Category: Concrete

When you think of general concrete waterproofing, you probably envision membranes or crystalline waterproofing admixtures. But those aren’t the only aspects you need to consider for waterproofing. In fact, you should think of them as part of a more holistic approach to waterproofing. With only membranes or concrete admixtures, you’re not protecting your entire structure from water ingress. You’re missing out on protection for areas like tie holes, pipe penetrations, construction joints, and control joints.

It only takes one of those areas to remain exposed to water for there to be a water ingress problem. After all, as the Construction Waterproofing Handbook notes, 90% of water ingress issues happen within only 1% of the total structure’s surface.

That’s why you need solutions like our Krytonite

Swelling Waterstop, which seals concrete construction joints, protecting them from water. Such solutions, however, aren’t always given the attention they deserve.

To see why that is and why changing that in favor of Krytonite and more is better, we’ve turned to our territory manager for the Eastern United States, Christian Warren. With over 13 years of technical territory sales and operations management experience in concrete waterproofing construction and a background in ready-mix quality control, Christian knows just how valuable it is to give each concrete detail its due. And it’s why he’ll be discussing the value of Krytonite with us today.

Thank you for joining us here, Christian. While all aspects of waterproofing are necessary, waterstops like Krytonite are not often the first part to come to mind for builders. Why is that?

Thanks for inviting me.

As you mentioned, waterstops tend to not get the spotlight that’s needed. As they’re encased inside concrete, it becomes easy to forget about them (it’s like the old saying goes: “out of sight, out of mind”). That’s the case for both waterproofing successes and failures.

Successes tend to be attributed to the whole waterproofing system. And failures are no different. In either situation, it’s difficult to diagnose the waterstop’s successful contribution to the waterproofing system because it takes destructive techniques to the concrete joint to even see the waterstop’s condition.

What about Krytonite itself? What makes it stand out from the other waterstops on the market?

While the installation of Krytonite will be familiar to those who have installed bentonite or other swelling waterstops, the performance of the product is top-level.

For performance comparison, bentonite waterstops offer entry-level capabilities. They’re often inexpensive and mostly ineffective, even in low-risk applications. Part of that is due to their uncontrolled swelling and inability to hold up through wet-dry cycles. Because of that, there is a risk of the concrete blowing out due to high internal pressures, damaging the structure and incurring high maintenance costs as bentonite waterstops deteriorate quickly due to their clay-based composition.

Meanwhile, Krytonite offers greater performance. It’s designed with advanced elastomeric hydrophilic polymers, which is a superior form of technology to that of bentonite. As a result, Krytonite offers better compression sealing, stability, and longevity.

For compression sealing, Krytonite can swell more than 10x its original size. That is up to 4x more than competitors. And with its unique trapezoid shape, Krytonite can minimize the possibility of voids in the concrete.

For stability, Krytonite takes advantage of controlled swelling that allows for proper concrete strength development. It also ensures that Krytonite will never blow out the concrete due to unchecked internal pressures.

And for longevity, Krytonite is made to be cohesive, remaining intact for the life of the concrete structure. It’s a stark contrast to bentonite waterstops, as those are expected to disintegrate eventually, especially under extreme conditions and constant wet-dry cycling.

Of course, the greater value with Krytonite is not just the top-level performance but its cost and warranty. How Kryton has priced it and given it a 10-year limited warranty makes this waterstop a huge value add. It ensures that contractors can get guaranteed top-level performance for entry-level pricing with Krytonite.

So, Krytonite comes with great performance and value. A significant factor for the performance side of things seems to be the product’s superior swelling. Just how does that work? And for how long?

So, Krytonite will swell only in the presence of water. Depending on that water’s source and where the Krytonite is situated, contractors will see variations in that swelling. For instance, to see Krytonite swell up to 1,000% of its size, the waterstop would have to be unconstrained and come into contact with clean water. But when it’s placed within a joint, Krytonite will only expand as much as necessary. So that means expanding until it has enough pressure to stop the flow of water.

Krytonite will stay that way so long as there is water present.

Can it seal more than just construction joints with this ability?

Yes, you can use Krytonite to seal around other items fully embedded in concrete. These might be pipes, studs, or tie rod sleeves.

Is it able to withstand water contaminated with salts, acid, or hydrocarbons?

