Nor Cal Concrete Services

Concrete today is made up of Portland cement, a combination of limestone, calcium, aluminum, iron, silicone, and other minerals, which is both fine and coarse. Sand, water, and chemical admixtures are added to enable the concrete to harden and set properly.

How is concrete, both standard and pre-cast, tested and checked for structural integrity? Concrete structures are pre-stressed, which is a technique of applying a predetermined stress and magnitude.

When American engineer Canvass White located deposits of limestone in New York around 1818, it was a valuable discovery. This naturally hydraulic limestone hardened when water was added and grew stronger as it aged, which helped produce a stronger, more durable concrete.

Unlike stone, brick, pavers, or blocks, concrete curbing will not separate and come loose like these products. In addition, there are no mortar joints that will require repointing.

Although flowable fill has a number of important construction applications, it’s not suitable to use in place of concrete under any circumstances. If you’re not sure how you might be able to use this product on your next project, we’re always here for you.

Driveways should have a slope of a quarter inch per foot of asphalt. This slope will help the asphalt drain water off of the surface. If you notice puddles forming on your driveway, talking with an expert will help you avoid costly repairs.

During the design stage, incorporating manufactured concrete materials makes for a better final product. Because each item is tested before delivery, you do not have the problems associated with improper form construction, low-grade concrete, or bad pouring that can accompany on-site concrete fabrication.

One of the remedies a contractor may suggest for concrete that has seemingly settled into the ground is slabjacking. Cheaper than ripping up and replacing old concrete, slabjacking attempts to raise the slab to its normal position by pumping grout underneath it.

Pozzuolana, a volcanic sand found in the bay near Pozzuoli, Italy, is a key ingredient in pozzolan concrete. Due to its unique properties, the sand chemically reacts with lime and water, and even when fully submerged, hardens into a rocklike material.

Geomembranes are low permeability liners made of synthetic polymers applied to a man-made structure. Geomembranes can be used as a protection barrier for a house foundation, keeping soil moisture levels constant and preventing entrance of surface water.

Maintain that new driveway or walkway to keep it looking good and to extend its life. Sweep or brush it at regular intervals, and hose it off periodically. Wet leaves can stain the concrete, so do not let them linger. If you power wash, make sure you use the correct cleaning products.

Two church towers in Germany lean ever farther than the Tower of Pisa. The Surhuusen and Bad Frankenhausen church towers lean at 5.19 and 4.8 degrees, respectively.

Pervious concrete allows moisture to pass through it. It's a handy material for sidewalks and roadways. Rain can transit porous concrete in surprising amounts, which makes it a desirable hardscaping material.