Tag: Solid Concrete

Concrete Supply Plus July Week #1

Posted on by Nanette

In February, Central Concrete, a subsidiary of Vulcan Materials Company, and carbon-removal firms Heirloom Carbon and CarbonCure, achieved an industry first: permanently trapping carbon dioxide from direct air capture in concrete using reclaimed-water technology.

How they did it: The firms took carbon dioxide captured from the air by Heirloom’s technology to a Central Concrete plant, and in a process developed by the Nova Scotia–headquartered CarbonCure, injected it into water that had been used to wash out concrete trucks. That water was then used to make new concrete.

  • “Carbon dioxide reacts with calcium ions in the cement mix and turns into limestone—calcium carbonate,” said Alana Guzzetta, manager of Vulcan Materials Company’s National Research Laboratory in San Jose, California. “Once it’s there, it is very stable and stays as that limestone throughout the life of the concrete, even after demolition.”

Why it’s important: “Concrete is the most-used manmade material in the world,” Guzzetta said. “One reason is its versatility. We can take the same core ingredients and get a variety of capabilities and any shape. That’s where the topic of reducing embodied carbon [the greenhouse gases emitted during manufacturing and construction] becomes a big one.”

https://www.nam.org/vulcan-materials-uses-new-tech-for-direct-air-capture-of-co2-27549/?stream=business-operations

Help your customers be ready for Hurricane Season CONFAST 1/4″-20 x 2-1/4″ Male Hurricane anchors install quicker and more efficiently than other storm protection anchoring products. By online @ https://www.confast.com/confast-1-4-20-x-2-1-4-male-hurricane-anchor-kit-25-sets-1-driving-tool/

This concrete construction video is little old but still funny…

#concrete #concreteconstruction #fasteners #CONFAST

Weather Affects Set Time of Stamped Concrete Overlays

Concrete Supply Plus June Week #3

Posted on by Nanette

NEW DETAILS: First steel beam installed at Honda/LG Jeffersonville battery plant

It’s a construction milestone — the first steel beam was installed at what will be the new joint venture electric vehicle battery production plant for Honda and LG Energy Solution.

Honda said Tuesday the first beam was installed at the construction site in Fayette County’s Jefferson Twp., near Jeffersonville.

https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/new-details-first-steel-beam-installed-at-hondalg-jeffersonville-battery-plant/2KNUBMV3NVHZHLPCQG6WSLXXQI

Construction expert predicts flat material prices for second half of year

Labor shortages, a manufacturing boom and infrastructure work are keeping the industry from returning to pre-pandemic price levels.

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-consultant-material-prices-linesight/652870/

Choosing The Best Cement Screws

The many considerations for choosing the proper cement screw to use for any particular application are described in the following:

Diameter

Standard cement screws come in two diameters of 3/16” and 1/4”.  The measurement refers to the outside diameter of the screw, which allows the screw to be inserted through a hole in the fixture equal to the diameter of the cement screw being installed.

Length

Each diameter of cement screw comes in different lengths from 1-1/4” long to 6”.  The minimum length of cement screw used for any particular application is determined by adding the thickness of the material being fastened to the minimum embedment of 1”.  The maximum length of cement screw to use is equal to the maximum embedment of 1-3/4” plus the thickness of the material being fastened.

Hole Depth

The depth of the hole is critical because it must be deep enough to allow the cement screw to be embedded at least to the minimum embedment depth of 1”.  Space must be left at the bottom of the hole to allow all the dust that is created during the tapping process to fall into and out of the way.  It is suggested that the hole is drilled a minimum of 1/4”deeper than the cement screw will penetrate the base material.

Diameter of Hole

The hole drilled in the base material is critical to allow the cement screw to obtain its minimum holding strength.   The hole must be drilled using a carbide tipped bit that meets ANSI standards because ANSI standards will ensure proper hole to anchor tolerance.  The 3/16” cement screw requires a 5/32” bit and the 1/4” diameter needs a 3/16” bit.

Materials

Cement screws are manufactured from two types of steel: low carbon plated and 410 stainless steel.  The standard low carbon cement screw should be used in indoor dry applications.  The 410 stainless steel can be used in applications where moisture may be present.

