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://www.concretestyle.net/?p=1355

Your Guide to the Most Common Types of Concrete

Your Guide to the Most Common Types of Concrete

Concrete is an integral part of the modern world. It’s used to build everything from sidewalks and driveways to skyscrapers and dams, but many people are unaware of just how many options are available. 

There are endless types of concrete, each with unique properties that make them ideal for certain applications. This article will introduce you to the most common types so you can decide which will best suit your needs.

1. Lightweight concrete

Lightweight concrete is made up of water, polystyrene particles, cement, and other additives. It’s lighter than regular concrete and is used for applications that require the least amount of weight possible, such as roofing and flooring.

Lightweight concrete also has better insulation properties and a lower density than regular concrete, making it ideal for use in climates where heating and cooling costs are a drain on the wallet. Proper installation is essential to ensure that lightweight concrete performs as expected. Be sure you choose a contractor with extensive experience using this type of concrete.

2. Reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete is made with steel rebar or mesh that’s embedded in the wet concrete. It’s much stronger than regular concrete and can withstand greater loads without breaking.

Reinforced concrete is used for heavy-duty applications such as bridges, parking garages, and skyscrapers, and is common in both residential and commercial foundations and slabs. While it is more expensive than regular concrete, it’s also stronger and longer-lasting. 

There are two types of reinforcement: steel rebar or a fiber mesh. While both offer strength benefits over standard concrete, steel offers slightly more strength, but fiber mesh is less expensive and easier to install.

3. Polished concrete

Polished concrete is a type of flooring that’s made from regular concrete. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications and is becoming increasingly popular due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.

This type of concrete offers a shiny and smooth surface that’s ideal for offices, stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and more.

Concrete polishing is something that should only be done by professionals because improper installation can damage the surface of your polished flooring. If done incorrectly, polishing can also void the warranty on your flooring.

4. Mass concrete

Mass concrete is poured into ready-made molds. It’s a type of precast concrete made from regular or lightweight aggregate. It’s commonly used to create dams and large foundation slabs.

Mass concrete is similar to standard concrete with just one main difference: mass aggregates are larger than standard aggregates. This makes the concrete less dense, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your needs.

5. Prestressed concrete

Prestressed concrete is made with steel cables that are stretched prior to installation using hydraulic jacks, which creates tension on the beams as they set. This compression adds strength to the concrete and minimizes cracking but also makes it more expensive.

6. Precast concrete

Precast concrete is molded in a factory setting, which allows for more precise measurements and a higher level of quality control. Because it’s cured under controlled conditions, a stronger product is yielded that is less likely to crack. It’s also easier to install than standard concrete, helping you ensure quality and efficiency and avoid installation issues. 

7. Ready mix concrete

Ready mix concrete is a type of concrete made in a plant and delivered to the job site in a ready-to-use form. It can be used in both residential and commercial applications, but it’s most commonly used for foundations, walls, and slabs.

At Port Aggregates, our concrete mixes are made using limestone instead of gravel, adding extra strength to your product. When you order from us, you can expect superior quality, lower costs, on-site quality control, prompt scheduling, fast turnaround, and more. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Your Guide to the Most Common Types of Concrete appeared first on Port Aggregates.

What Is Stamped Concrete?

concrete

Stamped Concrete is a decorative surface made of various materials that have been embossed with patterns. Typical uses for this material include pool decks, interior flooring, driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Depending on the design, it can even be textured to look like a stone or wood. It is available in a variety of colors and textures. In addition to color, stamping is also an option to create a design pattern.

concrete

The colors and patterns available with stamped concrete are virtually endless. Most people choose designs that tie in with the architecture and landscape of their home. For example, brick-patterned borders can echo the look of a brick exterior. This type of concrete is also a great way to tie in with the surrounding landscape. The possibilities are limitless and will depend on your personal preference. If you want a more intricate pattern, you can hire a contractor to create a custom pattern for your property.

