method that can be used to estimate the early-age strength development of concrete.

Under this method, you start by performing a maturity calibration in a laboratory to find the correlation between time, temperature, and strength. During this calibration, you make some samples with a concrete mixture that will be used in a project and instrument some of them with temperature sensors and recording devices. The samples are then cured under the same conditions, and the temperature history is measured using the sensors. Workers will then conduct break tests on those samples at different test ages to determine their compressive strength.

With the strength data from the break tests and the maturity from the temperature history, a best-fitting curve (or a maturity curve) is plotted through the data points. This curve represents the strength-maturity relationship for the concrete mix.

After having performed this maturity calibration, the in-place concrete strength can be estimated by placing temperature sensors in the concrete structure and using a maturity system like Maturix. With Maturix, both the maturity from the structure’s temperature history and the in-place concrete strength is automatically calculated in real time.

A Maturix Sensor is attached to an orange pole.

What Advantages and Limitations Can Contractors Expect from It?

Much like conducting break tests, using Maturix has its own set of pros and cons for contractors to consider.

dvantages

Maturix overcomes many of the limitations that come with break tests.

To start, using Maturix greatly reduces the use of testing facilities and personnel. That is because it gathers information through temperature sensors that are embedded into the concrete. This results in time and cost savings on making, handling, transporting, and testing concrete samples.

On top of that, it is easy to get clear identifiable results. So instead of making guesses about when the concrete’s strength is sufficient to test the samples, contractors can use the maturity method, which indicates when the concrete has reached the desired strength threshold. That eliminates a lot of uncertainty and helps projects become more efficient, data-driven, and proactive, which improves decision-making.

Contractors can also get a more accurate estimation of their structure’s in-place strength development when using the maturity method. It allows them to monitor the actual conditions of their structure, including the temperature and strength development in critical zones.

At the same time, a maturity method system like Maturix offers real-time remote data collection. So contractors can continuously monitor their structure. That gives them a more complete overview of the curing process and the concrete’s compressive strength development. In turn, that can help them ensure that they do not exceed certain temperatures and that they keep the concrete’s core and surface differential temperatures within specified thresholds.

Limitations

Despite its many advantages, the maturity method does have limitations. The first one is that it is required to perform a maturity calibration for each concrete mix to estimate the compressive strength. The second is that high variances in the delivered batching can affect the accuracy of the strength estimation, since the mix designs will be different. The third is that many countries still require 28-day compressive strength tests, which the maturity method cannot replace. However, the number of break tests used for other purposes, such as determining when to continue with different processes, can be significantly reduced.

Workers are spreading concrete across a structure.

What Does This Mean for Your Construction?

There are still some limitations when it comes to a full replacement of break tests. After all, the results of these are often a requirement to comply with concrete construction standards. However, the often inaccurate results produced by break tests make them less efficient. But Maturix can use the actual temperature history of a concrete structure to give contractors a more accurate estimation of the concrete’s compressive strength.

So which method should you go with? The best approach is to use each method based on what they are well-suited to do.

With the maturity method, for instance, contractors get continuous information on critical items like temperature samples every 20 minutes. That is great for keeping track of the curing process. And that is especially the case when in comparison to break test samples that are only done after seven, 14, or 28 days. In short, having the data that comes from the maturity method will give you a much better idea of where your concrete is heading and when you can expect to achieve the required strength for your structure.

On the other hand, break tests are good for validating your choice of concrete. More specifically, it validates that your chosen concrete has the ability to reach the required strength within the specified time. That also confirms when your in-situ casted concrete has reached the right number of maturity days. So you know that your concrete strength matches the requirement.

In the end, depending on your project’s needs, monitoring your concrete pour’s development continuously, validating your concrete strength, or using a combination of the two may be the most ideal method. And if efficiency is your key concern, Maturix’s maturity method may offer the most assistance with its ability to speed up construction work and enhance decision-making.

Simplify your concrete monitoring! Learn how you can cut costs and save time by measuring your concrete's temperature with reusable Maturix Sensors. Watch our video on this today!

The post Break Tests vs the Maturity Method appeared first on Kryton.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://cedarparkconcrete.org/?p=395

What Gravel is Best for Driveways?

What Gravel is Best for Driveways?

Gravel driveways are popular because they’re inexpensive, durable, and require little maintenance. You can choose from many different types, including crushed stone, pea gravel, quarry process, and more. 

But what gravel is best for driveways?

Each has pros and cons. Let’s take a look.