Head Configuration for Cement Screws

Two head styles are available: hex washer and flat countersunk.   The hex washer head utilizes a nut driver for installation and the flat countersunk requires the use of a Phillips drive.  The length of the hex head cement screws are measured from underneath the head and the flat countersunk are measured as an overall length.  The hex headed cement screws are used in applications where the head of the screw sits on top of the item being fastened.   The flat countersunk cement screw is used in applications where the head of the screw is countersunk into the item being attached.

Base Materials

The cement screw can be used in solid concrete, hollow precast concrete, brick, CMU, block and mortar joints.  The holding strength of the cement screw is dependent on the strength of the base material as well as on the quality of the installation.

Use

Cement screws can be removed, but should not be reused in the same hole because holding values may be diminished or nonexistent.  Using the cement screw in another hole can be done as long as the cutting edge of the screw is able to tap threads.

Brand Name

The most popular brand name for cement screws is Tapcon®. Tapcon screws are sold by Concrete Fastening Systems™, Inc., located in Cleveland, Ohio.  The Tapcon brand cement screws are made in America and can be shipped anywhere in the United States with an arrival in two days. We also make and sell our own brand of masonry screws for cement applications – CONFAST® masonry screws. Our brand is comparable to Tapcon but sold at a lower price due to lack of a middleman distributor.

Concrete Supply Plus Construction Humor for the week.

Concrete Supply Plus June Week #2

Posted on by Nanette

Glass-Fiber Reinforced Concrete Makes NFL Project a Standout The Hollywood Park Media Building won best office building in the 2022 PCI Design Awards. In this Q&A, the project architect tells us why.https://constructionext.com/commercial-residential/fast-5-glass-fiber-reinforced-concrete-makes-nfl-project-standout

Choosing the Best Anchor to Fasten to Concrete

What is the base material?

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

The words “concrete” and “cement” are often erroneously used as interchangeable terms. Cement is an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of water, aggregates (i.e. small stones), sand and portland cement. Portland cement is not a brand name but rather a generic term for the type of cement used in most concrete. The cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a solid mass over time through a process called hydration. The hydration hardens the concrete for years, which means that concrete gets stronger as it ages. People wrongly call sidewalks “cement” and point out “cement trucks” and “cement mixers”. The truth is that only concrete sidewalks and mixers exist!

How old is the concrete?

Green concrete, which is less than 28 days old, should not be drilled or anchored into. The older the concrete, the harder it gets and therefore the more difficult to drill into. In some cases, concrete also becomes more abrasive as it ages. The Tapcon screw may not work in extremely old concrete because the lead threads deteriorate and prevent the screw from being inserted the minimum of one inch. Most other concrete fasteners will successfully work in concrete regardless of age. However, the reason there are a variety of concrete fasteners is that a variety of concrete also exists. A specific concrete anchor or fastener may not work in all applications.https://www.confast.com/articles-choosing-the-best-concrete-anchor/

5 Tips for Photographing Concrete Hardscapes

The beauty of decorative concrete comes from its versatility and stunning final results. Each project’s unique traits help sell the next project. However, your future potential clients don’t necessarily have access to your past projects, which is why photography is a crucial component of your marketing plan — regardless of your company’s size. Whether you use the photography for a brag book, on your website, in brochures, on social media or with articles, you should always ensure you portray your work at its best. Here are 5 Tips for photographing concrete to remember:https://www.concretedecor.net/departments/business-industry/picture-perfect/

Hitachi Energy and Quanta Services won contracts on May 4 to design and build a 3.5-GW onshore wind energy farm in central New Mexico and a 3-GW, 550-mile transmission line from that state to Arizona to deliver its clean power and more—an estimated $8-billion project that developer Pattern Energy terms “the largest renewables development in the western hemisphere.” 

The 525-kV high voltage direct current line will carry the wind energy from more than 900 turbines planned for the New Mexico project to adjacent western states. Quanta Services and its Blattner unit, acquired last year, will construct the wind farm and transmission complex, which also is set to include 10 substations, multiple O&M facilities and more than 100 miles of related transmission lines. Hitachi Energy will design and supply high voltage equipment and technology. https://www.enr.com/articles/56416-quanta-hitachi-win-big-on-8b-sunzia-wind-and-power-line-project

Concrete Supply Plus June Week #1

Posted on by Nanette

How To Deal with the Top 5 Concrete Sealer Issues

Throughout the course of its lifetime, concrete suffers many different forms of damage. Although concrete sealers add a protective layer to concrete floors and structures to help maximize their durability and minimize moisture permeability, concrete sealer problems can be a source of frustration among contractors.

