Lightweight cellular concrete, also known as lightweight concrete or foam concrete, is an exciting innovation in conc...

The Importance of Concrete Testing

Concrete design and placement is so safe that we rarely think about concrete safety today.  Through advances in technology, the creation of standards, and the implementation of testing processes, the concept of concrete safety tends to remain outside of general conversation regarding concrete. The basic concrete testing methods developed apply to concrete regardless of the type from traditional concrete to shotcrete to lightweight concrete.

Why concrete testing is needed

There are a multitude of concrete varieties designed for specific applications. Each concrete type has a few basic structural characteristics, such as density and compressive strength, that are major factors in how the concrete will perform.  In general, concrete has a high compressive strength which makes it a great building material. The density of a concrete is important when considering the weight of the concrete being placed and how that interacts with the overall construction specifications. It is imperative that the structural characteristics of the concrete align with the design specifications. Concrete constituents and onsite factors can impact the compressive strength, such as the ratio of water to cement, the amount of aggregate and additives, and even the weather. To maintain construction site safety, the final concrete product requires that testing be completed during placement and while curing to ensure it will meet all requirements of compressive strength and density.

Concrete testing methods

Concrete can be tested when it is still plastic and being placed, but testing can also be performed nondestructively on hardened concrete using different techniques. Inspecting hardened concrete for cracks or inconsistencies in the material can be a non-destructive testing method. Typically, inspection is done with impact echos, ultrasound, as well as visual inspection. This method is suitable for existing concrete construction and helps to troubleshoot problems and understand its internal structure.

Concrete testing process

Years of testing and innovation have led to various concrete mixtures that have characteristics engineered for certain applications. For any given project, the concrete mixture is generally determined more than 30 days before any concrete is poured. The characteristics of the mixture and a sample are reviewed and validated by engineers using their design models of the project.  Each morning when a concrete batch is poured, a sample is extracted. Every few hours throughout the day, additional samples are taken. These samples are checked for density to ensure that the composition meets the predetermined specifications. Additionally, samples are taken from the job site in order to be tested later for compression strength. These tests are conducted usually 7 and 28 days later to observe if the compression strength of the concrete is increasing at the designed rate.  

The Conco Companies mission is to be the best supplier of concrete services in the Western United States and to bring expertise, experience, and quality of each project. We continue to upgrade and expand facilities to better serve the growing market for commercial, educational, public works, and parking structure projects as well as other construction development. Please call or email for more information on how Conco can assist your next project with Confoam™, our cost-saving cellular concrete.

Extended Disarming With Halbeard

"Hand over all your weapons please." Armsmaster handed over his halberd. "Okay," the security guard started to wave him through, then stopped as a panel popped open on his arm. He withdrew what to anyone without the capability to understand his tech would see as a metal tube. "Is...that a weapon?" The security guard asked, looking skeptical. "It is my emergency halberd." "Your - yes. Of course." Armsmaster took a small knife from its sheathe at his hip. Then the swiss-army tinkering tool he'd made, as some of the modified screwdrivers could really be quite sharp. Another panel opened in his chest, dispensing several dozen miniature confoam grenades. "Um," said the guard. Next, his third emergency halberd, which he had stuffed in his boot. Oh, wait, there was that nanothorn project he'd been working on. No wonder he hadn't been able to find it! "Armsmaster? Sir?" The prototype Lung tranquilizers would probably have to go, too, he decided. The effects of that on a baseline human would not be...pleasant. "Sir." A taser, just in case Shadow Stalker ever went rogue. It was rather difficult to pry free of his armor, especially with only one hand, so he activated the other emergency tool kit. Screwdrivers just centimeters tall popped out of his gauntleted fingers and he quickly went to work disengaging the taser from his left hand. "Ma'am," the guard said, having decided to leave Armsmaster to his own devices. "You can go ahead of him. Hand over all your weapons, please." Miss Militia raised her eyebrows at him.

