Concrete Issues

Richard Bose asked:


A commercial bridge contains three main structural members – Substructure (foundation), Superstructure and Deck. The foundation is used to transmit the full weight of the bridge to the earth. It is made up of two components – abutments and columns. An abutment is the link between the end of the bridge and the ground offering support to the end segments of the bridge. The superstructure is the horizontal platform that extends over the distance between columns. The deck of the bridge is the traffic-carrying exterior plane added to the superstructure.

The bridge design involves number of factors, including the live/dead loads, wind patterns, local geography, water streams, soil conditions, seismic potential, estimated traffic and cost constraints.

The basic type of bridge is the beam or girder bridge having concrete beam as its main component. The design of pre-stressed concrete beams is perhaps one of the most complex jobs for the structural engineer. With most materials, the designer has to select the shape of the cross section and web & flange thicknesses. In pre-stressed concrete, there are many variables. Not only the shape is variable, but the position and quantity of the pre-stress can be changed to suit the specific application.

The structural engineer firm needs to prepare and submit various construction drawings to local authorities and Engineer of Records (EOR) for approval. AutoCAD drawings related to concrete beam design contain beam reinforcement details, design notes, precast slab reinforcements details, bridge cross section, pier pile cap details, abutment pile reinforcement details and various detail drawings for the concrete bridge.

Remember, to ensure effective bridge beam design and its successful implementation you should hire a professional design team to deliver drawings as per your specifications & standards. You can also think over outsourcing concrete beam design related needs to developing countries like India for better utilization of your resources & get significant cost advantages!

For any queries related to concrete beam design/drawings email us at info@outsourcestructuraldrafting.com

Visit http://www.outsourcestucturaldrafting.com/contact.php to get obligation free quote for your specific requirements.

I inherited my custom bike shop from my father, and he inherited the building from my grandfather. The two of them still work with me on most weeks; my dad’s there almost every day and my grandfather at least once or twice a week (despite being forbidden by my grandmother). These guys know their motorcycles, but have been a little lax about keeping the facilities clean. At various times during the years, the floors in the work area had been painted over again and again to cover the oil stains and wear and tear left behind by the engine work that’s been done here for forty years.

My grandfather went into business servicing and repairing the farm equipment for the local farmers, and when it came time for my dad to run the place, he had the good sense to see the changing population around our little town, so he switched from the shrinking farm repair business to the booming motorcycle customization business. Though dad had a great business sense, he was cheap when it came to the look of the place, and he just kept on painting the floors or ignoring the mess.

When I took charge of the whole shooting match, I wanted to put my stamp on things. Sure, the shop was where we did all the heavy mechanical fabrication, but it was also a place where clients came in to check up on their orders. I wasn’t going to turn away a customer just because I didn’t want them seeing my shabby back room, so I went looking for a solution. I thought about just tearing the whole building down and starting from scratch, but I got the cold shoulder from my whole family at Thanksgiving after I mentioned the idea to them, so I’ve given up on that. Instead, I went the traditional route and had the walls repainted, the doors fixed up, the leaky bathroom taps repaired, but the ugliest thing in the room kept making fun of me when I walked into the building.

Finally, I called around and located a business that came in, stripped the paint away, and polished up the concrete until it sparkled. It’s better than new and much easier to keep clean. I love bringing clients back into the shop now! Business is better than ever, and I bought the property next door and used epoxy floors for its flooring; it’s now our new garage and showroom.



By: Daniel Marcus Manson

About the Author:

Jeff Halper asked:

