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Ready-mixed concrete producers often overdesign their mixtures above the required average strength to ensure field performance despite the variability of several factors that are outside of a producer’s control. Since failure to meet required strength can lead to structural problems, leaving a concrete producer potentially responsible, concrete producers often overdesign to self-protect against such liability. Several reasons can cause excessive overdesign including, but not limited to, compensating for improper field practices like excessive water addition or the need for early-age strength requirements; necessary to speed up construction processes such as formwork removal. Although overdesigned concrete mixtures ensure that the average strength is unlikely to fall below the specified strength, overdesigned concrete with high cementitious contents can lead to performance problems; such as cracking, higher in-place temperatures, excessive shrinkage and creep, and alkali-silica reactions in addition to a higher carbon footprint, as portland cement alone is responsible for the majority of concrete’s carbon emissions. A Call for Sustainable Practices A recent Giatec survey analyzing over 10,000 concrete mixtures revealed that 78% were overdesigned. This overdesign represents a missed opportunity for the concrete industry to reduce its embodied carbon footprint while maintaining performance standards. According to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), the estimated magnitude…
Hot weather conditions pose significant challenges for concrete construction in Türkiye. High temperatures can affect the setting time, strength, and durability of concrete. This blog offers practical advice for managing hot weather concreting for regions like Türkiye. Challenges of Hot Weather Concreting 1. Rapid Evaporation High temperatures can cause rapid evaporation of water from the concrete mix, leading to reduced workability and increased risk of cracking. 2. Accelerated Setting Time Hot weather accelerates the setting time of concrete, making it difficult to place and finish the concrete properly. 3. Reduced Strength If not managed properly, hot weather can lead to reduced strength and durability of the concrete due to improper hydration. Solutions for Hot Weather Concreting 1. Use of Admixtures Admixtures such as retarders can delay the setting time of concrete, allowing more time for placement and finishing. Superplasticizers can improve workability without increasing the water content. 2. Cooling the Ingredients Pre-cooling the aggregates and using chilled water or ice can help lower the temperature of the concrete mix. This reduces the risk of rapid evaporation and accelerated setting. Learn more about Why Is It Important to Cool Concrete in the Summer?3. Proper Curing Proper curing is essential to maintain the moisture content and temperature of the concrete. Methods such as water curing, using…
Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, from the foundations of skyscrapers to simple residential sidewalks. Its adaptability is largely due to formwork, also known as shuttering, a system of molds or structures that hold the concrete in place while it hardens. This crucial stage of the building process ensures the concrete retains its desired shape, strength, and finish. In this post, we will explore different types of formwork, innovations in the field, and practical tips for selecting and using formwork efficiently in various construction projects. What is Formwork? Formwork refers to temporary or permanent molds into which concrete is poured. Without formwork, the liquid concrete would not stay in place long enough to solidify into its intended structure. More than just a mold, formwork plays a vital role in the structural integrity, shape, and finish of the concrete. A well-designed formwork ensures the safety of workers, prevents collapse, and enhances the final quality of the concrete surface. Importance of Formwork in Construction Formwork serves multiple functions in a construction project: Various Types of Formwork Formwork can be made from a variety of materials, each chosen based on the specific needs of the project. The type of formwork selected will influence the cost, labor, and the…
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