Confoam™ by The Conco Companies

Aggregate is the particulate material that provides structure to concrete, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone. Choosing...

If it has been a while since you last visited Oakland, CA, you are in for a surprise.  Over the last few years, Oakland has seen dozens of new construction projects throughout its downtown core and nearby neighborhoods. The Conco Companies have been pleased to be involved in several of them.  

One example is the Brooklyn Basin Parcel B Project, which is a 7-story residential housing project from the developer and owner, the Signature Development Group.  Along with 241 housing units, the 308,270 sq. ft. building includes 3,000 sq. ft. of ground floor commercial tenant space and 241 parking spaces.  The waterfront project is located at the corner of Brooklyn Basin Way and 9th Street and is adjacent to a park.   The building’s façade features a range of materials including concrete, metal siding, cement and glass.

Conco’s responsibilities on the project included providing concrete pumping, reinforcement, formwork, finishing, shotcrete, and Confoam services.  We placed 19,850 cubic yards of Confoam and 8,500 cubic yards of concrete as well as shotcrete.  Conco also provided 1,400,000 pounds of rebar and post tension reinforcement.

Another couple of projects we recently provided concrete services for are the Hanover Waverly and the Hanover Uptown at Valdez Street and 27th Street. Both projects are developed by the Houston-based owner, the Hanover R.S. Limited Partnership. The Hanover Waverly is a 7-story, mixed-use project that consists of 224 apartments and 22,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail.  The architect, TCA Architects designed the contemporary-style structure to take advantage of the curved lot and highlights the building’s location.  The Hanover Waverly also offers below grade parking with 226 parking stalls and has an exterior comprised of high quality materials including stone, brick, glass, metal wall panels and cement plaster.  

The Hanover Uptown is a 7-story, mixed-use project that consists of 253 residential units including studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and more than 33,100 sq. ft. of ground floor retail.  For both projects, Conco provided concrete pumping, reinforcement, formwork, finishing, and shotcrete services.  

Conco is one of the leading suppliers of concrete services for the Western U.S. We got our start in 1959 in the Bay Area by offering clients the best value on a broad range of concrete services and products. Since that time, we have taken a leading role as top concrete contractors in the region. We have regional offices serving California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Washington.

An interesting report from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) illustrates the various uses for portland cement as it is one of the key ingredients in concrete.  They suggest that while concrete is very important to the way we live, and in fact surrounds us, it is often overlooked.  They explain that concrete “makes our homes and offices durable and more resilient in natural disasters, it makes our roads and bridges strong and last longer, and thanks to its permanence and energy efficiency, it helps sustain our environment.”

From their illustration, the PCA’s breakdown of how concrete is used includes 8.4% on water and waste systems, 8.9% for industrial and commercial buildings, 27.5% on one-and-two family houses, and 30.8% on the construction of highways, streets and bridges.  The other 22.1% is used to build offices, hotels, hospitals, religious institutions, educational institutions and public utilities.  

Concrete is a mixture of cement paste (cement and water) and coarse and/or fine aggregate.  Almost all modern cement is portland cement, which was patented in 1824 by the Englishman, Joseph Aspdin, who named it for its similarity to a building stone quarried on the Isle of Portland.  The PCA also describes the various components of concrete as containing 7 to 15% cement, 14 to 21% water, 60 to 75% of aggregate and as much as 8% of air.  

At The Conco Companies, we have been involved in a wide range of projects from towering skyscrapers, to mixed-use high-rises, hospitals, educational, public utilities and parking structure projects.  Conco Pumping is one of the largest pumping and belting companies in the United States and has a reputation for delivering first-class concrete pumping services since 1975.  At Conco Reinforcing, we own and operate two state-of-the-art facilities that give us the resources to be a single source for all your rebar fabrication and installation needs regardless of the project size. Please visit our website to learn more about the various concrete services offered by Conco.  