When a concrete sealer doesn’t look or perform as expected, the root cause can usually be traced back to issues like overapplication. It can also mean the application  was done in nonideal conditions or there is buildup of multiple coats.

Following are the top five most common concrete sealer issues encountered in the construction field, why they occur, and how contractors can avoid and/or fix them:https://www.concretedecor.net/departments/concrete-sealers/how-to-deal-with-the-top-5-concrete-sealer-issues/

A team from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has reportedly scored the school’s seventh victory in the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Civil Engineering Student Championship concrete canoe competition. https://www.paintsquare.com/news/view/?26544

CONFAST Male Hurricane anchors For concrete and concrete block applications, drill pilot hole and drive the anchor in, it’s that easy. Predrilling is not required in wood base materials. Full thread engagement in concrete, concrete block and wood is required for best performance. Stucco-faced surfaces usually require countersinking so that the top of the hurricane anchors set flush to the stucco surface, allowing for full thread engagement in the base material Buy online today: https://www.confast.com/concrete-anchors/expansion-anchors/confast-hurricane-anchor/

Estimating Equipment Maintenance Cost

In this episode, construction guru Brad Humphrey talks with Jason Hurdis, quarry and aggregate expert and Lonnie Fritz, heavy construction and road building expert for Caterpillar. They discuss the importance of capturing the true operating cost of each machine on the construction jobsite. Construction companies, no matter the size, need to establish a budget for equipment maintenance throughout the year to remain profitable.https://megaphone.link/ACBMI1086943330

Concrete Supply Plus May Week #4

Posted on by Nanette

How a Contractor Effectively Managed Cement Shortages for a Project for Tech Giant Meta

The ongoing cement shortage continues to be a major pain point for many firms in the concrete construction industry, but having hard conversations early on can set your project up for success, according to one contractor.

Keila Lombardozzi, a superintendent with Arizona-based DCR Construction, said the cement shortage and the challenges it poses can be a touchy subject in the industry.

“No one likes to talk about it, but have the conservation (with all parties) and have it early, as soon as possible, so that you can have an effective gameplan because this is a reality,” she said while addressing the topic at ACI’s Concrete Convention in San Francisco in early April. “This particular challenge isn’t unique.” https://constructionext.com/commercial-residential/how-contractor-effectively-managed-cement-shortages-project-tech-giant-meta

How to Get Paid for Every Change Order

Change orders are common in construction projects, but many contractors don’t charge clients for all changes or their related costs. Timothy Faller, a Maryland remodeler turned consultant, said during an educational session at the International Builders’ Show recently there are seven big mistakes construction companies make regarding change orders and provided solutions for how to get paid for all of them. https://constructionext.com/commercial-residential/how-get-paid-every-change-order?

CONFAST concrete wedge anchors’ design allows them to anchor fixtures into concrete. Concrete wedge anchors work by inserting them into a hole drilled into concrete. The concrete wedge anchor is then expanded, wedging itself securely in the concrete. USES • CONFAST® wedge anchors are designed to be used in solid concrete. • They should never be used in CMU block or brick base material. • Available in a wide range of diameters ranging from 1/4″ to 1-1/4″. The anchor lengths, which depend on the diameter, are from 1-3/4″ to 12″. • CONFAST® wedge anchors are packaged with the proper size and quantities of nuts and washers. • Hole size to be drilled in the concrete is equal to the diameter of CONFAST® wedge anchor being installed. • Available in zinc plated carbon steel for indoor dry applications, hot-dipped galvanized for moist outdoor applications, 304 stainless steel for wet outdoor applications and 316 stainless steel for use in caustic environment. • All sizes are in stock, and will ship from our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse the same day that the order is received.To order today: https://www.confast.com/products-wedge/

TOMAHAWK 1.6 HP Honda Gas Vibrating Concrete Power Screed Motor with 4ft Aluminum Magnesium Board Straight Edge Bar Set and 360° Handles with GX35 Honda Engine https://www.amazon.com/TOMAHAWK-Vibrating-Concrete-Power-Magnesium/dp/B08FBPBC5P/ref=sxbs_sbv_search_btf?