Quarry process

This type of gravel is made up of dust and pulverized rocks. After it’s poured, the dust settles into the cracks between the rocks to create a compact driveway. Because it forms a semi-solid surface, it doesn’t drain well, but it does make a great base layer for a driveway.

Jersey shore gravel

Jersey shore gravel is made up of rounded pebbles that do not compact well. That being said, they move really well under vehicles, but the driveway will need some edging so that the gravel doesn’t roll away. Because these pebbles come in beachy shades, they’re often found on the eastern shore (hence the name “Jersey shore” gravel).

Pea gravel 

Pea gravel is made up of small, round, naturally-weathered stones that can be used as a landscaping or driveway material. It’s not as durable as some of the other options, but it does have some benefits. It can create a more natural look, and it’s softer to drive on.

Because it has round edges, pea gravel isn’t as sharp as some of the other options available. This makes it ideal for driveways because cars won’t damage their tires or windows when they run over the rocks. It also has a natural look and is very affordable. 

Crushed stone #3 

Crushed stone #3 refers to gravel rocks that are up to 2 inches in diameter. It’s most often used as a sub-base layer in driveways because it provides a strong foundation for finer gravel to be poured over top. Its irregular shape allows for good drainage without compacting.

So, what gravel is best for a driveway? If you want to make sure that your driveway lasts as long as possible, then crushed stone is the most durable option. But if you’re looking for something more natural in appearance, then pea gravel is a good choice.

Whichever type of gravel you choose, be sure to consult with a professional at Port Aggregates before starting your project. We can help you choose the best type of gravel for your driveway. Contact us today to request a quote

The post What Gravel is Best for Driveways? appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://cedarparkconcrete.org/?p=392

Interview: What Building Sustainably Looks Like for Concrete Structures and How to Achieve It

Interview: What Building Sustainably Looks Like for Concrete Structures and How to Achieve It

Building sustainably: there are many ways to go about it. (We’ve even discussed some ourselves right here on this blog!) But naturally, you might wonder which way is best for you.

If you’re in the concrete industry, it might feel especially critical now. After all, many professional organizations within the industry are more heavily promoting sustainable construction. And many are also establishing their own way to contribute to reaching net-zero concrete by 2050.

So, how should you contribute? And what does that even look like?

To shed some light on these questions and more, we’ve interviewed Kryton Vice President of Product Development, Kevin Yuers.

Thank you for joining us today, Kevin! Let’s start off with defining what building sustainably even looks like for concrete structures.

Building sustainable concrete structures means doing two things well. First of all, you need to build from the start with the smallest carbon footprint possible. Secondly, you need to build structures that last through their entire design without needing to be replaced or receive unnecessary repairs.

We know that concrete is a very durable building material. But we also know that its key ingredient — cement — has a very large carbon footprint.

So, it sounds like cement adds to the carbon footprint of concrete. Why is that?

You may have heard that for every ton of cement produced, a ton of CO2 is released.

Now, this is not exactly true anymore because cement manufacturers have made great improvements to their production processes and reduced this number by more than a third. But it is still a big number.

Most of the CO2 released is simply the result of the chemical reaction of turning limestone into cement, and there’s little that can be done about that.

What can be done is reducing the amount of cement you actually use in your concrete.

How can construction professionals reduce their use of cement?

Typically, the way that a concrete producer will increase the strength and durability of their concrete is to just add more cement. But there are ways to avoid that.

So, for example, many of our customers build concrete structures that are exposed to very abrasive environments, such as industrial floors, high-traffic slabs, and hydroelectric spillways. Instead of using cement-rich concrete to improve abrasion resistance, our customers add our Hard-Cem solution, an abrasion-resisting admixture.

This technology increases abrasion resistance without increasing cement content, lowering your initial carbon footprint. And because the concrete lasts more than twice as long with Hard-Cem, it can eliminate the need to replace worn-out concrete. What could be more sustainable than that?

What about countering other obstacles to a concrete’s life span like corrosion?

I can’t think of anything that contributes more to the deterioration of concrete structures than corrosion. Preventing corrosion should be a key consideration for any designer of concrete structures — especially infrastructure projects.

Again, we have to ask ourselves: what can be done to extend the life of this structure without increasing its carbon footprint right off the bat by adding more cement?

It turns out that the crystalline waterproofing admixture technology invented by Kryton in 1980 is an answer to this challenge for many structures.