Conco is one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products.  Our experience includes providing services for commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects. We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Source: cement.org/civilization  

The Conco Companies have continued to extend their reach throughout the Western U.S. Our service areas include the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego, CA; Reno, NV; Seattle, WA; and Denver and Colorado Springs, CO.  Our newest office is in Portland, Oregon. Furthermore, we are pleased to report that with a steady uptick in the construction markets of our service areas, all of our regional offices are staying busy.  

One example of our growth is in the San Diego area where we are providing services for the Terminal 2 Parking Plaza at the San Diego International Airport. The $128 million project broke ground in September 2016 and is scheduled to be completed mid-2018.  The parking structure will offer three floors of approximately 3,000 parking stalls, and as it is within walking distances of Terminal 2, will be convenient parking for travelers.

Another new project out of our San Diego office is the Miramar Water Treatment Plant in the City of San Diego.  The plant was originally constructed in 1962 and provides drinking water to an estimated 500,000 customers in the northern section of San Diego. The project includes the replacement of the Clearwells #1 and #2 built in 1959 and 1974 respectively, a new Chlorine Contact Chamber, an adjoining lift station, new maintenance and operation building, and a security guard shack.  The estimated $89 million project was started in June 2016 and is expected to be completed by May 2020.  

Conco Pumping was also brought in on the Mid-Coast Corridor Transit Project that will extend Trolley service from the Santa Fe Depot in Downtown San Diego to the University City community.  Mid-Coast Transit Constructors (MCTC), a fully integrated joint venture of Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. and Skanska-Shimmick-Herzog, is in charge of the light rail project.  We are providing concrete pumping services under the direction of Malcolm Drilling, Condo-Johnson and Skanska.  

Furthermore, our San Diego crews are working on the Hedionda Lift Station project for the City of Carlsbad.  This is the first time in many years that Conco has had the opportunity to work with the general contractor, Pulice Construction, on a water project.  Other improvements in the project include the installation of an estimated two miles of new sewer pipeline.   Please visit our website to learn more about Conco’s wide scope of projects.  

As one of the nation’s leading commercial concrete contractors, Conco offers a wide range of premium concrete services and products.  Our large portfolio includes challenging projects both big and small including several of recent notable projects on the West Coast.  Conco proudly serves California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

The Conco Companies’ Martinez facility was recently honored as a recipient of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District’s Pollution Prevention Award.  All private businesses and organizations located within the Central San’s service area are eligible to enter the annual event. Award recipients are recognized for going above and beyond in their business practices in regard to pollution prevention and environmental protection.  

The steps the Martinez facility took that helped them to receive the award include using recycled water to wash their trucks.  The facility is also pretreating the water before it enters into the storm drain with an innovative sand-oil interceptor and has installed a new sawdust collector.  Another thing the facility has done is to install solar panels and made the change to LED lights to help reduce the amount of electricity they are using.

Conco is honored to receive this award as we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations throughout our entire organization, and whenever possible we invest in and implement “green” technologies.  We understand that these decisions not only make good business sense but can make a difference in the environment as well as to the health and wellbeing of our workforce, other tradespeople and the general public.  

Please visit the Conco website to learn more about one of the largest commercial concrete contractors in the country.  We have an exceptional team of talented professionals that know to create innovative, cost-effective solutions for the most challenging jobs.   Contact the experts before you start your next project.    

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We have built our reputation with superior concrete formwork, reinforcing, place and finish, shotcrete and other ancillary services that benefit from our vast experience.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects and highways. The Conco Companies have four regional offices to serve California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and Colorado.  

Over the last several years, we have experienced a dwindling number of new workers seeking careers in the construction industry. Some think this may be due to young people entering the job market feeling that construction work is not a glamorous or lucrative profession.  The problem has come to a head as older, experienced tradespeople retire and not enough people are stepping into the jobs causing a shortage in experienced cement masons, carpenters and ironworkers.  