The concrete one has occurred new life in the 10-15 past years. One has become aesthetic a viable one, especially in contemporary and urban designs. The nature gives concrete his appeals qualities of the durability and the convenience. The art gives instinct-simplicity, gracefulness and the freedom him of a canvas in target. All these qualities together comings in a concrete patio. A concrete patio: The nature and ArtConcrete are means that have nondesemejante a natural beauty that of the granite, the marble, and the quartz. In fact, some artists have called it & quot; liquid stone.& quot; This flexibility, this liquidity, releases above for the potential of the design, allowing that you create a surface like ninguÌ  n another. The architects, the constructors and the artists now use the concrete one for the furniture, worktops of the kitchen, even inner walls (the museum of modern art of the Fort Worth is a beautiful example). That is to say, the concrete one is not plus a material of the ugly duckling. It has entered his the own ones in this 21ros century-for the monumental buildings, the homemade interiors, to ajardinar urban, the design of the cover of the swimming pool and works of art, as soon as to name some examples. The concrete one adapts especially for a design because it gives the capacity him to create any dimension-straight edge, wall of right angle, curved, round island of the patio. You can make it smooth, thus emphasizing his fresh tolerance. Perhaps you want to stain or to color, the stamp or to polish it. Or you can express with the decorative inlays such as glass, stone or marble. He lets his imagination be his guide. A concrete patio: CustomizeWhen using the concrete one like its raw material, the key word is & quot; customize& quot; – if you& #039; re mixtures of the customs that speak, create for particular requirements or the order landlords. The order mixtures give the opportunity him to match any preexisting option with their surface makes specific chosen. You can bring in examples of his colors and textile texture-matters, the samples of the painted paper, or compartment picture-that can be used to formulate a color that you make his heart fix ignition. He creates for particular requirements can include the kitchens outdoors, an element of his homemade design of the landscape that has exploded recently in reputation. You can be that also she considers layers on the chimneys outdoors, the sinks, the banks, the bookcase or a piece one-of-a-kind of furniture, all the examples of the articles that can be constructed with creating for particular requirements using the concrete one. The order patrons can be created using the concrete insertions to fold a picture or a landlord. For an additional visual plea, this landlord of the ground can then be folded in a concrete worktop, a shelf or a built-in table. A concrete patio: It& #039; green of s! & quot; Green& quot; as it is used in the movement of the ecology refers the use of sustainable materials to create efficient healthier atmospheres and resource-more. Adjustments of concrete the magnificent one in this concept. It is a natural aggregate and water, cement mixture. Their products are low maintenance and produce little to no sweepings. He is resistant and durable, thus it can outdoors support years of use without having to be replaced. Utilícela freely in his & quot; green& quot; green design of the garden. A concrete patio: Fitting it the sewage system of the landscape of InA it is a necessary component of any project of hardscape in Houston, dice our heavy showers famous, and infamous, torrential. It determines if you have a surface lasts U.S.able or a patio that dices returned in a small pool obtained. A designer of the landscape or an architect of professional landscape can design the patio drains-to slight you drain, them of the French or decorative they will drain a way so that they mix inconsútil in the total glance. The contractors of the drainage can also help.

Caffeinated Content

My Dream Home Registry asked:



An acid is poured it before the newer trends in flooring and it can already be painted or if.

An entirely different types of grey surface that is how the acidic mixture of lime the decision to do this on yourself make mistake it will only need.

The slab an acid stainbrbrthis is now has an acid staining the reaction and redo it before the process offer shades of what is how to one monthbrbrthere are few tips on.

An entirely different types of grey surface that looks good will bebrbr brbrthe pros of chemical stains they maintain their color depends on budget so if you dont like the half the concrete this is being poured it gets little technicalbrbrwhat.

For keeping the slab an ideal situation it snows lot or if you dont like the level of concrete stay with just.


Kansieo.com

Mary Smith asked:



For green spacebrbrin michigan homeowner had poorly constructed driveway near the soil below what if neededbrbrthe strength for many voids and pollutionbrbrthe obvious solution to.

The need for infrastructure to gallons of highly permeable connected voids and environmentally sustainable properties in this solution cost of pervious concrete comes from the environment the use and pathways patios etcbrbrpervious concrete comes from the citys sewer infrastructure improvementsbrbrto accomplish its durability and reduce stormwater management of degradation localized flooding.


Kansieo.com

etting tired of the way your concrete appears in your home? Many homeowners have the wrong perception that it costs a small fortune to overhaul the appearance of concrete. However, a revolutionary new product in the marketplace, known as Concrete Stains, allow homeowners to change the patterns and colors of the concrete without having to spend a small fortune.