There are two types of color release materials. Cast-on color release is applied on the surface before the stamping process. This type of release repels water and other substances and is manufactured in powder form. The liquid color release is sprayed on the bottom of the stamps before the stamping process begins. The application of either type of color release depends on the style of the design. The liquid method is used when it is necessary to create a pattern without any color. It is a mixture of calcium-releasing powders that helps keep the concrete from staining. The sprayed-on color release is an excellent choice.

The stamping process is a simple process that can mimic the look of natural stone or brick. It is the best option for a home with an outdoor space and will make your home more attractive. Using the right pattern will create an appealing and durable surface. In addition, it is an effective way to add accents to your home. This decorative surface is also a great way to make a statement. It is easy to install and will add value to your property.

Another advantage of stamped concrete is its durability. It is inexpensive, but you must pay for it with high-quality stamping tools. The materials are made of plastic or rubber and can withstand the weather. Hence, it is better than other materials. If you are looking for a decorative finish, stamped concrete can be an ideal choice for your project. In addition to its affordability, it also has a long-lasting effect and is more expensive than bricks and stones.

In addition to concrete stamping, it can be customized for a specific purpose. For example, personalized designs can be created by adding colored liquids or powders to the concrete mixture. These colors can be mixed with water to match the desired shade of the concrete. Moreover, the stamped areas can be extended to other home areas, such as walkways and entryways. Adding details to these spaces will give the entire property a beautiful appearance.

The cost of stamped concrete is much lower than the cost of placing individual paving stones. Besides saving money, it is less labor-intensive than other surfaces. For example, you don’t need to re-set the stamped concrete. Instead, it won’t loose its texture or color, so it’s cheaper than other options. In addition, once it hardens, you can seal it with a sealant. This will make it easier to clean and maintain and will improve its aesthetic appeal.

Unlike traditional concrete, stamped concrete is durable and can be used for different purposes. It can be used to create a bricked or paved look. It can even be used to create a wood effect. It will last for decades and will never lose its appearance. Its colors will never fade. If you want to use a stamp pattern for your home, it’s important to test it on a piece of sand first.

The cost of stamped concrete can vary. Basic stamp patterns can cost around $8 to $12 per square foot, while more expensive stamps will cost $18 per square foot. For high-end projects, this process can be more expensive and may not be affordable for every homeowner. Nonetheless, the price of stamped concrete is lower than pavers. So if you’re planning to have your driveway or patio stamped, it will add value to your home.

The Advantages of Hiring a Masonry Contractor

masonry

When building structures, masonry contractors are essential. The process of laying individual units together with mortar is also called masonry. These contractors install bricks and blocks, and they can help you create beautiful and functional structures. While these construction professionals can help you with many different tasks, some of the most common include building patios, patio covers, and retaining walls. If you need help with these tasks, consider hiring Masonry.masonry

Before hiring a masonry contractor, be sure to check the credentials and licenses of the company you plan to hire. Not all masonry contractors are licensed and registered. Make sure they have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Whether you need a one-time service or a long-term service, a masonry contractor should be able to provide you with the necessary experience. You should also ensure that they are bonded and insured to protect your property.

In addition to licensing, masonry contractors must be insured. They should be bonded and have liability insurance. They should also be fully insured to cover their costs. This is because their work is more complicated than most other types of construction. While masonry contractors are required to be licensed, they should be covered by an insurance policy. However, a contractor’s insurance coverage is the most important thing for their success. You should always make sure your masonry contractor has the proper insurance policies.

There are many advantages to hiring a masonry contractor, and these benefits are well worth the money. First of all, a masonry contractor must be qualified to perform the job. Secondly, they should have experience working with specific materials and construction techniques. It is crucial for a masonry contractor to have a professional license. If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, you should consult a masonry contractor’s licensing board.

A masonry contractor needs to be qualified in order to perform the job. The company must also be licensed in the state where they will be working. Furthermore, they must be insured. Moreover, they must have a license. This type of insurance is mandatory for a masonry contractor. The adherence to this rule is imperative if you want your project to be successful. In addition to a licensed masonry contractor, you should make sure that the company is well regulated in the area.

