Concrete nails are used to secure objects to masonry and other hard materials. They have a head and a cylindrical shaft tapering to a sharp point. The shank is usually ribbed for a firm hold. They can be hammered manually or with a power tool. Pilot holes help maintain accuracy. They come in different diameters, […]
Concrete columns can be decorative or structural, and their size and shape depend on their purpose. They can be used in buildings and structures, and are versatile due to their ability to be molded into different shapes. Architects and engineers determine the design of concrete columns based on the physics of the building, and incorrect […]
A concrete slab is a popular foundation for houses and buildings, providing a flat, stable surface. It supports the weight of the structure and protects against moisture and insects. However, it has limitations, such as no space for a basement and potential cracking. Other types of foundations include brick, stone, and cinder block. The choice […]
Different types of cement adhesive are used for bonding concrete to other materials. Liquid Nails® is a popular adhesive that dries quickly and is resistant to oil, water, and heat. Epoxy and resin-based adhesives are also durable and commonly used in heavy-duty projects. Grout is a traditional cement adhesive that is ideal for outdoor projects. […]
Concrete aggregate is mixed with cement to create strong and durable concrete. Contractors choose between fine and coarse aggregates based on the type of work being performed. The aggregate must be strong, hard, and clean. Texture is also a consideration. Sand and crushed glass are examples of aggregate materials. Some contractors use exposed aggregate for […]
Concrete is a composite material made up of water, aggregate, and cement, which is a fine powder made of limestone and other minerals. Cement is heated to form clinker, which is ground into a powder and mixed with gypsum to create cement. The most commonly used type of cement is Portland cement. The ratio of […]
Bituminous concrete, also known as asphalt, is a popular material used for paving roads, driveways, and parking lots. It is made of stone and aggregate materials held together by bitumen, a by-product of petroleum refining. While it is not as strong as traditional concrete, it offers a smoother and quieter ride and is easy to […]
A concrete core drill uses a large, high-torque motor and a hollow tube bit with teeth to grind concrete. Water is used to reduce heat and dust. Safety precautions include securing the base and using hazard signage. A concrete core drill is a large, high-torque drill motor with a large stud for attaching a concrete […]
Bendable concrete, made with woven fibers, flexes to absorb pressure, temperature changes, and movement. Collapsible concrete, a composite of special fibers and regular concrete, is lighter and requires less energy to produce. It can be used to patch existing potholes or cracks. Further research is needed before it is widely implemented. Since we use “concrete” […]
Choosing a concrete vibrator depends on the size of the job and how quickly it needs to be done. Internal vibrators are popular for small projects, while external vibrators are better for larger areas. A powerful vibrator with a large head can speed up the process. A concrete vibrator is meant to shake out any […]
Roll Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a dry mix of cement, aggregate and water that generates less heat during curing. It can be used for large castings and paving due to its lack of collapse and ability to support weight soon after being poured. Roll Compacted Concrete (RCC) is a relatively dry mix of cement, aggregate […]
Choosing the right concrete engraving machine depends on job size and desired control. Machines range from heavy commercial models to small floor polisher-like models. Different machines use saws, diamond bits, or sandblasting technology to cut concrete. Consider the complexity of the cutting level and the material being cut when selecting a machine. Choosing the best […]
A concrete conveyor is heavy machinery used to transport mixed concrete from a truck or other containment system to another location for pouring and curing. It can be attached to a cement mixing truck or be a self-contained unit. The specific design can vary, but most have a hopper and a conveyor belt. It is […]
Concrete moisture meters measure water in concrete for building construction. Surface gauges only measure humidity close to the surface, while probe gauges give more accurate readings by drilling small test holes. Concrete slabs dry unevenly, and equilibrate after being covered. Surface meters are not useful for thick slabs, while probe meters require test holes but […]
Concrete quality control involves measuring the water/concrete ratio, testing the strength of the concrete, and ensuring proper curing. Slump testing is common for measuring the ratio, while strength testing varies based on environmental factors. Proper finishing is also important to avoid weakening the foundation. There are many different methods of concrete quality control that every […]
Fiber cement or concrete siding is a fireproof, noise-reducing, and weather-resistant building material used on residential and commercial exteriors. It was developed as a replacement for harmful asbestos siding and comes in various colors and textures. It is easy to work with, simple to maintain, and paint adheres well to it. Fiber cement or concrete […]
A concrete pump moves liquid concrete to different locations using a worm gear to push it through a piping system. There are three types of pumps: boom, line, and special purpose. Boom pumps are truck-mounted and used for large projects, while line pumps are portable and used for smaller projects. Special purpose pumps are used […]
Concrete is a strong and durable building material made of sand, water, gravel, and Portland cement. The compressive strength of concrete is tested to ensure it can withstand the forces in the structure. The mixing ratio must be precise to avoid cracking or structural failure. The most common test method is to pour three cylinders […]
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are rectangular blocks made from Portland cement and an aggregate, with high-density or lower-density options. They can be reinforced with steel and come in various shapes, textures, and colors. CMUs are commonly used in utility and domestic construction as foundation blocks due to their strength and cost-effectiveness. Bricklayers work with CMUs […]
Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is concrete reinforced with other materials to increase tensile strength and reduce cracking. Microfibers are found to be the most effective, while polypropylene fibers reduce damage from freeze-thaw cycles and fires. Glass fiber reinforced concrete is environmentally friendly and resistant to deterioration. Engineered cementitious composites (ECC) are flexible and less prone to […]