Whether the water has salt, acid, or hydrocarbon contamination, Krytonite will still be able to activate and operate as normal. It’s all thanks to its unique synthetic rubber technology. Because of the technology’s cohesive properties, Krytonite will not deteriorate if it encounters contaminated water.

Still, to maintain quality, I recommend that contractors confirm the Krytonite’s stability with Kryton’s technical department if the contaminated water levels are particularly high.

How do you get Krytonite to adhere to concrete? Does it matter if the surface is damp?

To get Krytonite to adhere to concrete, you should first apply Krytonite Adhesive along the center of the construction joint. Then, press the Krytonite into the adhesive. When doing this, you should have enough adhesive on the surface that it comes out the sides of the pressed Krytonite.

This is the most optimal way of making sure that Krytonite stays firmly attached to the concrete surface.

That remains the case even if the concrete surface is damp as the adhesive can keep Krytonite up off the damp surface enough for the Krytonite to bond properly. That only works, however, if the surface is not too wet and is free from debris and pooling water.

Of course, if you’re set on using a different adhesive, the next best option is a one-component polyurethane construction adhesive.

Once applied, will it need protection?

Yes. It is possible for Krytonite to tolerate some early water exposure, but you should still take care to protect it from as much rain and moisture as possible before pouring concrete. Otherwise, the Krytonite could end up debonding.

To prevent that from happening, make sure the Krytonite is fully shielded from weather and moisture. A way to accomplish that might involve covering it with plastic to put a barrier between it and any possible water ingress.

Is there anything you’d recommend adding with Krytonite to waterproof construction joints and details?

While Krytonite will do an excellent job at protecting concrete construction joints and other small details, it works best with the KrystolWaterstop System. Under that system, you have Krytonite as well as Krystol Waterstop Treatment

, Krystol Waterstop Grout

, and Crack Inducing Waterstop.

When used in varying combinations, they can offer contractors a robust waterproof jointing system that’s available for low- and high-risk areas.

For low-risk areas, contractors can bring their concrete to a saturated surface-dry (SSD) condition and then coat it with the Krystol Waterstop Treatment. The Krystol technology in that treatment will react to water and unhydrated cement particles to form crystals that stop water from passing through. Then, the contractor can install the Krytonite to the concrete, further sealing the joint from water.

That acts as double protection for a structure that isn’t expecting to see a heavy amount of water ingress.

For higher risk areas, this system offers triple protection. That requires the same SSD condition and the same Krystol Waterstop Treatment and Krytonite application. But after that, contractors can apply Krystol Waterstop Grout to a keyway that’s formed with the help of the Crack Inducing Waterstop, adding extra Krystol technology protection.

All of that builds redundancy into the waterproofing system, giving it better protection from possible installation and material failures and from water ingress.

If I were interested in installing Krytonite and the rest of the Krystol Waterstop System, who should I go to?

We have territory managers and distributors all around the world who can help you. To find out who’s nearest to you, just send your request to Kryton on our contact us page or call Kryton’s headquarters anytime at 800-267-8280. There is always someone ready to help. And of course, if you happen to be in the eastern area of the USA, I am always happy to talk with you to see how Krytonite and the Krystol Waterstop System can best serve your concrete waterproofing needs.

Thanks again for chatting with us, Christian! We’re glad to see just how valuable Krytonite and the Krystol Waterstop System can be.

The post Interview: Why Krytonite™ Is the Unsung Hero of Construction Joint Waterproofing appeared first on Kryton.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.concreteideas.co/?p=1228

Polished concrete flooring has gained popularity in recent years for its durability, low maintenance, and affordability. If you’re thinking about getting your floors redone but haven’t narrowed down your choice of material just yet, continue reading.

Polished concrete floors are perfect for both homes and businesses. They can be used in a variety of spaces, including kitchens and garages. Some of the biggest advantages of this type of flooring include:

1. Extreme durability

Concrete can last for decades without needing to be repaired or maintained. It doesn’t peel, scratch, or fade over time like most other types of flooring. This makes it a particularly great choice for cat or dog owners whose pets tend to scratch up the floors. Not to mention, it will save you money in the long run by reducing repair or replacement costs.

