Fotofili Concrete

We know that time is always a critical factor in any construction project. If you will be needing concrete, do not forget to factor curing time into your calendar. Allowing the concrete to set and cure properly means it will provide its projected working life.

Concrete saw its first use in ancient times, dating all the way back to ancient Greece. Examples of early concrete were found in Greece, Crete, and Cyprus. Some ancient concrete was even found that dated back to 1200 BC.

There are plenty of reasons to use concrete instead of asphalt for your driveway project. Have you ever tried to walk on asphalt on a hot, summer day? Concrete is a much cooler material.

No man-made building material is used more each year than concrete - twice as much worldwide as the total of all other building materials - according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

The first concrete road in the US was built by hand as a two-layered pavement system in 1891. The road, which is still in use, features a 4-inch base course made with 1.5 in. aggregate and a 4-inch wear course made with fine aggregate.

We suggest using a concrete mix that can withstand a minimum of 4,000lbs/psi when constructing your driveway. The concrete we mix for driveway pours contains water-reducing admixtures that enhance long-term strengthening, providing a surface that can last decades with little maintenance.

For most applications, concrete is rated for compressive stress at a certain PSI at 28 days. The mark between conventional concrete and high-strength concrete is 6,000 pounds. If you don't need high-strength concrete, you can get 3,000 PSI, or if you need to go higher, you can go up to 20,000 PSI.

A key part of what gives concrete its strength is the cement that holds the aggregate stones (such as gravel) together. This cement is usually 60% limestone, 5% alumina, 25% silica, and 10% other materials, which usually includes things like gypsum or iron oxide.

Poured concrete foundational walls offer many benefits over other foundational materials. Not only are they extremely strong but they’re resistant to water and fire dangers.

We recognize that some homeowners will have concrete needs that go beyond repairing the driveway or sidewalk. Let’s talk about your specific needs and how we can help you take care of all your concrete-related projects.

The weight in concrete is spread out and distributed among the aggregate in the concrete. This can take an incredible amount of weight. Depending on the mix and raw materials, concrete can take anywhere from 2500 pounds per square inch (or psi) to 4000 psi.

It may look like the concrete is drying as it hardens, but actually, it's undergoing a chemical reaction called hydration. The water is absorbed by the cement to create interlocking crystals that hold the aggregates together. The majority of it takes place in the first month.

Concrete needs to cure to harden properly. This requires the concrete be within a certain temperature range. Curing occurs through hydration and needs access to moisture for five to seven days.