Our admixture for concrete, Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), is used today all over the world to replace membranes in water-retaining structures, basements, tunnels, and the like. But one of its lesser known advantages is its ability to delay or prevent the corrosion of reinforcing steel, which is especially a problem in places where reinforced concrete is exposed to salt like marine structures or transportation structures in cold climates.

KIM sounds like a perfect remedy for that. How does it work?

You may have heard of emerging smart technologies in building materials. These are materials that can react autonomously to events or changes in their environment by repairing themselves. Such self-healing or self-sealing is one of the ways that KIM works to protect concrete from leaks and corrosion.

If the concrete is poured with a porous area or if a crack should form, the technology from KIM reacts by growing crystals to fill the area and block the movement of water and salts from reaching the reinforcing steel. We call that Smart Concrete.

That’s great insight, Kevin! So, in short, for those looking to increase their concrete construction’s sustainability, they should strongly consider using Hard-Cem and KIM.

The post Interview: What Building Sustainably Looks Like for Concrete Structures and How to Achieve It appeared first on Kryton.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://cedarparkconcrete.org/?p=382

What is a Boom Pump?

What is a Boom Pump?

Have you ever come across a concrete boom pump before? Unless you work in the construction trade, you may be forgiven for not really knowing what a boom pump actually does. However, for commercial and residential construction projects alike, it’s one of the most useful concrete pumping and layering tools out there.

What Exactly is a Concrete Boom Pump?

A concrete boom pump truck is an item that will help to deliver and pour concrete to projects which might have work being undertaken high off of the ground. For example, you may be working on a high-rise building or a block of flats, and it might otherwise be tricky for you to get concrete or cement up to such a height.

A boom pump offers a hydraulic arm, which stretches up from the vehicle’s base level to pump concrete directly to the project area. A boom pump can arrive via truck, so that you have a mobile unit at your disposal, or you can also invest in static systems, too. Of course, there are no right or wrong answers as to which system works best here – it’s all a case of considering your individual needs!

You’ll likely want to invest in a concrete boom pump if you are struggling to get those trickier bits of your construction or building project layered in concrete from a standing level. In many cases, this type of pump will take away plenty of time and effort and will make sure that there is less labour involved with concrete layering.

How Else Might a Boom Pump Device be Helpful?

As mentioned, the boom pump system is great if you have high-level concrete pouring needs. It’s also a fantastic asset if there are obstacles or obstructions in your way, and normal concrete pumping or pouring systems are unable to support you.

You might also find that this type of concrete pump is ideal for pouring mix from above down onto a project. Ultimately, you’ll find that a boom pump is going to give you easier access to some of the trickier points and fixtures which traditional concrete solutions just can’t handle.

The best news is that a boom pumping system is very flexible, meaning that while you can generally expect a stretch of around 72m at basic length, you can also invest in extensions or ask for additional help from concrete suppliers.

Is a Boom Pump Right for my Project?

If you are finding laying foundations difficult due to tricky to reach spaces, then a concrete boom pump vehicle could make all the difference. Why not take a look at the pump options available and take a chance on a more flexible system and operation for your building and construction needs?

There’s no need for you to be doing more work and taking on more hassle than you need to. A fantastic boom pumping system could save you time, money, and energy. Take a look at what’s available and compare! If you would like to find out more about how we can help you, get in touch today on 07812 182778 or head over to our contact page for more details.

The post What is a Boom Pump? first appeared on Base Concrete.

The Many Uses of Concrete

The Many Uses of Concrete

Where would we be without concrete? It’s one of the most versatile and essential products for almost all construction projects across the world. It’s a substance that fills our world and can be seen in almost everything we see, but also one that is so easily overlooked.

There are so many uses for concrete. Its applications and uses are more varied and more widespread than you can imagine. There are over 20 different types of concrete that are used in a multitude of construction projects, but what are the most popular applications for it? What is it that makes concrete such an advantageous material to use, and how is it used in both domestic and commercial developments. Let’s take a look.

Origins of Concrete

Concrete, in one form or another, has been with us since 6500 BC. It can be traced back to what is now, the United Arab Emirates, where Nabataea traders created concrete floors, houses and even underground cisterns.

The Egyptians were using it to build the pyramids in 3000 BC, where they used mortars of lime and gypsum to create their version of cement. It was also used, not surprisingly perhaps, to help construct the Great Wall of China. It didn’t become concrete, at least what we recognise it as today, until the 1800s, but since then, its uses have grown more and more.

