Tag Archive for: concrete delivery

Tips to Prevent Concrete from Cracking

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Cracking can be inevitable in concrete surfaces regardless of how many provisions you make. However, there are certain ways to reduce the risk of cracking in concrete. Firstly, it is important to know exactly how cracks are formed. After knowing the causes, one can hope to prevent cracks from happening in the first place. Concrete Brisbane surfaces may then be less prone to cracking and eventual breakage.

Common Reasons Why Concrete Cracks

Following are some reasons to explain concrete cracks which can help you better protect your concrete surface.

  • Shrinkage is the biggest cause of concrete cracks. This happens when the concrete mould is first poured into the surface. As the mould hardens, it can shrink by 1/8 inch. This phenomenon is almost unavoidable, even in newly constructed surfaces.
  • A low level of tensile strength can result in internal tensile stress which again paves the way for cracking.
  • If the concrete mix has disproportion between concrete and water, then the possibility of cracks increases. A better mixture can help the surface endure any cracks.
  • An improper sub-grade preparation and curing process can create cracks. In case the sub-grade doesn’t ensure a solid base, the cracks will definitely form. Concrete suppliers Brisbane can help you in ensuring proper sub-grade prep.

5 Tips to Prevent Concrete Cracks

Since you now know the main reasons for the cracking of the concrete, it’s time to know some important tips to prevent concrete cracks. Let’s check them out below:

1) Add Contraction Joints:

The cracks formed on Concrete surfaces form without a pattern and thus, proper care must be exercised in the construction process to protect the concrete and prevent an overdose of cracks.

This can be ensured by using Contraction joints. These joins are pre-made cracks which are installed in concrete slabs to pacify the pressure place on the concrete. These joints also give slabs more flexibility and hence reducing the risk of crack formation. Concrete prices Brisbane can help you understand the cost of this joint.

Contraction joints are usually very affordable and can be built out of plastic or hardboard strips. To make the most of these joints, these must be placed at apt depth.

2) Cure the Concrete Properly:

Properly cured concrete has a lesser chance of developing cracks. Therefore this step is highly important. The curing process is crucial and it takes an entire week to complete the process of moist curing. The curing must be given due time, as the longer the curing happens, the more it will be ensured against cracks and wear and tear. Concrete delivery Brisbane can simplify this process for you.

3) Seal Joints:

This step is not mandatory; however, it is definitely beneficial if you want to secure your concrete slabs from wear and tear. Seal joints prevent damage caused by water infiltration and thus preventing the crack from forming.

4) Don’t Overload Surfaces:

If you add too much weight and overload the surface, then your concrete will be the first to crack. Hence, be aware of the weight limits, especially during the curing process.

Bottom Line:

It is not easy to pull off an entire job of installing a concrete slab if you have little to no experience in this field. Services in Australia like Reocrete concrete Brisbane, can be of great assistance.

Concrete delivery, tools and general worksite etiquette

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Trades on a worksite can have been on the job for a long time or only just started. But whether it’s the concrete delivery person or a first year apprentice chippie, everyone’s expected to follow the rules and regulations.

 

  • Show up on time

Clients, colleagues, and the work that’s getting done rely on the trades showing up on time. There’s horror stories out there from clients about their plumber/chipper/supplier not showing up at the agreed time.

Doing this on the worksite for a large project is a big mistake. Trades that rely on certain materials need them delivered on time. This is why pipe, timber, and concrete delivery is scheduled weeks in advance. The materials are delivered on time and the trades on site can get straight to work.

 

  • Don’t use what’s not yours

Trades need their tools. The concreters need their trowels and levellers, the carpenters need their hammers. If you forgot your toolbelt or left something behind, don’t just borrow someone else’s without asking.

 

  • Put things back

If you did borrow something and you’re finished with it, put it back where you found it so the  next person can use it. If you’re using a wheelbarrow to move the concrete delivery around the worksite, place it out of the way but easy enough to find. Communal tools like this normally live in one spot and it’s inconvenient when they go missing.

 

  • Follow the mandatory rules

On a worksite, the mandatory rules are essential for workplace health and safety. You can see what’s required on the sign at the front of the site. This includes wearing the right safety gear, such as earmuffs and hard hats.

Even if they’re not signed, following the unspoken rules makes life easier. When the concrete delivery arrives, for example. If the truck can’t pour directly to where it’s needed and the mix needs to get moved, do it as quickly as possible so the waiting trades can get to work. The faster the concrete is poured, set, and cured, the faster other work begins.

 

  • Be nice

Workplace discrimination and assault is illegal and the punishments are harsh. The camaraderie on a worksite is great to work around and everyone banters in good fun. However, this can take an ugly turn very quickly. There’s a time and a place for everything and not everyone shares the same sense of humour.