Another area experiencing shortages is in qualified construction truck drivers that haul materials such as steel, aggregates, cement and ready-mixed concrete.  In fact we have heard stories from concrete producers about how they have had trucks parked without qualified drivers to drive them.  They have also found themselves in the position of running out of raw materials due to the shortage of material haulers.  Many in the industry fear that the problem may stem from companies such as Amazon and Walmart that can offer steadier work than the construction industry.    

A recent article from the Business Insider says that the shortage of skilled construction workers may slow the hurricane recovery efforts from Harvey.  It reports on a survey from the Associated General Contractors of America that even before the hurricane, Texas, which is in the middle of a building boom, was having trouble filling positons as reported by 69% of the contractors.    

Another quarterly report from the USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that surveys contractors to gauge sentiment and measure the health of the industry supports that finding.  It discovered that “60% of contractors reported difficulty finding skilled workers in the third quarter of 2017 due to an ongoing skilled labor shortage.” Additionally 91% surveyed said they were somewhat concerned about the skill level of their work force.  

The Conco Companies are one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products.  While we tackle projects both big and small, our experience includes providing the complete concrete package for the Levi’s Stadium along with other notable projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Sources:

businessinsider.com/r-construction-worker-shortage-could-weigh-on-harvey-recovery-2017-9  

fortune.com/2017/09/18/hurricane-maria-hurricane-jose-construction-jobs/

Over the last several decades, there have been advancements in shotcrete technology and improvements in the equipment that have resulted in a material that is perfectly suited for more and more applications.  While shotcrete virtually eliminates the forming process, it still offers the same structural characteristics as traditional cast-in-place walls.  This means that projects using shotcrete are typically completed faster, which saves both time and money.  

However to ensure you get the best finished product, you need to use a company that is experienced with the process as well as the proper equipment and skilled crews to place it.  At The Conco Companies, we are proud to say we have all three – the experience, equipment and skilled nozzlemen - and our portfolio includes successfully completing a diverse range of projects using shotcrete.  Common applications include shear walls, retaining walls, and architectural walls to slope pavement and soil nailing as well as sites with extreme operating environments such as hydroelectric plants along with many other uses.  

One project we are currently working on is providing shotcrete services for the new I-5NB HOV lane in Tacoma, WA.  For this project, we are using a specialty shotcrete technique that involves carving a design on the shot-face of the retaining walls. To increase efficiency, our crews are doing all of the carving from lifts.  This project is a perfect example of the cost-efficiency of shotcrete over traditional cast-in-place concrete as it is saving the project an enormous amount of both time and labor costs.

On another new project in Portland, OR, Conco is providing a full range of concrete services including cost-effective shotcrete.  The 14th & Glisan is a 16-story, mixed-use building.  Among the scope of the job includes using shotcrete on a three-level below grade parking structure.  Please visit our website for other shotcrete projects we have posted as well as those using our other services.  

Conco is one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offers a wide range of quality services and products.  While we tackle projects both big and small, our experience includes providing the complete concrete package for the Levi’s Stadium along with other notable projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Over the last several decades, there have been advancements in shotcrete technology and improvements in the equipment that have resulted in a material that is perfectly suited for more and more applications.  While shotcrete virtually eliminates the forming process, it still offers the same structural characteristics as traditional cast-in-place walls.  This means that projects using shotcrete are typically completed faster, which saves both time and money.  

However to ensure you get the best finished product, you need to use a company that is experienced with the process as well as the proper equipment and skilled crews to place it.  At The Conco Companies, we are proud to say we have all three – the experience, equipment and skilled nozzlemen - and our portfolio includes successfully completing a diverse range of projects using shotcrete.  Common applications include shear walls, retaining walls, and architectural walls to slope pavement and soil nailing as well as sites with extreme operating environments such as hydroelectric plants along with many other uses.  

One project we are currently working on is providing shotcrete services for the new I-5NB HOV lane in Tacoma, WA.  For this project, we are using a specialty shotcrete technique that involves carving a design on the shot-face of the retaining walls. To increase efficiency, our crews are doing all of the carving from lifts.  This project is a perfect example of the cost-efficiency of shotcrete over traditional cast-in-place concrete as it is saving the project an enormous amount of both time and labor costs.