Concrete stains are available in 1 gallon concentrate. The amount that you buy depends on the floor area that you wish to cover. A single gallon can cover between 500 to 700 square meters. In other words, if you have a 2,500 to 3,500 floor area to cover, you will need an estimated volume of 5 gallons of concrete stain.

Using concrete stains to change the color of concrete is not a new method. There are already several products in the marketplace that fills this gap. However, these products usually take a long time to dry (about 24 hours). The homeowner will have to wait for the stains to dry, before any sealer can be applied. All in all, these products are not very versatile.

A new product in the marketplace, known as Beer Concrete Stains, is a much more versatile product. You can choose to mix the concentrate with beer, wine, alcohol, water, thinner, or lacquer. When you add something unique like beer or wine, the colors change to something exclusive. If you just add water, the color remains close to the original. But if your primary intention is for the stains to dry quickly, add thinner or lacquer. When you do that, the stains can dry within just ten to fifteen minutes!

The product comes with UV protection, to prevent the surface from aging due to exposure to sunlight. A layer of sealer is highly recommended to protect the stains. Unlike other products, you don’t need to wait for hours before applying the sealer. Once the stains dry, which can happen in just minutes, you can apply the sealer straight away. This acts as a protective layer for the concrete. It will help lengthen the life span of the flooring.

There are many colors to choose from when buying concrete stains. Ask for a few samples to check out the possibilities that you can achieve with the products. However, bear in mind that the samples provide only a rough guideline. You may not be able to get the exact colors that you want as you may mix the concentrate differently. Colors include amber, basalt, rust, chocolate, and more. They are divided into two broad categories – standard colors and designer colors.

For standard colors, the appearance will look like more classic. Choose this color if you are looking for a more convention design. But if you prefer a more modern design, check out the designer colors. Designer colors are more unique and they tend to stand out from other colors.

By: Gen Wright

About the Author:

Jim Ames asked:

Concrete is the most commonly used man made building supply on Earth. Six billion cubic meters are manufactured a year, in a $35 billion industry. This means there are pretty good odds that you’ll eventually do something with, or be around something with concrete.

Weather and climate will affect your concrete. It is not wise to pour your cement in conditions that involve a drop below freezing before the cement cures, as this will prevent the cement from reaching its maximum strength. Likewise, if the humidity is too low, the surface of the cement can ***** and produce weaknesses for weather to attack.

All concrete will eventually ***** to some extent, though this can be minimized by good design and selection of good reinforcement where needed. This does not mean concrete is a bad choice, as concrete structures have lasted thousands of years.

Concrete is used as a fire barrier, but while it doesn’t burn, it can be damaged by heat. Once the temperature reaches or exceeds 300 degrees, the concrete is considered unsafe, and this can usually be detected by a pink, light gray or yellow-brown color. Discolored concrete should be replaced.

For handyman style use, bagged cement is perfectly reasonable, and for convenience, there are pre-mixed bags with aggregate already mixed, just requiring water. These are very handy for small jobs such as setting a pole into the ground for a doggy chain or clothesline. This is usually too expensive for large jobs.

Pouring concrete, such as a sidewalk, requires several steps. First, figure out how much you need. This is determined by measuring the surface area and thickness to determine how many cubic yards you need, and this will tell you whether you can mix it yourself, or need to have it delivered.

Then you build your forms. This probably involves digging, and laying 2″x4″ boards to hold the edges of the concrete. 2″x2″ boards should be used to hold those in place, pounding them deep enough that the weight of the concrete won’t push the boards out of place.

You will almost always want to lay reinforcing material in the bottom, such as metal fencing materials. Ensure that you have everything square and at the proper level, as after you pour, it will be too late. Then ensure that all of the pieces are well secured with nails and clamps. Spray the site with later lightly, and pour. Tamp the concrete down, especially on the edges, and level the concrete.

Once it has set enough to support a 2″x8″ board, use one as a straight edge to cut contraction joints. These should be every four to six feet. For sidewalks or narrow areas, this is sufficient, but for patios these should go in both directions. A pair of beveled clapboards can be used. Coat them with motor oil and place a nail into one. Insert them into joints on large concrete structures. As the concrete begins to set, the nail is used to remove one of the boards, and the other is hidden inside, leaving room for the concrete to expand or contract with the weather.