2. Requires very little maintenance

In addition to being extremely durable, polished concrete flooring is also easy to clean and maintain when compared with other types of flooring. Pet stains and spills come up easily and can be swiftly cleaned away without the need for special and expensive cleaners. This makes polished concrete a great choice if you’re looking for flooring that will stay beautiful without requiring time-consuming care and maintenance. 

3. Endless color options 

Contrary to popular belief, concrete doesn’t have to be gray and dreary. Polished concrete comes in an array of beautiful colors, including both classic and modern choices that will blend seamlessly with your existing décor, giving your home or business an entirely new look.

4.  Affordability

One of the biggest advantages of polished concrete floors is the low cost. This flooring is an excellent choice for homeowners and business owners who want to install new flooring but can’t afford pricey wood or marble. 

While there are many distinct advantages to polished concrete, the success or failure of your flooring project ultimately depends on picking the right contractor. Our professionals at Port Aggregates are highly skilled in creating beautiful, precise pours every time. Contact us today to request a quote for your next project!

The post 4 Advantages of Polished Concrete Flooring appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Technology is always evolving. That hasn’t been any less true for the concrete monitoring field. Not long ago, contractors were relying solely on field-cured concrete cylinders to understand the compressive strength development of their concrete. It was a time-consuming process with room for error. After all, field-cured cylinders cure at a different rate than concrete placed en masse. And they need to be transported for testing off-site. But now, there are many concrete sensors available on the market to simplify this process and provide more accurate insight into concrete strength.

One in particular has drawn attention over the past year or so. That would be the Maturix Smart Concrete Sensors. These next-gen sensors are helping to lead the sensor market, drawing interest from all over, and we’re here to explain why that is and why you should join the excitement.

Maturix Sensors Offer Award-Winning Concrete Monitoring

These heavy-duty sensors transmit concrete temperature data directly to a cloud-based platform and calculate concrete strength from there on a regular basis each day. That process allows them to provide builders with real-time remote concrete monitoring.

Their setup is relatively simple too. It starts with our Maturix expert creating an online account for builders. So all builders need to do is log in when ready. From there, they attach a cost-effective thermocouple wire to rebar. That in turn gets plugged into Maturix’s transmitting sensor, which is located outside the concrete placement. Builders can then start or refine the monitoring start time remotely through any device that can access a web browser.

That way, contractors can eliminate the time, labor, and money required to physically go to the worksite to collect data on concrete placements. Instead, they can easily access their concrete data 24/7 through the Maturix platform. They can also receive online alerts through Maturix software. That lets them know exactly when their concrete’s temperature has exceeded critical thresholds or fallen out of spec and when their concrete’s compressive strength has been met. For concrete strength validation in particular, that can save up to three days per pour.

Due to Maturix’s ability to streamline concrete monitoring in such a cost-effective way, the sensors earned a Most Innovative Product Award in 2020. And it wasn’t long after that when they garnered additional attention. Soon, they starred in an article about the future of concrete sensor technology, already showing just how much of an impact these sensors made.

On Top of That, They Are Built to Last Long

To add to their award-winning appeal, the Maturix Sensors have been redesigned. They can now withstand the harshest construction and precast manufacturing environments.

Given a durable casing that increases their resistance to both water and dust, these sensors will last for more than the entirety of one project. And unlike other sensors, Maturix Sensors are not gone after a single use. Instead, the thermocouple wires attached to the sensors are disposable. That way, the sensors can be used for as many pours as a contractor likes. That makes them ideal for those who are looking for a streamlined cost-effective solution on monitoring concrete temperature, maturity, and strength.

Both These Features Help to Ease Worksite Information Sharing

With the ability to provide instant updates on concrete development and remain operational for many pours, Maturix Sensors make it easier to share information. There’s no concern about needing to replace them, after all. So contractors can instead focus on what’s important: the data surrounding their concrete’s development.

Because that data is received instantaneously, contractors can remain fully aware of any potential issues that might develop. Whether there’s a need to manage the mass concrete differential, cold weather, or hot weather, Maturix Sensors can ensure contractors know about it before it becomes a problem.

However, that doesn’t have to benefit just contractors. If other worksite team members need to know this information, a contractor only has to send that data in the form of a report with the press of a button through the Maturix cloud-based platform. That report will then be transmitted digitally to whoever needs it, expediting report work and worksite approvals in the process with very little effort required.

