Top three most common concrete construction pitfalls
Posted on: 3 January 2017
Concrete construction projects are some of the most widespread since concrete is a popular material that has won the hearts of many. Concrete is effective and leaves a strong and sturdy foundation for any commercial property. However, the widespread nature of concrete construction raises the probability of mistakes. If you own a commercial property, then you probably know that mistakes are not tolerable. Before getting the concreting done, here are some of the top mistakes to avoid when working on a commercial property.
Ignoring the weather
Before starting the contract work, it's vitally important to know the weather forecast for the day. The thing with concrete is that it can cause a lot of trouble when you don't properly prepare for the conditions. The weather getting cold or hot can affect your concrete. A very hot day can cause the concrete to cure way too fast and cause an uneven surface. A cold day, on the other hand, would make the concrete take very long to cure. But what you should prepare for most is the rain. A high water-cement ratio can greatly affect the durability of the concrete and even damage it. Ensure you've got a waterproof cover just in case, even if the forecast doesn't predict rain.
Poor mix design for polished concrete
When mixing the concrete for a polished system, you need to have a number of aspects taken care of. Different concrete packages have slightly varying mix designs, and this will depend on the aggregates and weather conditions. Adding more water than necessary leads to a higher probability of shrinkage and formation of cracks. Generally, the strength of each inch of the slump reduces by 500psi. Less water may increase the strength of the mix but make it harder to work with. Remember, when polishing the concrete floor, keep fly ash to a minimum. Some types are not as compatible with concrete and may not hold up well compared to the concrete's finished surface.
Poor use of forms and reinforcements
Using forms and reinforcements when pouring your concrete is a great way to avoid cracking. This is particularly important when laying concrete slabs in walkways or patios. However, you need to use them rightly. Generally, you really don't need reinforcements on quality subbases with uniform support and properly installed joints. Also, ensure you keep the forms on the concrete for about a day or two before removal. Getting rid of the forms too early may literally undo all your work.
Contact a commercial concreting contractor for more information.
Share