Concrete is an extremely strong substance, but if it’s not used correctly, it can still fail. Just like any other material, it has its limits. Concrete has to be properly mixed and set in order to be able to do its job, but there are a lot of other factors that go into successful concrete too. In today’s blog, we’ll show some of the situations where concrete might be likely to fail, and some tips to avoid it. For more on concrete construction, visit our blog.
Avoid Trapped Air – This is a big one. Trapped air bubbles in the concrete can cause it to crack and fail. Since concrete is a mixture of ingredients, air bubbles can occur if it’s not mixed correctly. They can also occur when pouring. If these air bubbles aren’t remedied, they’ll lead to weak spots in the concrete.
Use High-Quality Resources – While it may be tempting to get a cheaper version of the product you’re looking for, it might not be the best decision for the integrity of your concrete. These cheap materials might have additives that could compromise the integrity of the concrete. While we suggest going green whenever you can, it’s important to recognize what’s best for your overall project and not compromise on quality.
Know When to Use What – A great example of this is found in high-silica aggregates. While this type of aggregate can be useful for a number of projects and climates, it’s not good for extremely humid locations. High-silica aggregates absorb moisture from the air, which can lead to cracking over time. This makes it not a good material for places like Central Florida.
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