It is essential to find a contractor who has the necessary expertise and experience to carry out masonry projects. Regardless of the location of your project, a masonry contractor can also provide expert advice and high-quality work. In addition, a masonry contractor can blend old and new materials, so you can rest assured that the finished product will be of the highest quality. It is also vital to know the exact specifications of the job, because it is crucial to ensure a successful project.

Another way to hire a masonry contractor is to research and review their past performance. You need to know what the masonry contractor can do and their experience. Regardless of your budget, there are different types of masonry contractors. They specialize in various tasks. The work they do will vary depending on the materials you choose. Some masonry contractors only do specific tasks, while others perform a wide range of tasks. Generally, a masonry contractor has to be licensed.

A masonry contractor will supervise laborers to perform the job of building a stone patio or walkway. They may also construct brick structures, tile walkways, and concrete projects. A masonry contractor can be licensed to build any structure. The tradesmen are trained in the specific skills needed for the job. The skills of a masonry contractor will help them create a beautiful and sturdy structure. They will have specific skills. They can build any type of masonry project, whether it’s for a residential or commercial project.

Whether you’re looking for a masonry contractor for a residential or commercial project, a masonry contractor can offer expert opinions on various masonry materials. You can consult a masonry contractor for assistance with brick fireplaces, chimneys, or repairing concrete. A masonry contractor will be able to advise you on the most appropriate material and technique for your needs. In addition to giving you expert opinions, a masonry contractor can guide you through the project and guide you.

The Dangers of Choosing the Cheaper Option When it Comes to Precast Concrete

The Dangers of Choosing the Cheaper Option When it Comes to Precast Concrete

Choosing the cheaper option when buying anything is always tempting, but when it comes to precast concrete, this is a dangerous mistake. 

There are many ways that shortcutting precast concrete expenses can go wrong and lead to unexpected costs. Knowing these dangers is the best way to stay within your budget and prevent your project from becoming delayed.

Here’s what can go wrong if you choose the cheaper precast concrete option.

1. Drab appearance

One thing you’ll notice about cheaper options is that they don’t look as nice. But if appearance isn’t a major concern, these materials may be fine for your needs. 

Even so, you should consider investing in nicer-looking precast concrete to give your home or business that extra boost of curb appeal. Keep in mind that if you’re putting your precast concrete outdoors, it’s going to be exposed to the environment’s natural wear and tear, but will still need to look nice for years to come.

If appearance is a priority, why risk choosing materials that can’t live up? 

2. Less strength

When it comes to strength, cheap precast concrete will never compare. Good quality materials won’t bend or buckle under pressure and are made from high-quality ingredients that toughen up over time. 

Cheaper concrete is composed of low-grade minerals that tend to break apart after just a few years. Not only does this mean more repairs, but broken concrete is also more susceptible to mold, water damage, and rust.

3. Lacking in durability

When it comes to durability, premium precast concrete is the only way to go. If you want your new structure or installation to last for decades without any signs of wear and tear, you have two choices: cheap precast concrete that will fall apart after just a few years, or high-quality, durable concrete made from ingredients that are built to withstand the test of time.

Of course, many people are tempted to choose the cheaper option just because it’s a better deal in the short term. However, they end up spending more down the line in repairs and ongoing maintenance.

Along with being more cost-effective over time, high-quality materials are also safer because they’re less likely to fall apart and collapse.

4. Limited styles available

If you want the freedom to choose between different styles and finishes, you’ll want to look at higher-end concrete. The more you spend, the more you’ll be able to customize every aspect of the installation or structure so that it fits in seamlessly with your style preferences. This means you’ll have more control over design elements like color, texture, and finish–all while using premium ingredients that will last for decades.

Some companies even offer different textures and finishes. But of course, the trade-off is that these premium materials cost more than lower quality alternatives.

5. High maintenance costs

As mentioned previously, what you don’t pay upfront for precast concrete, you’ll likely have to make up for in repair costs later. Because premium precast concrete is strong enough to withstand extreme weather conditions, less maintenance is required over time. All you’ll have to do is keep it clean and let the high-quality materials work their magic.