Buildings

For any of us living in a house or working in a building, it’s likely to be made from brick and mortar to some degree. In the UK, it took off after World War II as part of the rebuilding efforts. Nowadays, it’s probably the most popular application of concrete in the modern age and will be for centuries to come.

Foundation

Even if the building itself is more steel and glass, its foundations will be made from or secured in, concrete. Concrete is so popular because it won’t burn or rot, which means that the foundation is going to maintain its strength and rigidity for many years.

Roads and Bridges

As we move up in the world, the very streets you walk on and the bridges you use to cross those roads will also be made of concrete. Again, concrete wins against other materials because of its durability and safety. It might not be obvious, but another advantage of concrete in these environments is that it offers better reflectivity at night. Of course, it’s not just pedestrians it has to support, but because it can hold heavier weights, such as cars and trucks, it’s the perfect material to use.

Why Concrete has so Many Uses

The applications for concrete don’t stop there. They are only the start. Concrete is so popular in different projects simply because of its adaptability. It’s not sensitive to moisture, can be shaped and moulded into almost any design, affordable and is recyclable.

It has a very long lifespan, doesn’t release any dangerous organic compounds and is just as safe for inhabitants. It’s easy to forget the difference concrete has made to our world, but just look around and you’ll see that it’s everywhere.

Contact Us

Thank you for reading this blog post. Should you be looking for any mixes or perhaps ready mixed concrete itself, then we can deliver it straight to your door. So, if you have any upcoming tasks, then get in touch today on 01442 389105 or visit our contact page for more details.

The post The Many Uses of Concrete first appeared on Base Concrete.

The Different Types of Concrete Pumps

The Different Types of Concrete Pumps

Construction projects require a constant supply of concrete, and without it, the construction project will be impossible to complete. Construction projects are usually faced with the issue of how to efficiently handle a large quantity of concrete manually. To resolve this issue, the use of the different types of concrete pumps at construction sites was invented.

This invention made the handling and placing of large concrete easier. Concrete pumps also made the construction process of tall buildings, skyscrapers and large construction projects more organised and efficient. The market has different types of concrete pumps available according to the size of the construction projects. There are also many concrete services which allow concrete pumps to be hired.

The different types of concrete pumps used for the diverse construction project are cost-effective. During construction projects, it is very crucial to choose the right concrete pumps that are economical, efficient and one that is specifically designed for your particular construction project. Below are the different types of concrete pumps and their benefits.

Concrete Pumps can be categorised into boom pumps, concrete pumps trucks, stationary pumps and concrete line pumps.

Boom Pump

A boom pump is a type of concrete pump which is characterised by a controlled hydraulic arm where concrete is placed and dispersed accurately in the right direction where it’s needed. 

They’re usually attached to a truck. Boom pumps are normally used for huge construction projects. It can easily navigate any barrier on its way and provides the right portions and angles during the construction process.

It’s easy to manoeuvre a boom pump. And it can churn out a large amount of concrete at a fast speed. It’s highly recommended to use the boom pumps for large construction projects.

Stationary pump

The stationary pump, unlike boom pumps, is characterised by less manoeuvrability. It’s usually attached to a truck or mounted on a trailer and the concrete is pumped through rubber hoses or steel pipelines. Working with a stationary pump requires that the direction of the pipeline be directed to the particular portion where the concrete is needed.

Stationary pumps are known for pouring concrete at a slower speed than other types of pump. So it’s recommended where the demand for a smaller volume of concrete is required for a construction project.

Specialised Usage Pump

Specialised usage pumps are one of the different types of concrete pumps that are readily available. Specialised Usage Pumps are a premium option. They can be designed for special type of construction projects, such as construction projects in mines or tunnels.

Concrete Line Pumps

Concrete line pumps are usually referred to as a trailer-mounted concrete pump or truck-mounted concrete pump because of its arrangement. The arrangement features a line pump attached to the trailer or the back of the truck. They are compact and recommended for small construction projects.

When choosing the right type of concrete pumps for a particular construction project, factors like the design of concrete mix, vertical and horizontal distances, size of the aggregate being used, volume or quantity of concrete should be carefully considered. Thank you for reading this month’s blog. Should you have any queries or perhaps are looking for equipment to hire, call us on 01442 389105 or visit our contact page for more details.

The post The Different Types of Concrete Pumps first appeared on Base Concrete.