There are a variety of ways to surface the concrete, but remember that you must select one that will allow water to drain off of the concrete, as standing water is a major cause of damage to concrete. After you surface the concrete, it must be wetted down every 12 hours for the next three days, and protected from sunlight while it cures. Visit http://www.tipsonconcrete.com for additional tips.



Kansieo.com

If you’re unfamiliar with concrete countertops, you are probably feeling a little amused with the whole idea of having a sidewalk where your kitchen counter top or bathroom vanity should be.

I can assure you that this comical vision is far from the stylish, warm and natural look of this surface.

Concrete countertops can be customized with unique colors, unusual shapes and specialty finishes not available with other surfaces.

Truly a designing dream, concrete countertops are rapidly gaining popularity with restaurants, hotels and homeowners.

Colors

Virtually any color can be achieved with cement counter tops. Every fabricator of mixes their own recipe of sand, water and stone and custom color pigmentation can be added to the mix or stains can be applied in the later stages. Either way you get a unique color variation to your finished countertop.

The particular coloring process results in colors that are warm and rich with earthy tones. Considering that the colors found in nature provide us with an amazing spectrum from sandstone creams to deep reds and every shade in between, your choice is almost endless.

The most popular colors are creams, grays and browns that are a natural complement to popular decorating and design materials like wood, stone, stainless steel and brick.

Design Possibilities

As coloring pigments, stains, various aggregates, and epoxy coatings are added to the concrete mixture, your countertop may be created to resemble the look, texture, and feel of quarried stone such as marble, granite, and limestone.

Interesting objects such as shells, coins and glass tiles may be set into your kitchen counter top to enhance your decorating theme or give added depth to the counter top surface. This is particularly beneficial to restaurants and hotels when creating decor themes, but offers equally enticing design possibilities for your home as well.

Like stone or other natural surfaces, concrete is not a static material and it will acquire character over time.

Unlimited Shapes and Forms

If you desire a non-traditional shape, then concrete countertops definitely are the most versatile surface on the market. Your countertop can be as unique as your imagination. Molds can be individually shaped to perfectly suite any space, or unusual location.

Curves, L-shapes and V-shapes are all available options when designing with concrete.

Trivets for hot pots and pans can be made and built-in sinks are popular for both kitchen and bath.

Many edge styles are available and you’re sure to find one you like, but each fabricator is a bit different so your choices depend on your contractor.

Fabrication and Installation

As with coloring, each manufacturer has their own method. They may be pre-cast the countertop in a shop controlled environment or create it on location.

Concrete countertops are made with a combination of cement, lightweight aggregates and additives such as silica, fume, pozzolan and acrylic fiber. Structural steel or wire mesh and/or fiberglass is used for reinforcement.

Sometimes the concrete may be ground or polished to achieve a finer, smoother finish.

The final step when installing your countertop is sealing the concrete. The type of sealer used varies so consult with your installer.

Price

Concrete countertops range in price from $66-$125 per square foot for materials, plus installation of between $40-$50 per hour. Installation is difficult and requires a high level of skill and experience to do properly. Hence, the steep price.

This might be far more than laminated surfaces, but concrete countertops offer more style and durability than laminate.

Actually, the price of an installed concrete countertop may rival that of some expensive granite or marble countertops with beauty to match.

Cleaning and Care

It is not recommended to use your concrete countertop as a cutting board or place hot pots and pans straight onto the surface. Concrete may be hard and durable, but your countertop must still be treated with proper care.

Cleaning your concrete is no different than cleaning your granite countertop. Hot water and a sponge will clean suitably. When more aggressive cleaning is required, neutrally balanced ph soaps are recommended. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided.

Your concrete countertop should be waxed every three months for continued care and protection of the sealer.

Are Concrete Countertops Right For You?

Let’s see:

Pro’s:

**Concrete countertops offer custom colors. The colors of wood, granite, marble and other durable alternatives are restricted to the material itself.