If you’re investing in a precast concrete structure or installation that will be exposed to extreme weather conditions, it makes sense to choose high-quality materials for the best results. At Port Aggregates, all of our concrete products are made with the finest ingredients. It’s why we’ve been trusted for over 40 years! Contact us today to request a quote for your next precast concrete project.

The post The Dangers of Choosing the Cheaper Option When it Comes to Precast Concrete appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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://www.concretestyle.net/?p=1328

Choosing a Waterproofing Strategy for Below Grade Applications: A Fourth Alternative

Choosing a Waterproofing Strategy for Below Grade Applications: A Fourth Alternative

Considering the right waterproofing strategy from the design stage is crucial for the success of below grade projects. However, there is no one right answer.

So when faced with this decision, the designer of a project will often start by selecting from several types of external membranes. These include unbonded, fully bonded, and compartmented systems. Each of which will affect the outcome of a project differently.

But no matter their choice, a designer will have many variables to consider.

That can be difficult to navigate. So to help you determine the best strategy for your project needs, let’s look at the factors that affect waterproofing decisions and outcomes and whether there’s a better alternative altogether.

The Factors That Affect the Selection and Outcomes of the Three Membrane Types

Designers typically select one of the three waterproofing membrane types based on the following factors:

Perceived risk of using the systemAccessibility for repairing system defectsQuality control tools of the selected systemOverall cost

Perceived Risk

Out of the three waterproofing membrane categories, there is one that is seen as less risky.

A bitumen waterproofing membrane rests partially unrolled on the ground.

Many View the Use of Fully Bonded Systems as the Reliable Waterproofing Strategy

The idea is that in case of failure, water cannot travel freely between the membrane and structural concrete, so any damage will be localized. That minimizes the cost and scope of the repairs needed.

Despite that big advantage, fully bonded systems also have their drawbacks. They are not flexible when bonded. They cannot bond properly to the structural concrete if not applied properly and in dusty conditions. And most importantly, these bonded systems are thin, making it easy for them to get damaged.

Still, these particular systems tend to remain less risky than others, even when it comes to application errors (see Figure 1).
On a graph that compares risk and application errors, unbonded membrane systems are the most at risk while compartmented membrane systems are at second place and fully bonded membrane systems are last.

A group of construction workers are working on pouring concrete at a worksite.

That Risk Changes, However, When Bad Concreting Practices Are Involved

Note how the dynamics change with bad concreting practices. The risk associated with application errors deviates as follows (see Figure 2).

The risk of application errors change when bad concreting practices are involved, making fully bonded membrane systems a bit riskier but still not as risky as unbonded membrane systems.

In this scenario, the bond between the membrane and structural concrete would have been compromised. Once that occurs, a fully bonded system will become riskier than a compartmented system due to the following reasons (among others):

Membranes in fully bonded systems tend to be thinner than ones in compartmented systemsThey don’t have horizontal and vertical protection as many compartmented systems doThey also do not have the same reactive system for repairs with flanges in each compartment

No matter the system, however, the risk related to application errors is shown as much steeper (as seen in Figure 2) when there are bad concreting practices involved. You need only compare the risk to a project with good concreting practices to see the significant impact (as shown in Figure 1).

ccessibility for Repairing System Defects

For stakeholders who prefer a waterproofing system that workers can access for repairs if something does go wrong, compartmented systems are perceived as the best (see Figure 3).

Why is that the case?

It’s mainly because it is possible to attempt to repair each leaking compartment of the system with injection flanges.

As for the other waterproofing systems, the unbonded one remains the riskiest, as it would be very hard to determine the source of its leakages.

Again, what adds to the complexity of just selecting the best perceived waterproofing system is a poor concreting application.

In this case, combining a poor concreting application with a compartmented system means water is more likely to migrate between compartments. That will increase the risk of the compartmented system’s waterstops not bonding adequately to the structural concrete. At the same time, isolating individual compartments in the system and repairing them with flanges will become less effective, since the water will be migrating between adjacent compartments. And that leads to a change in risk assessment (as seen in Figure 4).

The risk to application errors graph shows poor concreting practices increase the risk of compartmented membrane systems so that they are closer in terms of risk to fully bonded membrane systems.

Quality Control Tools

For stakeholders who depend on quality control tools to ensure that a membrane is installed properly, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compartmented system might be more appealing. Usually coming with the desired quality control tools, it has an edge over most types of fully bonded and unbonded systems.

The quality control tools that a PVC compartmented system typically comes with include a double-wedge welding of membrane overlaps. And that’s followed by pressure testing to guarantee that the overlap is properly welded.

Other quality testing measures for the overlaps in this case might include vacuum testing and spark testing.

All the above are great tools in theory. However, this quality control edge tends to be more theoretical than realistic in many instances. Such instances include (but are not limited to) vertical membrane applications. After all, it would be very unpractical to make a double-wedge welding joint and test each individual joint in vertical (or otherwise complicated) applications.

Overall Cost

Cost per system is not universal and differs in each market. But in general, an unbonded system is the cheapest, while fully bonded and compartmented systems tend to be more expensive.

However, when we consider what I call the membrane system lifetime value, cost assessment tends to be more complicated. The lifetime cost would include the initial cost of the system, the expected life of the system, and repair costs of the membrane over the service life of the structure. Once again, concreting practices play an important role with the associated costs of repair and replacement. Choosing a waterproofing system based on cost is therefore a complex decision that includes many variables, which are hard to quantify.

A group of construction workers at a worksite are helping to pour concrete for a project.

Why Concreting Adds Complexity to These Factors 

Waterproofing is an interconnected network of activities. So rationally selecting the appropriate system depends on many variables. A common variable that adds to the complexity of the selection and on the consequences associated with that selection is the quality of the concrete. That in turn is a function of the structure’s concrete mix and application. Therefore, it is impossible to assess the performance of the waterproofing membrane system in isolation without considering the concrete’s quality.

A construction worker is pouring KIM into concrete at the time of batching.

How to Simplify and Improve a Waterproofing Strategy with a Fourth Alternative

The fourth alternative is not a compromise between an unbonded, fully bonded, or compartmented system. A fourth alternative is a better waterproofing strategy. It’s a waterproofing solution that simplifies a designer’s choice while providing more predictable outcomes.

Simply put, the fourth alternative is to design and construct a waterproof structure that can sustain itself without external protection. That eliminates the concern of that external protection defecting or failing, as it transforms the concrete itself into a solid waterproof barrier. It also minimizes the need for extra labor or application time, as there is no membrane to install.

But how is this waterproofing strategy possible? What makes it work?

It all functions off the following principles.

The Structure Should Be Waterproof for Its Entire Intended Service Life

This is attained by using quality concrete, proper jointing systems, and adequate reinforcement.

The latter follows conventional construction methods, so let’s focus on those first two aspects.

To obtain quality concrete in this case, builders need to ensure that they use a suitable mix that is permanently waterproof. An easy way to do this is by applying a reactive waterproofing admixture, such as Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane
™
(KIM), with the established best practices for mixing, placing, and curing concrete.

Once added directly into the concrete, KIM disperses Krystol technology throughout the concrete mix, which remains dormant until water is nearby. When in the presence of water, the chemical technology reacts, forming interlocking crystals to block pathways for water in the concrete. That reduces the concrete’s permeability, shrinkage, and cracking. It also improves the concrete’s ability to self-seal for the rest of the structure’s life span.

But what about proper jointing systems?

Special consideration should be given to jointing details, including construction, expansion, and control joints. Using a combination of physical and chemical barriers is recommended for long-term performance. A good example of this is the Krystol Waterstop System. It offers three levels of protection for all jointing details. Depending on the level of protection chosen, the system might make use of two types of waterstops (one for sealing joints and one for crack control), a crystalline slurry that uses Krystol technology for concrete joints, and a crystalline grout.

For Extra Reliability, Designers Need to Determine a Suitable Repair Strategy

With a reliable waterproofing admixture and jointing protection system, a concrete structure should be quite safe.

But it’s important to include redundancies into a waterproofing system. It’s what gives a structure extra protection in case the situation does not go as planned. But to include those redundancies, designers need to consider a suitable repair strategy.