How To Lay A Concrete Base

How To Lay A Concrete Base

Follow these steps for the best DIY project

If you are going to be laying a concrete floor for a DIY project it is important that careful preparation is made and each recommended step is followed. You may want to consider hiring a professional to do the work for you. Or at least certain parts. Perhaps the messier steps! Let’s take a look at how to lay a concrete base with this handy guide:

Mark Out Required Area

The first step is to mark out the required area for your concrete base, this can be done using pegs and string. And will need to be 100% accurate. So, make sure all sides are straight.

Dig Out The Area

Next, it is time to dig out the area you have just measured. Dig the ground in the marked area to around 175mm deep for a smaller shed or 225mm for a larger one. As you are going to need a level base it is a good idea to keep the depth you are digging as consistent as you can. Afterwards, remove the pegs.

dd Crushed Stone To Dust

For this step, you will need an MOT type 1 stone, this is crushed stone from 40mm to dust or gravel. Shovel into the space a minimum thickness layer of 75mm to form a hard base for the concrete layer. The depth should be about 100mm for a shed and around 150mm for something larger like a summerhouse. 

Measure, Cut And Fit 100m Timber Rails

Now it’s time to measure and cut and fit 100mm timber rails to the base and make sure the framework is level. This step is to create a framework that offers a strong and stable edge to the concrete and to ensure it is level.

Spread Out Layer 

Spread out that layer of MOT stone or gravel. Then use either a manual earth rammer or powered wacker plate to compact it. This will help create a firm base for the concrete and stop it from cracking over time.

Mix The Concrete 

So, now it is time to mix the concrete. Spread it out evenly and level it off. After smoothing over, grab a stiff broom to lightly brush across the base helping to encourage a textured non-slip surface. 

Keep an eye on the weather forecast at all times. At this stage, if wet weather is forecast cover the base with polythene or a tarpaulin for 24 hours. If it’s hot weather instead then use sacking and keep it damp for a day otherwise the concrete could too dry quickly. This will result in shrinkage and even cracking. You then need to leave it for at least three days to cure.

Finishing Touches 

For finishing touches, look to see if your base is flush with the ground. If this is the case, you will have a space running around the edge of the concrete where the rails were. You can fill this with pea gravel, it will help drain away moisture from the concrete base. Now you just need to place on your base whatever your intended item was!

We hope that our blog has helped you understand how to lay a concrete base. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01442 389105 or alternatively head over to our contact page to fill in our online enquiry form. 

The post How To Lay A Concrete Base first appeared on Base Concrete.

Volumetric or Ready Mix

Volumetric or Ready Mix

What’s The Difference? 

Concrete is, without a doubt, one of the most common construction materials. This is because it can be used for a wide variety of projects. It is essentially a blend of water, Portland cement, and aggregates. The two basic types of concrete used in the construction industry are site-mixed concrete and ready-mix concrete. 

There are slight differences between these two types of concrete. It is important to be aware of the differences, even if they seem subtle to you, as doing so can make it easier to choose the right concrete for your project. Here are the major differences between site-mixed and ready-mix concrete:

Preparation 

One of the obvious differences between these two types of concrete is the way they are mixed. Ready-mix concrete is usually manufactured at a plant and delivered to the clients in a ready-to-use state. It’s typically sold by volume, which is measured in cubic meters. 

Site-mixed concrete, on the other hand, is prepared at the client’s construction location. The components are mixed in specific ratios to achieve different degrees of strength. When making this type of concrete, caution must be taken to avoid quality issues. 

Time

If you are working on a time-conscious project, it’s obvious that speed is important. In such a case, you should choose ready-mix concrete, as it’s easier to load and off-load, which may save you time.

Volumetric concrete is more time consuming to work with, as you have to pause part of the project while the mix is being created. 

Equipment

An important factor for any construction project is your equipment and where you can source what you need. Volumetric concrete requires the use of equipment such as batch mixers. Whereas, ready-mix concrete does not require the project owner to hire equipment, as the concrete is not made on-site.

Convenience

Ready-mix concrete is convenient for almost any kind of construction project, as it can be delivered to multiple sites within the project location. However, volumetric concrete has to be mixed as close as possible to the point of use to avoid contamination. 

Another major difference between ready-mix concrete and volumetric concrete is storage requirements. You will require controlled storage space for the materials used to make volumetric concrete. However, when using ready-mix concrete you won’t need any extra storage space. 

Quality

Ready-mix concrete has a better and more consistent quality when compared to site-mixed concrete. This is because ready-mix concrete is mixed in an automated and controlled environment. 