On another new project in Portland, OR, Conco is providing a full range of concrete services including cost-effective shotcrete.  The 14th & Glisan is a 16-story, mixed-use building.  Among the scope of the job includes using shotcrete on a three-level below grade parking structure.  Please visit our website for other shotcrete projects we have posted as well as those using our other services.  

Conco is one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offers a wide range of quality services and products.  While we tackle projects both big and small, our experience includes providing the complete concrete package for the Levi’s Stadium along with other notable projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Conco Reinforcing has been extremely busy over the last couple of years and our services have been employed on a number of different types of projects.   From airports to mixed-use high-rises, public works, highway projects and others, our two fabrication plants and installation crews have remained hard at work.  

One recent project from The Conco Companies includes providing a full range of concrete services for the new five-level Midfield Satellite Concourse North and the Baggage Optimization Project (BOP).  This will be a large addition to LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT).  Along with providing concrete reinforcement, we are also providing concrete pumping, formwork and shotcrete.  

The Conco Companies also recently began work on the new Tacoma Convention Center Hotel in Tacoma, WA.  For the $20 million mixed-use development, Conco services will include the concrete reinforcement along with concrete pumping, formwork, shotcrete and finishing.  We were selected for the job due to our successful portfolio of big projects as well as our proven ability to handle aggressive deadlines.  When finished, the high-rise will be the second tallest building in the city.

Conco Reinforcing has also done a lot of highway work over the last couple of years including the $2,200,000 Highway I80/SR12 Separation Interchange in Cordelia, CA.  Working with Viking Construction, the project was started in November 2014 and completed in 2016.  Another project was the $6,700,000 Highway 4/I-5 Expansion in Stockton, CA with Brosamer & Wall that was also complete in 2016.

This is just a few of the construction projects up and down the West Coast that have taken advantage of Conco’s premium concrete services. Our large resources and talented pool of employees allow us to successfully take on the most challenging projects.  

The Conco Companies are one of the foremost suppliers of concrete services for the Western U.S. We got our start in 1959 in the Bay Area by offering clients the best value on a broad range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as top concrete contractors in the region. We have four regional offices serving California, Oregon, Nevada, Colorado and Washington.

The strength of concrete can be increased by a number of methods including using a higher grade of cement or a mineral admixture such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).  It can also be strengthened by using a low water to cement ratio (W/C) as well as by using well-graded angular aggregates.

Adding more cement to the mix or reducing the ratio of water to cement in the cement paste are two of the easiest ways to strengthen concrete.  “Every desirable physical property that you can measure will be adversely affected by adding more water,” so explains the Portland Cement Association.  The strength of concrete is also influenced by the quality of raw materials, the ratio of coarse/fine aggregate, temperature, relative humidity, compaction of concrete and the curing process.  

The quality of the aggregate is recognized by the size, shape, texture and strength of the material and the coarse/fine aggregate ratio will determine the amount of water that is needed.  When the amount of fine aggregate is increased in relation to the coarse aggregate, the aggregate surface increases and demands more water.  This means the water/cement ratio is increased, which decreases the compressive strength of the concrete.  

The cement used in the mix should be stored under dry conditions and be manufactured using the most appropriate standards.  Even the purity of the water used in the mix can have an effect on the strength of the concrete. Another factor that impacts strength is the compaction of concrete because if there is poor compaction of the plastic concrete; air is entrapped and reduces the strength of the concrete.  If concrete contains 10% trapped air, it is estimated that the strength of the concrete can be affected by as much as 30 to 40%.  

Furthermore, to allow concrete to reach its maximum strength, concrete contractors take into account the air temperature, relative humidity and wind speeds at the time the concrete is poured and in the early curing period. Higher temperatures allow concrete to gain strength more quickly but the final strength is actually lower when hydration occurs at too fast of pace.  It also sets up the danger of shrinkage and cracking.  Newly placed concrete may be periodically ponded, sprayed, or misted with water or a membrane-forming curing compound or covered with curing sheets.    