**Unique personalization is possible by embedding objects into your countertop to add depth or create a particular theme.

**Any shape or form can be fashioned with built-in sinks and drain boards.

**Concrete countertops can be installed without seams in many instances.

Con’s:

**Concrete countertops are more porous than granite requiring sealing initially and waxing on a regular basis

**They are not heat or scratch proof

**Concrete is more susceptible to cracks

**Expensive–often more than granite or marble

Concrete countertops certainly offer interesting and stylish design possiblities not found with other surfaces and a few trade-offs as usual.

However, with professional installation and proper care, you can be confident your concrete countertops will provide you with years of fashionable and functional satisfaction.



By: Ryan Burden

About the Author:

s how to make real-looking stone with concrete for pennies each! With these instructions, molds available everywhere, concrete, and items found in your garden shed, you can make thick stone or veneer for about $0.55 a square foot, depending on thickness. Why pay around $6.00 at retail? And you can make the stone any colors you want. Make it in your garden shed, garage, basement, or out in the backyard. Anyone can do it! Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions.

ITEMS NEEDED: molds – mixing tub or wheel barrow – bags of premix concrete – colorant – water – shovel – plastic wrap or sheet – plastic gloves and eye protection – mold release – desire.

MAKING CONCRETE STONE: You can make concrete castings almost anywhere, and depending on temperatures, at almost any time. The main thing is to stay above freezing temperatures during the mixing and curing process. Once concrete is cured, temperature is not a factor. The cast stone can be stored outside with no problems. After mixing, and during the curing process, it is best to produce the stone in as moderate a temperature as possible, even though concrete sets up and cures at almost any temperature.

CONCRETE MOLD PREPARATION: First, apply a mold release to the molds. Use a commercial mold release or a light vegetable oil. For ease, spray the release from a Dollar Store plant-misting sprayer directly into the mold. Spread the oil and wipe any excess out with a fine sponge or cotton cloth. A very light coating is all that is required. To get a natural random shading effect, sprinkle powdered colorant into the oiled mold. Shake it from side to side. Use a brush to spread the colorant around the inside of the mold. The most natural looking results are obtained with a random spreading and dusting of a couple of colors.

MIXING PREMIX BAGS OF CONCRETE: If you have a very large project, or want to use a basic concrete mix using Portland cement, or if you want to make a lightweight concrete, basic concrete mixes are available on Google, and concise step-by-step instructions normally come with molds.

The bag of concrete has mixing instructions to follow. You want a stiff mix, but not one that is too dry. It should not flow like pancake batter. Too thin a mix will give you a weak stone. To color your stone, blend powdered colorant into the dry concrete first. If using a liquid colorant, add it to your batch water first, then proceed as normal. When your concrete is mixed and colored, fill the molds halfway. Immediately bounce your molds up and down to help compact the concrete mixture, and break up any air pockets to insure a solid base. Then fill molds the rest of the way. Excess liquid will come to the surface during this process. Do not remove this water as it helps with hydration. Now put your filled mold on a level surface away from direct sunlight. Cover with plastic. Keep the concrete wet for as long as possible. The hydration process is what helps cure the stone. Leave the filled molds alone for about 24 hours. The concrete will get stronger the longer it’s curing in the mold.

DEMOLDING: Normally, you can demold your stone after 24 hours. Place your mold flat with the face of the mold up. Gently lift the mold off from the corners. It will normally come off your stone easily. If it sticks, gently press the center and each mold corner lightly to help loosen it. There, you have it! If you are going to pour more stone right away, apply mold release to molds and follow the procedure as before. Use mold release to help dislodge any color or concrete that may have stuck to your molds.

CURING YOUR STONE: You should now put your stones in a protected area and cover them with plastic again to keep the moisture in. Let them cure for a week or two before applying a sealer. For exterior applications, use a penetrating sealer to help prevent staining. If it’s an interior wall application you don’t even have to seal it. A topical sealer can be used for floors if desired. Your stone can be installed about a week after demolding if you need to.

By: John McKenzie Panagos

About the Author: