Archive for June, 2011
What is Concrete?
Posted by alibabarika in Business News on June 28, 2011
Simple concrete is a mix of three components: water, aggregate and Portland cement and is used to make pavements, foundations, utility structures, roads, bridges, other architectural configurations and even bowls and art pieces. The amount of water is important because it can affect the durability of the concrete. Ensuring enough water is added both during the mixing and curing stage is imperative. The water reacts with the cement throughout the entire process eventually creating a stone-like material commonly called concrete. Aggregate is usually rock, sand or gravel but there are many other additives depending on what outcome you are looking for. There are a number of aggregates that can be added for different effects. Aggregates give the concrete its structure. You might be thinking that this is an advertisement for Portland cement. It isn’t because Portland cement isn’t a particular brand name; it is a type of cement and can be made by a number of companies.
Portland cement is a mixture of calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron and small amounts of other ingredients. It is the basic ingredient in concrete and can be controlled by regulating the setting time using gypsum. The water and cement form a mix, much like glue, that’s coats the aggregate and binds the rock and sand together as it dries and hardens. Using the correct amount of fine to coarse aggregate, while using the largest aggregate possible, is one way to optimize your project. The water reacts chemically with the cement in an exothermic reaction. The quicker the setting time, the less time you have to work with the concrete mix after it is poured. The amount of water in the mix compared to the amount of cement is called the water/cement ratio. The lower the water/cement ratio the stronger the concrete and the less permeable it is.
Concrete Pumps & Safety In The Workplace
Posted by alibabarika in Business News on June 28, 2011
One very dangerous thing that is seen in the concrete pumping industry from time to time is people having their arms, fingers, etc. amputated in the field due to cleaning out the pump with their hands while the pump motor is running. Remember, never put any body part in the hopper, outlet valve or lubrication box while the pump is running. Many of these amputations are caused because the operator thinks that just because the remote is off everything is all right. However, what happens is they press the stop button on the remote and then they stick their arm or hand into a moving part on the pump and then they lean up against the pump or whatever and the remote button is pushed on and their arm is chopped off. It happens just like that, fast!
Remember to read the pump manufacturer’s operating manual before cleaning or repairing your concrete pump. If you have to service the pump and need to put your hands near moving parts, always shut off the pump engine and remove the key and make sure all pressure is at zero.
The How To’s of Concrete Pavers
Posted by alibabarika in Business News on June 28, 2011
Concrete pavers are a relatively quick and efficient way to pave a portion of your outdoor property. Molds to make concrete pavers are very useful when considering concrete pavers. It’s hard to leave your own personal mark on things these days, but with the use of a paver mold, you can design things just the way you like.
What Are the Uses For Pavers?
Information on Concrete Mixers You Should Know About Before Making a Purchase
Posted by alibabarika in Business News on June 28, 2011
Concrete mixers are an important part of any concrete or construction job. There are many types of them and they come with different important parts that make them work. If you work in this field, it will be important that you know about these types of mixers and the different parts in order to perform your job correctly. You also need to know what type of concrete mixer you have since they vary and the parts they use can vary. For example, a stationary mixer will use different parts than a mobile or portable mixer.
Most concrete mixers will have different types of belts that they use. These function to help turn the concrete mix before and also while you are pouring the concrete. This is an important part of the process of cement mixing and pouring as the cement mixture need to well mixed to ensure that cement is of a high quality. These belts can come in different sizes and the type can also vary according to the job. Some other parts of concrete mixers are the chutes, air pads, filter bags, cartridges and more. All of these parts work within the mixer to help it function. You need to always be sure that these parts are intact and fully functional before using the mixer.