Contractors don’t have to worry about losing that report data either. The Maturix platform ensures that all data is logged and backed up, so contractors and their team have documentation associated with their project, which can help reduce liability.

ll of Which Has Helped Create a Number of Success Stories

After hearing about Maturix and trying it out for themselves, many contractor companies were happy to report their own success stories with Maturix features.

They’ve Helped The Walsh Group Ltd. Streamline the Monitoring of Multiple Wall Placements

In an interview with our Maturix specialist, Kris Till, Tanner Santo, a superintendent for The Walsh Group Ltd., stated that there were “a lot of moving parts and challenging logistics” to constructing the Southeast Treatment Plant in San Francisco. The company had to determine how to monitor 300 to 400 wall placements. And they had to determine how to minimize any downtime while doing so.

Their original process for this would have been time-consuming and costly. They would need to take multiple concrete cylinder samples, which would add on to the cost of the work. And they would also need to wait for a testing lab to determine when the concrete had reached minimum strength. Without the testing lab’s go-ahead, they would have to wait to remove the formwork, prolonging the progress of their work.

To expedite this process, The Walsh Group Ltd. decided to add Maturix. That streamlined their monitoring significantly. Santo was able to receive notifications on his cell phone, letting him know when the concrete reached minimal strength. As a result, he and his team did not have to take additional concrete samples or wait for a go-ahead and could safely strip formwork, knowing just when the concrete had hit minimal strength.

nd They’ve Improved the Documentation and Quality Control Processes for Kruse Smith

Hoping to innovate technologically and improve their on-site performance, the Norwegian contractor Kruse Smith also chose to work with Maturix. They made this decision with their work on the E39 highway project in mind specifically.

One of their biggest concerns surrounding this work was dealing with the weather. They would be working in freezing temperatures with lots of ice and snow. So they had to protect their concrete from freezing before it cured.

For previous projects, they kept an eye on this concern with manual data loggers. They were digital, but they didn’t transmit data online. As a result, Kruse Smith had to send out workers to physically check their concrete placements individually to collect temperature data. Then, the workers would have to do analytical work based on the information they recorded to get any insight from that data.

With Maturix during their E39 project, however, they received that information instantaneously through an Internet-connected device, which came with generated graphs and analysis already there. So there was less work involved for faster, more accurate results.

In turn, that allowed them to focus more on better active documentation and quality control. They could bring that data up in meetings with team members and their client to discuss the progress of their work and what they could improve. It created a lot of transparency and trust. And it made it easier to spot any possible issues with temperature drops or a slower concrete curing process.

That Just Proves How Reliable and Cost-Effective Maturix Is in the Long Run

In just a short while, Maturix has won an award for its technology and has proven itself out in the field as a reliable tool for saving contractors time and money when they monitor concrete. From streamlining the monitoring of around 300 to 400 concrete wall placements for The Walsh Group Ltd. to enhancing Kruse Smith’s active documentation and quality control, Maturix Sensors show that it’s possible to simplify concrete monitoring and cut costs without losing the quality and accuracy contractors are looking for in a worksite.

The post Why Maturix® Is Leading the Concrete Sensor Market with Next-Gen Tech appeared first on Kryton.

A retaining wall is necessary for any landscape project. 

Without them, shorelines will quickly erode or flood, and gardens become overgrown with weeds.

The most popular type of retaining wall is the traditional concrete block style that has been around since the 1950s.

However, plenty of other options are available. One such option is a type of limestone called rip rap.

This bulky stone offers an array of benefits. When used as a retaining wall, it’s:

1. Aesthetically pleasing

A rip rap retaining wall is an attractive way to add some interest and excitement to your yard or city shoreline. The irregular shapes of the stones give it a more natural, rustic look that complements a variety of styles.

2. Eco-friendly

Because limestone can be obtained from quarries, it has less environmental impact than other materials like concrete and steel. It is also a sedimentary rock, which means that it’s formed over time from the weathering of other rocks.

The process of obtaining limestone does not involve chemical treatments or strong acids like some materials do. It helps to protect the environment and human health during and after its creation.

In addition, limestone is a natural sponge that absorbs water. This makes it an especially good choice for areas like the South that experience heavy rainfall and hurricanes.