Concrete Supply Plus May week #3

Posted on by Nanette

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has opened $848 million in funding for the first round of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program. https://www.masstransitmag.com/management/press-release/53058244/us-department-of-transportation-dot-fhwa-opens-848-million-in-funding-for-protect-grant-program

Be recognized as a BEST contractor
Are you one of those employers who:Brings excitement to the workforceHelps to build and maintain relationships in your crewAims to increase job satisfactionInspires workers to put their skills to the testIf the answer is yes, your company should submit an application for the Best Contractors to Work for in Construction award.

To be named a Best Contractor, a company must demonstrate their dedication to their employees, showing that people are their most important asset. A company’s commitment to its workforce gains the loyalty of the employees, boosting productivity and leading to less turnover. And having the reputation of a company that people want to work for attracts more applicants!

Register your company by July 7 for a chance to be acknowledged as one of the 2023 Best Contractors to Work for in Construction – completing the application process online is FREE. Selected companies will gain industry recognition and will have a unique advantage in attracting candidates. https://bestcompaniesgroup.com/best-contractors-to-work-for-in-construction

The split drive anchor is a one-piece pre-expanded expansion anchor made of carbon steel. It’s designed for use in a solid base material like concrete. It’s best used in in dry, interior, non-corrosive environments. The drive anchor is used to permanently fasten. The only ways to remove the object fastened is to cut off the head of the anchor, destroy the object being fastened, or pull the anchor out to concrete failure. Once installed, this anchor is tamper resistant. Learn more https://youtu.be/h4bXizvLAHU

Order online: https://www.confast.com/products-split-drive/

How to Incorporate Cracks Into Concrete Floor Designs

The most common objection to concrete floors is the potential for cracking due to settlement or shrinkage. However, not all cracks in concrete are serious enough to require repair. As long as they’re not creating structural problems, the cracks in a floor can be an asset to the design, adding to the character and rustic nature of the concrete. In some cases, you can even turn the cracks into a natural-looking flagstone pattern. Instead of cringing at cracks, take a look at these ideas for incorporating them into an appealing floor design. https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/stenciling_concrete/

Concrete Supply Plus May Week #2

Posted on by Nanette

$260 million computer and data facility is being built at University of Wisconsin-Madison

The 350,000-square-foot building for the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences is scheduled to be completed in 2025.

https://www.asumag.com/planning-design/new-construction/article/21264466/260-million-computer-and-data-facility-is-being-built-at-university-of-wisconsinmadison

Construction humor for the week…

CONFAST provides its customers with quick delivery, no matter the order size. Whether an order is one box or an entire, your order will leave our warehouse on the same business day that it is received.from a fully stocked warehouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Free, same-day shipping is available by ordering at www.confast.com, followed by product delivery within 1-3 days.
CONFAST ships to satisfied customers in all 50 states, as well as to our international business partners around the world. https://www.confast.com/

Ready for Rail: A Look at 2023’s Big Projects

Following a dip in activity due to the pandemic and other delays, 2023 may serve as a ramp up to a flood of new projects coming online during the next few years. https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/53056323/ready-for-rail-a-look-at-2023s-big-projects

Concrete Supply Plus Week May #1

Posted on by Nanette

EucoFloor 404 renews New York tipping floor

See how Euclid Chemical’s EucoFloor 404 can give new life to old tipping floor in a waste facility.

https://www.wastetodaymagazine.com/news/eucofloor-404-renews-new-york-tipping-floor-euclid-chemical

CONSTRUCTION BEGAN FOR EUROPE’S LARGEST 3D-PRINTED BUILDING 

Dubbed Germany’s city of science, Heidelberg will soon host the largest 3D-printed building in Europe — a cloud & data center for Heidelberg IT Management. Construction for this groundbreaking project kickstarted on March 31, 2023, and is expected to complete by the end of July 2023https://www.designboom.com/architecture/europes-largest-3d-printed-building-to-complete-in-heidelberg-it-server-hotel-germany-05-18-2023/

Installation Instructions for the Concrete Wedge Installing wedge anchors can be completed in five easy steps. Wedge anchors can be used in solid concrete applications, are best suited for light to heavy-duty fastening purposes, are available in diameters from 1/4″ up to 1-1/4″, and are available in standard zinc plated, hot dipped galvanized and stainless steel. To determine the minimum anchor length for your application, simply add the material thickness to the minimum embedment and add the thickness of the nut & washer. Learn how to install wedge anchors on our YouTube channel:

https://www.confast.com/products-confast/


DRY POURING A CONCRETE SLAB: IS IT A GOOD IDEA?

