If you’ve ever looked at a large, heavy concrete structure like a parking garage or office building, you may be wondering how all that thick concrete is poured. How do elevated concrete surfaces work, and how is that much weight held up? These structures take a little more finesse and skill in their creation than the average residential driveway. Find out how it’s done in today’s blog. Visit our website to learn more about concrete creation and new innovations in the industry.
- Construct the Walls – The first step in the construction of these larger buildings is erecting the walls according to the design specifications. These supporting walls could be made out of reinforced concrete or blocks of concrete.
- Cranes Bring the Reinforcements – After that, a crane lifts a metal pan into the structure. This will be used as a framework for pouring and forming the elevated concrete slab. The pan consists of a reinforced steel mesh which is lifted slightly off the floor by more metal supports. Larger structures might use reinforced steel bars for maximum strength capacity. This framework is what gives the floor the strength to hold itself up. For more on our industrial work, visit our portfolio page.
- Pour the Concrete – Finally, the concrete is poured. Builders use a special mixture of concrete in accordance with the strength and drying requirements of the plans. This concrete requires a higher strength capacity than a kitchen countertop, for example, so different ratios and materials may be used to create the perfect formula. Once poured, the concrete is left to dry for at least 48 hours without anyone walking on it.
With the variations that concrete has to offer, the experts at Tolley Concrete can create everything from patio pavers to roads and bridges. Looking to get started on your project? Get a free quote from us today by visiting our website