3. Great for protection against the elements and erosion

Thanks to its irregular shape, rip rap can be useful in more urban areas to protect buildings from heavy rains and flooding. It also prevents soil at construction sites from getting washed away by rainfall or runoff water that carries mud and silt into nearby waterways.

4. Long-lasting

Rip rap is a long-lasting material that can remain in your landscape for many years. Since it’s made from limestone, you can also rely on this material for its strength and durability. Unlike certain materials like cinder blocks, rip rap will not break down over time.

In addition, the limestone itself has been around since prehistoric times and will likely be here until another type of rock comes along to replace it. This provides an excellent return on investment compared with materials like wood or plastic which need replacing every few decades.

5. Easy to maintain

One of the final benefits of rip rap is that it’s easy to maintain. Unlike traditional concrete block walls, you don’t need to replace these stones since they’re not attached together with mortar or cement.

Instead, each stone rests on top of the other and can be removed when necessary (if repairs are needed or if you want to create a new design).

In addition, the irregular shapes and sizes of rip rap makes it easy to find just what you need for your project, whether that’s one large piece or several smaller ones. This is unlike many other types of retaining wall stone which are sold in pre-cut pieces.

Port Aggregates offers three types of rip rap: 10lb rip rap (6-10”), 30lb rip rap, and 55lb rip rap. Whether your goal is to prevent erosion or simply create a garden, we’ve got just what you need. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in numerous sizes to suit your special needs. Contact us today to request a quote

The post 5 Reasons to Choose a Rip Rap Retaining Wall appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.concreteideas.co/?p=1214

Around the world, concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in construction.

From concrete patios and walls, to intricate fountains and fireplaces, this versatile material is perfect for any project in your home or business.

In this blog post, we will discuss four reasons why concrete should be the building material you choose for your next project.

1. Strength and Resilience

The secret to concrete’s durability is all in the science. When cement is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs. This reaction bonds the two substances together rather than just holding them together. The resulting chemical bond prevents concrete from crumbling, breaking apart, or pitting.

Concrete’s strength and durability allow it to withstand even the most extreme conditions, such as underwater environments, deserts, and extremely cold climates. It’s one of the most fire-resistant materials, and doesn’t burn like wood or other organic fixtures.

Not only is concrete strong, but it also gets stronger as it ages–unlike other construction materials that erode over time. This process is called hardening, and it occurs as a result of the formation of calcium silicate hydrate as the cement continues to hydrate. The integrity of concrete can last for decades. On average, you can expect concrete to last three times longer than most building materials.

2. Low Maintenance

Once concrete is poured and set, the job is pretty much complete. Unlike other building materials, concrete requires little to no maintenance; there’s no need to worry about discoloration or laborious upkeep.

3. Versatility

Concrete can be applied in numerous ways — hand-applied, sprayed, pumped, poured, and more. When freshly mixed, it is malleable enough to be poured and molded into anything. Builders can even replicate the appearance of wood or bricks by stamping the concrete.

You’re really only limited by your own imagination when you pour concrete. From stamping designs to creating elaborate patterns, there are endless design possibilities, making it a first choice for many builders.

4. Affordability

One of the greatest benefits of concrete is its affordability. Because concrete can be poured into just about any shape or size, it does not require extra materials to maintain its form. As a result, the overall cost of your project will be significantly less than if you were trying to work with other building materials such as tile or stone.

On top of that, concrete’s low maintenance combined with its durability reduce the overall operating costs and insurance. Even after disasters, rebuilds are a lot less cost exhaustive than they are with other materials.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, versatile, and long-term solution, concrete is the best material for the job, and our dedicated experts here at Port Aggregates have you covered. Contact us today to start your next concrete project!

The post 4 Reasons Why You Should Use Concrete in Your Next Project appeared first on Port Aggregates.

For the majority of south and east coast residents, the fear of hurricane season is at the forefront of their minds.

As global warming continues to worsen, we can anticipate these storms to get progressively stronger over time.

Understandably, this creates a great amount of fear for everyone and likely leaves you wondering what you can do to prevent damage the next time around.

When building a house in these hurricane-prone areas, you should always talk to your contractor about your options. They will likely present to you two choices: wood and precast concrete

The benefits of both materials are endless, but there are also disadvantages to consider.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of each material, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

Wood

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of wood is that it’s a relatively cheap material compared to precast concrete. It can be made from a variety of resources, such as bamboo or cedar, which will make it more eco-friendly in the long term. Wood is also easier to alter and transport if you’re not happy with the structure of your home once it’s built.

Cons

Wood does not stand up well against high winds in a storm. Not to mention, it will only add fuel to the fire if you live in an area where forest fires are common. Wood structures may also have to be replaced more often than precast concrete and other building materials, thanks to decay from termites or other natural occurrences.

Precast Concrete

Pros

Precast concrete is stronger, heavier, and more durable than wood when it comes to withstanding bad storms or hurricanes. There are also a variety of precast concrete materials to choose from, which can allow you to get creative with your architectural design.

Concrete lasts for decades against all forces of nature, is a better insulator than wood, and is resistant to termites.

Cons

Unfortunately, concrete isn’t technically environmentally-friendly, but this is the sacrifice you’ll have to make to save your house during a hurricane.

Precast concrete is also more expensive and time-consuming than wood structures during the building process, but you truly get what you pay for in this industry.

If you’re looking for a material that will withstand a hurricane, then precast concrete is your best bet. At Port Aggregates, we offer the highest quality concrete in the state, which is why we’ve been a trusted industry professional for over 40 years. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Building a Home in a Hurricane-Prone Area: What You Need to Know appeared first on Port Aggregates.

No matter where you are in the construction industry, you want the structures you work with to last. After all, no one likes to hear that their work failed to live up to expectations. And the expectations for long-lived structures have only grown, increasing as the concern for sustainability and climate change rise. There’s also now more demand for environmentally friendly structures that can resist harsher climates. In short, now more than ever, you’re looking for ways to keep your structures standing for as long as possible and to help them survive the wear and tear of weather and everyday activity.

In your search for the right solution to this, you may have come across our integral hardening admixture, Hard-Cem. Known widely to be a great solution for warehouse durability (and more), it’s been applied to over 7 million m2 (80 million ft2) of concrete across Canada.

But what makes it so popular? And why should you consider it for your future projects? These frequently asked questions and more have been given a great deal of thought in a number of our other articles. But to make sure you get all your answers in one place, we’ve decided to respond to these questions in an easy-to-read guide here.

So, What Is Hard-Cem Exactly?

As we briefly touched on earlier, Hard-Cem is an integral hardening admixture meant to make concrete more durable against abrasion and erosion. In fact, it’s the only one of its kind on the market currently!

Other concrete hardening solutions typically come in the form of dry shakes, liquid hardeners, or other conventional forms. However, they can also come with application concerns.

For one, dry shake products usually have a complicated application process, so there is a higher risk of applying them incorrectly. And because these products often come with toxic silica dust, workers are more likely to get exposed to that material and develop health problems.

Liquid hardeners, on the other hand, while safer and less complicated to use, are just not that effective. They’re designed to reduce dust from weak, improperly finished or fast-drying concrete slabs. They aren’t and shouldn’t be expected to increase concrete hardness to prevent abrasion or erosion.

And both dry shakes and liquid hardeners require time-consuming manual labor, which often requires expensive equipment.

Hard-Cem, however, is free of all these concerns! Because it’s an admixture, it just needs to be added to your concrete mix. And that’s it! It only has one step, so there’s no risk of applying it incorrectly. Hard-Cem also does not expose workers to silica dust, so it helps make jobsites safer. As a result, with Hard-Cem, you get an easier and safer way to create concrete that is harder and better able to resist abrasive and erosive forces.

How Does It Help with Concrete Hardening?

To help with concrete hardening, Hard-Cem is first added into the concrete mix. From there, it disperses throughout the mix, allowing hard particles to get embedded into the cement paste, increasing the hardness of the entire concrete slab. In turn, the cement paste wears more slowly, which reduces material loss that would normally expose the underlying aggregates and make the slab uneven and less functional.

All of which helps double the wear life of the concrete and increase its resistance to abrasion and erosion. And that remains a permanent, life-long feature for the concrete as Hard-Cem becomes a fundamental part of the concrete mix.

Will It Increase Concrete Performance?