Here’s a look at how dry pouring is done and why it should be avoided…Dump bags of prepackaged concrete mix directly onto a prepared subgrade, spray down with water, and voila: Your own DIY concrete slab. This unconventional concrete placement technique, which is trending on YouTube and other social media platforms, is being touted as an easy, time-saving alternative to the typical method of mixing the concrete with water beforehand. But as with most shortcuts, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

https://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/dry-pour.html

Concrete Supply Plus April Week #4

Posted on by Nanette

A housing complex outside Paris is touted as the world’s first fully recycled concrete building

Holcim, a Swiss provider of sustainable building solutions, has developed a concrete made with recycled construction and demolition waste, recycled wastewater, and rainwater.

https://www.bdcnetwork.com/housing-complex-outside-paris-touted-worlds-first-fully-recycled-concrete-building

Construction Humor for the week…

To help concrete contractors save time and $ CONFAST continues to add new products you need to make your jobs easier.

Shop now:

https://www.confast.com/new-products/

Main News Page

NYC Awards $2.95B Borough-Based Jail Contract

At the beginning of the month, civil, building and specialty construction company Tutor Perini Corporation reported that it was awarded a design-build contract for the New York City Borough-Based Jails System.

The contract, valued at approximately $2.95 billion by the New York City Department of Design and Construction, is specifically for the Brooklyn Facility. Four new borough jails are slated to replace the aging facilities on Rikers Island, which will close permanently in 2027.

Design work is expected to commence following the receipt of a Notice to Proceed, which the company anticipates in June of this year.

https://www.paintsquare.com/news/view/?26417

Sandbaggy Rebar Mushroom Safety Caps | for Rebar #3 to #8 | Concrete Stakes | T-Posts Caps | Reusable Multiple Times | Bright OSHA Orange Color | Provides Protection from Exposed Rebar (500)https://www.amazon.com/Sandbaggy-Mushroom-Concrete-Reusable-Protection/dp/B09JLM5PLY

Concrete Supply Plus April Week #2

Posted on by Nanette

How to win and build major manufacturing projects

Executives from JE Dunn and Turner discuss bidding and building billion-dollar manufacturing facilities.

Some are calling it the “modern day Industrial Revolution.”

But whatever name you give it, contractors are talking about how to take advantage of the current manufacturing construction boom, as dozens of factory projects go into planning or break ground in the U.S.

“We’re currently working on large-scale projects in the EV battery and consumer products sectors,” said Brent Strength, senior vice president at JE Dunn, a Kansas City, Missouri-based construction company. “The key to winning these projects centered around our unique early engagement process, tailoring it to their needs and laying out a detailed plan to drive value into the project’s budget and schedule.”

https://www.constructiondive.com/news/how-to-win-build-major-manufacturing-projects/646860/

The CONFAST® brand concrete screw is available in either the hex washer head or the flat countersunk Phillips drive.

https://www.confast.com/products-confast-concretescrew/

Joke of the week…When you’re at a party and nobody wants to talk about CONCRETE

Bauer Instant Polymer Cement 4-Pack|Ready-to-Use Alternative to Mortar and Adhesives. Versatile for Repair of Cracks on Concrete, Tile, Stone and Brick. Convenient, Durable and Easy to Store

https://amzn.to/3UI0j3j

Concrete Contractors advance Hard Hats-to-Helmets proposition

 Concrete News

Sources: American Society of Concrete Contractors, St. Louis; CP staff

The ASCC Education, Research & Development Foundation has launched www.hardhatstohelmets.org with an eye to elevating construction worker safety provisions. The site is dedicated to promoting an industry shift from traditional head protection gear to a chin strap-outfitted alternative engineered to perform under a greater variety of incidents and worker maneuvers. The Hard Hats-to-Helmets (H2H) initiative stems from American Society of Concrete Contractors Safety & Risk Management Council measures to reduce head injury frequency and severity, and coincides with key ASCC members’ migration to strapped helmets as their primary head protection requirement.   

https://concreteproducts.com/index.php/2023/03/27/concrete-contractors-advance-hard-hats-to-helmets-proposition

CONFAST Nutsetter ensures smooth, rapid and trustworthy installation and successfully reduces screw failure. Ultra-sturdy installation tool made of steel with zinc coating for a high quality tool and corrosion resistance.

https://www.confast.com/3-8-confast-threaded-rod-anchor-set-tool-for-concrete-black-ea-box/