The repair strategy should be based on durable materials that are compatible with concrete. It should not be cosmetic and planned for the short term as it has to be able to fix the problem at its source. Otherwise, the problem will remain present, causing more damage in the long run.

dditional Protection Needs to Be Considered When Handling Projects That Are Considered High-Risk

These can include liveable basements, museums, and other structures where the cost of repairs is very high.

If that is the case for a project, a designer could add a membrane system to the waterproof structure. Selecting one will depend on the previously mentioned factors. But in general, as discussed earlier, the quality of concreting practices will affect how well a membrane type will perform. So it’s important to maintain good concreting practices no matter which type of waterproofing membrane system is chosen.

In short, the fourth alternative is a waterproofing strategy that fundamentally relies on a self-sustained waterproof structure free of application and additional labor concerns, a suitable repair strategy, and when necessary, the extra protection of a waterproofing membrane system.

Free e-book! Download it today to learn about the four aspects to consider when specifying crystalline waterproofing admixtures.

The post Choosing a Waterproofing Strategy for Below Grade Applications: A Fourth Alternative appeared first on Kryton.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.concretestyle.net/?p=1315

Avoiding Concrete Cracks in the Winter: How to Prepare Your Concrete

Avoiding Concrete Cracks in the Winter: How to Prepare Your Concrete

One of the most dreaded things about winter is its damaging effects on concrete. This can be a costly and frustrating problem, but it doesn’t have to be! 

There are numerous easy ways to help avoid concrete cracks this winter. Follow these steps to prepare your driveway or other concrete slabs for the cold months ahead.

Seal your concrete surfaces 

In winter months when snowfall and low temperatures freeze the top of your concrete, frost damage can occur if they are not sealed. Sealing your concrete protects the surface and makes it easier to remove any ice as well. 

Remove debris

Regularly scraping away any leaves that fall onto your concrete as the seasons change is vital to protecting your driveway or other concrete fixtures. Leaves and other organic matter will prevent your concrete from getting the proper exposure to sunlight it needs in order to avoid freezing.

Repair any damaged concrete

If your concrete has become damaged or is already cracking, you need to take care of it as soon as possible. 

Cracked concrete exposed to freezing temperatures can cost thousands of dollars to replace and is likely to continue deteriorating over time if you do not repair it before temperatures continue to drop. 

Be sure to inspect all areas of your property that have concrete. It is possible that your gazebo, deck, or walkway might need replacement too.

Be careful with salt 

Using too much salt as a melting agent can actually damage your concrete, causing it to become brittle and more likely to crack. It should only be used in moderation. Fortunately, in Louisiana, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern for us. 

If you follow these steps, you can avoid the nightmare of having to replace cracked concrete this winter season. Don’t wait another day to start protecting your concrete. 

With the Louisiana weather being as unpredictable as it has been the past couple of years, there’s no telling what this winter will bring. Start taking steps to protect your driveway now and contact Port Aggregates for assistance. We look forward to helping you keep your concrete safe this winter!

The post Avoiding Concrete Cracks in the Winter: How to Prepare Your Concrete appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.concretestyle.net/?p=1312

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.

A hand is holding a black tablet that shows results from Maturix Sensors monitoring concrete.

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 CalibrationEstimate 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.

Reducing the Risk of Hot Weather Concreting with Maturix® Sensors

Reducing the Risk of Hot Weather Concreting with Maturix® Sensors

As summer approaches us here at Kryton in Canada, we know that many of you will be planning your hot weather concreting. While the weather can be a joy to experience for yourself, it can also make concreting more challenging.

For one, high temperatures will accelerate the early-age strength gain of your concrete. This sounds like a great way to naturally expedite your schedule. But it’s hard to take advantage of that when you aren’t sure of how fast your concrete is developing.

Moreover, once high temperatures get excessively high, your concrete can develop a number of durability concerns. For instance, it can end up with delayed ettringite formation (DEF). And DEF can be quite a destructive force in moist environments as it can cause your concrete to prematurely deteriorate.