Outside of extending your concrete’s wear life and raising your concrete’s resistance to abrasion and erosion, Hard-Cem can also increase your concrete’s chipping resistance. In short, it increases your concrete’s performance in terms of durability against physical wear and tear.

In fact, Hard-Cem is capable of doing this for both regular concrete slabs and concrete joints! However, it’s important to note that if you’re expecting severe wear on your concrete joints to the point that joint-armoring technologies are required, Hard-Cem is not meant to be a replacement for that technology specifically.

How Does Hard-Cem Increase Concrete Durability without Increasing Cement Content?

The fact that Hard-Cem doesn’t increase cement content might seem surprising at first considering it’s common to increase the cement content of your concrete to boost its durability. But keep in mind that Hard-Cem is an additive that strengthens and reinforces cement paste.

A good example for how that works is to think of additives that can be used in tire manufacturing. You’re still using the same amount of rubber, but the tires themselves can be manufactured to be more durable and abrasion-resistant.

Hard-Cem works in a similar way. It’s acting directly in the cement paste to reduce the rate of wear loss. So even though the bulk concrete still has the same or similar compressive strength and properties with Hard-Cem, the addition of Hard-Cem will still help reduce the wear of concrete when it is subject to abrasive and erosive forces. And it does that without the need to add more Portland cement to your concrete mix, allowing you to strengthen it and maintain lower carbon emissions.

How Is It Added to the Concrete?

Hard-Cem is added right into a concrete truck at the batch plant through your local concrete provider. There are no extra steps, and it ensures Hard-Cem is properly added to your mix before you start pouring your concrete. Hard-Cem is available in easy-to-use mixer-ready bags or bulk silo deliveries for larger jobs.

What Projects Can It Be Used For?

It can be used in any project of yours that needs a strong resistance to abrasion and erosion. That typically applies to warehouses. But there are so many more worthwhile applications!

Other projects that often get the most benefit out of Hard-Cem include the following:

Industrial service and repair baysHighway pavements and intersectionsBridge decksRunwaysParking structures, ramps, and apronsSkate parksTunnelsShaftsProcess buildings for mining, oil, and gas industriesUtility and maintenance buildingsLivestock housingStorage shedsTractor garagesDamsSluiceways, spillways, and drainage conduitsStilling basinsCulverts and precast pipesCanalsBlocks and pavers

Is Hard-Cem Compatible with Supplementary Cementitious Materials?

Yes, Hard-Cem has been successfully applied in a number of projects that use supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash, ground-granulated blast-furnace slag, and silica fume.

Is It Compatible with Air-Entrained Concrete?

Also, yes! Hard-Cem is fully compatible with air-entrained concrete. Hard-Cem is not harmful to the air-void system. And air-entrained concrete treated with Hard-Cem remains highly durable to freeze-thaw cycles and salt scaling.

Is There Anything It Isn’t Compatible With?

In general, Hard-Cem is a highly versatile admixture! In addition to being compatible with SCMs and air-entrained concrete, it can be used for a wide variety of concrete placements whether they’re horizontal, vertical, or inclined.

Even its application can be versatile. Hard-Cem works with ready-mix, shotcrete, and precast concrete applications.

And no matter what mix you use, which concrete placement you go with, or how you apply it, Hard-Cem will not negatively impact your concrete’s water demand, workability, set time, strength development, or shrinkage. Instead, you’ll get the same concrete but with better durability.

Does Hard-Cem Change the Concrete’s Finishing Properties?

No, Hard-Cem does not change the finishing characteristics. In fact, finishers report a high level of satisfaction when working with the admixture. Moreover, Hard-Cem can be used with any specified finish.

Do You Have Any Other Resources That Can Teach Me More about Hard-Cem?

If you still have some questions about Hard-Cem or just want to satisfy a more personal curiosity in our novel concrete hardener, we have plenty of digital resources just for you:

Articles“The Top 4 Types of Smart Concrete Technologies to Boost Concrete Construction”“A Study in Durable Design: Creating the Award-Winning Metro Skate Park”“Hard-Cem: It’s Not Just for Warehouse Floors”“Why Hard-Cem Shotcrete Should Be Your Solution for Durable Concrete”“Liquid Hardeners vs Hard-Cem: Which Is Better for Concrete Durability?”“Lower Your Concrete Carbon Footprint with These 4 Innovative Methods”“Silica Dust: The Dangers and How You Can Mitigate Them”“Convert Your Concrete Slab from a Maintenance Liability to an Asset”

 

Case StudiesVancouver Convention CentreBear Creek HydroBrandt Tractor Ltd. warehouseAn Abbotsford residential workshopAshbridges Bay Skate Park

 

Educational ContentWebinar on integral concrete hardening for wear-resistant concreteHanley Wood University’s course on our integral hardening admixture for wear-resistant concreteConstruction Canada’s demo-cast recording on Hard-Cem

If I’ve Already Decided to Add Hard-Cem to My Project, Where Would I Get It?

