Understanding How Concrete Works

When dealing with construction projects, you have to not only think about the structure but what’s around it and what’s supporting it: concrete. Concrete is everywhere. It’s in the foundation of houses and other buildings. It’s on driveways, walkways, and roads.

Concrete often needs to be replaced and it’s not always an easy thing to do. Concrete is made up of a complex mixture. It’s like making a cake but even more intense. There’s a lot that can go wrong if you don’t have the right mixture.

First, you should know that the terms concrete and cement should not be used interchangeably. Cement is an ingredient used to make concrete. Concrete is a mixture of gray powder, which is the cement, as well as sand, gravel, and water.

Cement reacts chemically with water and hardens over time in a process called hydration. Additives are often included in the mixture to improve its strength and durability. These additives may include:

• Water-reducers. These help make the concrete more workable without needing to add more water to it. This is helpful because adding too much water to the concrete will weaken it.
• Accelerators and retarders. Sometimes concrete contractors need to speed up the curing processes or slow it down, depending on extreme weather. Accelerators and retarders are chemicals that affect the hardening process. An experienced concrete contractor knows how to use them appropriately.

What is a 5 Sack Mix?

Most concrete mixes are a 5 sack mix, but you can change this based on your situation. A 5 sack mix has five bags of cement in it. Generally, the more bags of cement in a mix, the stronger the mix. Most mixes have four, five, or six bags of cement. A 4 sack mix is usually used for concrete walls. A 5 sack mix is used for flat work such as floors and walkways, while a 6 sack mix is used for roadways that will be exposed to vehicle traffic, such as driveways.

Common Concrete Defects

Concrete is literally a science. If it is done improperly, it can lead to a variety of defects that compromise its durability, such as:

• Cracking. Poor mix ratios, inadequate curing, or improper reinforcement can cause cracks to develop early, weakening the structure.
• Scaling or spalling. Surface flaking occurs when water or air is trapped, or when the surface freezes and thaws.
• Low strength. Incorrect water-cement ratios or insufficient compaction can result in concrete that fails to support its intended load.
• Uneven setting. Inconsistent mixing or placement can cause areas of the slab to cure at different rates, leading to uneven surfaces.
• Poor bonding – If layers are poured at different times without proper surface preparation, the layers may not bond well, leading to separation.

Contact Us Today

Concrete is a very complicated process. If done improperly, it can lead to defects that can be costly to repair.

If you are a client or contractor who is having concrete or other construction issues, contact a Florida construction lawyer from Linkhorst Law Firm. We can assess your situation and help you deal with the legal fallout. Call 561-626-8880 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.

Source:

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