Material takeoff

The materials used to make site-mixed concrete have to be estimated individually and purchased separately. However, ready-mix concrete is simply calculated as a single item. 

Waste 

Working with site-mixed concrete causes material loss not only when the materials are being mixed but also during storage. Whereas, ready-mix concrete causes minimal waste on your site because the concrete is delivered in a ready-to-use state. 

Workforce

When working with ready-mix concrete, the only time you may require skilled labour is when pouring and compacting the concrete. However, you will require more man-hours when working with volumetric concrete.

In summary,  

Both types of concrete have some major differences. It is important to research which type of concrete is best for your construction project. Generally, ready-mix concrete is a better option as it can be used for a wider variety of projects.

if you have any questions make sure to contact us.

The post Volumetric or Ready Mix first appeared on Base Concrete.

What Is the Maturity Method?

What Is the Maturity Method?

Over the past year or so, you’ve gotten to learn about our latest product, the Maturix Smart Concrete Sensors, and the benefits they offer. Throughout it all, you’ve probably heard us mention the maturity method once or twice. It’s a concept that our wireless concrete sensors leverage to improve the process of concrete monitoring. But what is it exactly?

To answer that, we’ve brought on Marina Salvador, the instructional designer for the creator of the Maturix Sensors, Sensohive Technologies ApS. Read on to see her define the maturity method these sensors use, what the steps involved in this method are, and what you can do to learn more.

The Definition 

The maturity method is a non-destructive test method that can be used to estimate the early-age strength development of concrete. The main assumption of the maturity method is that if two samples of the same concrete mix have the same maturity, they will also have the same strengtheven if they were cured under different temperature conditions

Thanks to new technologies and smart maturity systems like Maturix, which uses wireless temperature sensors and cloud computing, the maturity method is now a fast and easy method to use for real-time strength estimation.

The maturity method has three main steps, which you can read more about below.

A diagram divided into six rectangles shows the six steps to calibrating maturity. These include batching the concrete mix and making some samples, inserting temperature sensors into some of the samples, monitoring the temperature and calculating the maturity, performing break tests at specific maturities, plotting strength versus maturity, and fitting a maturity curve.

Method Step 1: Make a Maturity Calibration

A maturity calibration determines the relationship between the maturity and strength development of a specific concrete mix.

To find this relationship, you make some samples with the concrete mixture that you will use in your project and instrument some of them with temperature sensors. The samples are then cured under the same conditions, and the temperature history is measured using the sensors. Then, you need to perform break tests of the samples at different test ages to determine their compressive strength. Once that is done, plot the strength data from the break tests and the maturity from the temperature history in a graph. Lastly, find the best-fitting curve through your data points, also known as the maturity curve.

Note: You can add the strength results and maturity values in Maturix, and the system will automatically plot the maturity curve.

A diagram is divided into three rectangles that describe the steps in estimating the in-place concrete strength. These include batching the same concrete mix as the one used in the lab tests, inserting temperature sensors into your structure to monitor the maturity of your concrete, and estimating the concrete strength with a maturity curve.

Method Step 2: Estimate the In-Place Strength

Once you have performed a maturity calibration for your concrete mixture, you can estimate the in-place concrete strength by placing temperature sensors inside your structure. These will calculate the maturity index in your concrete and relate it to a certain strength from the maturity curve.

Note: With Maturix, it is extremely easy to follow the strength development, as the software will display the results in real time, and these can be accessed remotely. Moreover, it is possible to set up alarms to get notified when the desired strength has been achieved.

A construction worker is creating concrete samples to test.

Method Step 3: Validate the Maturity Calibration

Validating the calibration and maturity curve regularly is important because there might be small variations in materials, batching equipment, and conditions that might affect their accuracy.

To validate your maturity calibration, make some samples during the next batch and compare the strength estimated using the maturity method with the strength obtained from other testing methods.

ASTM C1074 strongly recommends not to perform critical operations without verification of the maturity calibration or without strength validation using other test methods.

A long bookcase full of colorful books curves away from the foreground in parallel with a black-brown railing.

Further Reading

To learn more about the three steps of the maturity method, we recommend you read these articles: “Maturity Calibration,” “Estimate In-place Strength with the Maturity Method,” and “Validating the Maturity Calibration.”

Convenient. Cost-Effective. Remote. Concrete monitoring with Maturix. Book a demo today!

The post What Is the Maturity Method? appeared first on Kryton.