We offer Hard-Cem through concrete providers around the world. So if you’d like to add Hard-Cem to your project, get in touch with your local provider. You can also check out our website for a list of contacts who could help you with your Hard-Cem needs.

The post Concrete Hardening with Hard-Cem®: Frequently Asked Questions appeared first on Kryton.

In Louisiana, it’s been exceptionally hot these past few days.

With a heat index of 109° F, concrete contractors in particular have had to take special precautions when pouring concrete outdoors.

There are many complications that come with pouring concrete in extreme heat, aside from health concerns.

Let’s take a look.

The risks of pouring concrete when it’s too hot outside

Fortunately (for the concrete only), in Louisiana, we don’t experience many low-humidity or windy days. These factors can complicate the pour and require special adjustments to be made.

The following issues can arise when pouring in extreme heat:

Decreased durability and strengthHigher risk of thermal crackingHigher risk of drying shrinkageCold joint formationsHigher risk of slumpingHigher risk of finishing problems

Is it possible to pour concrete in extreme heat?

When you hire the professionals at Port Aggregates, you can trust that our contractors know what they’re doing and are experienced in executing successful pours in a wide range of conditions.

In short, yes, it is possible to pour in extreme heat by taking the proper precautions:

Plan in advance. The mixed concrete will need to be poured more quickly than usual, so we always check our routes ahead of time to make sure there won’t be any delivery delays.Expand the size of the crew. The more hands on deck, the faster the job will be completed.Counteract the effects of the heat on the concrete during all stages of the pour. This may include blocking the sun with portable shade or tenting an area.

There’s a lot to consider when pouring concrete in extreme heat. To ensure that the job is done properly and all of the appropriate safety measures have been taken, contact Port Aggregates. There’s a reason we’ve been a trusted industry leader for over forty years! Request a quote today for help with your residential or commercial concrete project this summer.

The post Can You Pour Concrete in Hot Weather? appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.concreteideas.co/?p=1184

Any business owner can expect to run into at least one concrete project during the span of their commercial business operation. Hiring the right concrete company for this project will be the difference between a good-quality, long-standing product and a cracked slab.

When looking for a commercial concrete contractor, there are several traits you’ll need to seek out.

The right concrete contractor will be:

1. Reputable

A concrete company’s reputation is just as important as the quality of the concrete it supplies, especially if you plan on working with this company for the long haul.

Check out the company’s reviews across the web and ask around to see who your friends or family may recommend. LinkedIn is a good place to ask other business owners for recommendations.

Ask past customers how the company in question ranks on communication, customer service, completion times, cleanliness, reliability, and price. After you’ve done your research, continue looking for a company that is both skilled and reliable.

2. Skilled

You’ll want to hire a concrete company that specializes in your specific needs. For example, if you need a decorative concrete job done, don’t hire just any concrete company–hire one that is skilled in decorative concrete.

See if you can find pictures of the company’s work to assess their skill, and call to make sure they have all the materials in-house. If they don’t, you’ll need to pay extra for them to outsource the materials.

3. Reliable

Reliability is one of the most important traits to look for in a concrete company. There’s nothing worse than hiring a contractor that shows up late, doesn’t follow the timeline, and fails to communicate about important changes.

The reliability of a company can also be proven through references and recommendations. Any professional company will be able to show you a portfolio or showcase pictures of their work.

At Port Aggregates, our skilled contractors have over 40 years’ worth of experience ingrained into our pours. You can view our work on our site or Facebook page, and contact us for specific images. Whether you’re looking to complete a residential or commercial concrete project, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Finding the Right Concrete Company for Your Commercial Project appeared first on Port Aggregates.