This is the place to rant, rave, brag, belly-ache, crack a joke, procrastinate, and delve into the metaphysical aspects of the DIY mindset. We’re off the map, on a tangent, and frequently off topic. This is the stuff we don’t show on TV.
This topic includes information related to precast concrete specialties installed during construction. Precast concrete specialties are concrete products that are cast in a controlled environment, delivered to a site and installed. Precast concrete specialties include; bollards, splash blocks, stair treads and trim.
One of the most important advantages of concrete is its workable, viscous state that allows it to be formed into literally any solid shape. Concrete Forming refers to the temporary or permanent support structures used to contain concrete as it is poured and while it hardens. Formwork can be made of many different materials, and it can be removed after the concrete is set or remain in place permanently. One may utilize formwork that moves either vertically or horizontally (slip form paving) to allow extrusion and finishing of the concrete. Form liners and architectural form details can also be added to the basic structural formwork to create designs and patterns in the concrete for use as a decorative finish surface.
This topic includes information related to structural concrete that is cast in place during construction. Structural concrete, which is composed of a mixture of cement, aggregate, water and admixtures, has a dull, gray color with a rough texture. It is commonly concealed behind interior finishes. Structural concrete is reinforced with steel and can be cast in place as a beam, column, girder, joist, slab or other structural member. Various types of structural concrete include; heavyweight, lightweight, shrinkage compensating, high performance and self compacting.
This topic includes information related to architectural concrete that is cast in place during construction. Architectural concrete, which is composed of a mixture of cement, aggregate, water and admixtures, is an exposed concrete that has an aesthetically pleasing, finished appearance. Architectural concrete appearance is achieved with special forms, finishing methods and special, mixture, components. Various types of architectural concrete include; heavyweight and lightweight.
This topic includes information related to exposed aggregate concrete finishing of cast in place concrete during construction. Exposed aggregate concrete finishing is achieved by adding aggregates to concrete batch mix, the surface of the cast in place concrete is removed and in some cases the concrete surface is polished.
This topic includes information related to stamped concrete finishing of cast in place concrete during construction. Stamped concrete is achieved by applying an embossed skin, random interlocking or patterned mat to the surface of hardening concrete. The skin or mat imprints a desired pattern that resembles brick, slate, flagstone, cobblestone, tile and wood finished surfaces. Stamped concrete finishes are often blended with colored concrete finishing and exposed aggregate concrete finishing.
This topic includes information related to underwater concrete placed during construction. Underwater concrete is placed using a tremie, a vertical pipe with a funnel shaped top. Mixtures for underwater concrete are designed for a continuous pour and prevention of cement washout. Additives are used in conjunction with cement and aggregate to increase underwater concrete strength.
This topic includes information related to cast roof decks installed during construction. Cast roof decks are roof deck substrate systems that provide structural support to roofing materials and anticipated loads. Common types of cast roof decks include gypsum concrete and cementitious wood fiber roof decking. Gypsum concrete roof deck systems are assemblies of form boards, purlins, wire mesh and gypsum concrete. Cementitious wood fiber decking systems are tongue and groove panels.
This topic includes information related to concrete topping used during construction. Concrete topping is used over existing concrete slabs to level, reinforce floors and fill surface deformations. Cellular concrete is a lightweight, aerated concrete.
Cast Underlayment, often referred to generically as “gypcrete,” Maxxon Corp’s registered trademark name, has been used for the leveling of rough and uneven floors, for wood floor systems requiring fire ratings and acoustic control, and as the encapsulation material for in-floor radiant heating. The increased material strengths available today, along with ever-increasing competition, have led to the manufacture of more durable products and an increased use of cast underlayments since the 1990s. The application of cement underlayment is similar to traditional techniques for casting concrete. Cement underlayment (non-structural) can be added over existing concrete or timber floors, both interior and exterior, provided that the substrate is structurally sound.
Grout is a strong cementitious mix or chemically-setting mix used for filling voids, joints, or cracks in concrete or masonry. There are two main categories of grout: cementitious grout and chemical grout. Cementitious grout has been used in the U.S. since the mid-1800's to create grouted reinforced masonry. This construction is normally used on buildings limited to a few stories. Cementitious grout is also used for embedding reinforcing bars, which increases the amount of load-bearing material in a masonry wall; for filling hollow metal door frames; for repairing cracks; and for connecting pre-cast concrete panels. Chemical grouts are fluid and are used for filling under the bearing plates of columns and machine bases or for injection to fill cracks. Grouts used for tiling, flooring, resin grout, flowable fill, stone restoration, and foundation and slab jacking are examples of more specialized grouts.
This topic includes information related to non-shrink grout used during construction. A hydraulic cement, non-shrink grout, is commonly used as a setting bed between structural members. The components of a non-shrink grout prevent loss of material volume or shrinkage, making it suitable for structural grouting.