Outside of DEF, your concrete can also experience drying shrinkage. This happens when the concrete has suffered moisture loss after hardening. It increases the concrete’s tensile stress, raising the likelihood that the concrete will crack or warp.

All of which is terrible for constructing a solid, reliable structure. However, you can reduce the risk of this happening during hot weather concreting with our Maturix Smart Concrete Sensors.

A Maturix Sensor is attached to fencing ready to support hot weather concreting.

So, How Do Maturix Sensors Help?

They give you an easy way to stay on top of your concrete’s thermal control plan. Once connected to type K thermocouple wires, which are positioned and attached to reinforcing rebar, the Maturix Sensors wirelessly transmit temperature data to a cloud-based platform every 10 minutes. Then, the platform takes that data and calculates the maturity based on the readings and a specific concrete calibration curve. In return, you get a result that accurately determines your concrete’s current strength. All of which allows you to tell exactly what temperature and strength your concrete has every day. And because this information is transmitted wirelessly, you can access it through any connected device, keeping you up-to-date on the situation, no matter where you are. Additionally, you can easily set up alarms to receive notifications via SMS or email when a certain temperature, strength, or maturity has been reached.

That in turn allows you to stick to the recommended temperatures for hot weather concreting and operate proactively as specified in ACI 305R: Guide to Hot Weather Concreting.

Of course, that’s just the start. There are a couple other advantages that come with Maturix. Let’s take a look at them.

They Enable You to Leverage Early Concrete Strength in Hot Temperatures

To start, with the insight they provide on strength development, you’ll notice right away when your concrete starts reacting to hotter temperatures. After all, you’ll see exactly when the concrete’s strength accelerates. So you’ll be able to plan your schedule to work with this expedited strength development. In turn, you’ll find yourself stripping forms at a faster rate, letting you keep up with any tight deadlines you have.

nd Their Real-Time Alert System Makes It Easy to Avoid Potential Temperature Concerns

You can set up this alert system to notify you and your team when the concrete meets, exceeds, or goes below critical thresholds. So long as you have a connected device, you’ll immediately know when your concrete is doing well and when it needs adjustments. That way, if your concrete ever exceeds recommended temperatures, you and your team can take the required actions to cool it down.

In short, Maturix empowers you to fix temperature concerns before they ever become a problem.

A confused young businessman looks at many colorful twisted arrows on the blackboard background.

Why Choose Them Over Other Available Sensors for Hot Weather Concreting?

Still, there are other sensors out there. What makes Maturix worthy of more consideration?

Well, Maturix comes with a number of unique features you aren’t likely to find elsewhere. Some of which include the following.

You Get Local Weather Data as Well as Temperature and Strength Data

To further bolster your understanding of your concrete’s development, Maturix Sensors gather data about the local weather. That way, you don’t just know how your concrete is doing. You also get a sense for what conditions your concrete faces throughout your construction project. Whether you have to deal with hot weather and rain or any other weather combination, you get the weather data integrated in your reporting.

You’ll Even Be Able to Reuse Maturix Sensors for Multiple Projects

One of the best cost-effective measures of these devices is that they don’t work like single-use sensors. These aren’t disposable devices that remain within the concrete. Instead, they are connected to disposable thermocouple wires. As a result, once you complete a project, you are free to take the sensors with you and use them for other projects for as many times as you like. This allows you to take advantage of all the features Maturix offers at a low cost. After all, you don’t need to spend a big chunk of your budget on new sensors with Maturix.

In the end, Maturix is a worthwhile investment that cuts down on your costs and makes hot weather concreting much less risky.

A Maturix Sensor is attached to metal with light shining on it.

So Why Not Give Them a Try for Your Next Hot Weather Concreting Project?

If you’re expecting to deal with such a project soon, then it might be time for you to find out how advantageous it can be to have Maturix with you. You’ll soon wonder how you could have gone so long without it! But don’t just take our word for it. Check out our Maturix page to see for yourself.

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

The post Reducing the Risk of Hot Weather Concreting with Maturix® Sensors appeared first on Kryton.