At The Conco Companies, we are one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products.  Our experience includes providing services for commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Sources:

quora.com/What-are-some-ways-to-increase-the-strength-of-a-concrete

cement.org/for-concrete-books-learning/concrete-technology/faqs

theconstructor.org/concrete/factors-affecting-strength-of-concrete/6220/

If you need the services of a concrete boom pump, did you know you can order it from one of the area’s leading commercial concrete contractors?  On The Conco Companies’ website, we provide comprehensive instructions on what you need to know and what we need to know to ensure you get the best pump for your job.  Some of the facts we need include the scope of the job and the particulars of the jobsite where the pump will be used.  In turn, we let you know what to expect from us including the fact that all of our pump operators are ACPA certified as well as the terms of their work conditions.  

At Conco, we recognize the trust our customers place in us when they turn to us for pumping services, which is the reason we approach each project as a partnership from concept right through to completion.  To accommodate your project specifications, there are a few things we will need to know before we deliver a pump to your jobsite.  Here are some examples of the information we require:

·         What size boom will you need for your project?

·         Is there safe access for the truck into the jobsite?

·         Are there any low clearance bridges/buildings (need 13’ 6” clearance) we should know about?

·         Are there any overhead obstructions such as power lines (we need a minimum 20 ft. clearance) and/or trees?

·         Does the jobsite have a flat area with enough stable ground to set up the pump as well as accommodate the outriggers?  

·         How far away will the truck sit from the pour (we can bring extra elbows or special pipe if the setup calls for it)?

You will find the complete detailed instructions on our website and contact information.  Our pumps need a minimum of ½ hour setup time and our large pumps or difficult setups can require additional time.  We also have an updated version of the Conco Concrete Pumping Guide, which is a free app for all Android and iOS devices that shows you all of the pumps available for rent in your region.    

The Conco Companies are a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western U.S. and got our start in the Bay Area in 1959 by offering clients the best value on a wide range of concrete services and products.  Since that time, we have taken a leading role as one of the top concrete contractors in the region. We currently serve California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Colorado.

One of the big projects The Conco Companies recently provided a full range of concrete services for was the Salesforce Tower in downtown San Francisco. Now that the silvery curtain-wall panels have completely covered the outside of the 1,070-foot tall building, it can be seen for miles in and around San Francisco.  This is probably not surprising as the peak of the building stands 200 feet taller than the city’s previously tallest building, the Transamerica Pyramid.  The 61-story building consists of 900 feet of occupied space with spacious office floors that boast ceiling heights of almost 14 feet.  The remaining 170 feet above the top floor of the building is mainly empty space but does house some mechanical equipment.  

To get a feel for the size and beauty of the mostly completed building, visit the Salesforce Tower’s facebook page to see several newly posted videos and pictures. One interesting video from September 15th includes a conversation between the project’s developers, Executive Chairman of Boston Properties, Mortimer Zuckerman, and Gregory Hines, the Founder and Chairman of Hines.  They discuss how the Salesforce Tower is destined to become the iconic San Francisco building and how the architect, César Pelli has created a building that is beautiful to look at on the outside and works wonderfully on the inside.  

There are also a couple of spectacular pictures of lightening striking the Tower during a recent storm in the Bay Area that the National Weather Service reported produced over 800 lightning strikes.  Another picture is from the 34th floor of the building and provides an impressive view of the Bay Bridge.  You will also find a picture of the solar ellipse alongside the skyscraper.  

Please visit The Conco Companies website to see a portfolio of many of the other remarkable projects we have had the honor to be a part.  We pride ourselves on delivering quality work and have the reputation of bringing projects in on time and on budget.    

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We have built our reputation with superior concrete formwork, reinforcing, place and finish, shotcrete and other ancillary services that benefit from our vast experience.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects and highways.