Month: August 2020

During the early stages of constructions demolition of concrete structures is involved. This process leaves the contractors with a very sizable amount of concrete to deal with. Over the years many ways of recycling concrete have been discovered. The process involves pulverizing and crushing concrete although for you to choose the best method for crushing the concrete some factors are to be considered for example the shape and size of the concrete.

Benefits of recycling.

Using the concrete again will help avoid too much construction waste and will also save the contractors large sums of money for the disposal fee or tipping fees. Again there is reduced transport costs because in many cases concrete is recycled in areas near construction sites. The bonus point is the builders will receive LEED Green Building certificate for recycling concrete. Recycling concrete often creates employment opportunities.

Process of recycling.

Concrete usually is recycled using the industrial equipment for crushing because it is very heavy. After breaking, concrete is put through an impactor then it is screened to make sure all the dirt is removed. Then it is separated large and small particles aside. After this some additional processes are done. There is the water flotation separators, the magnets are also used in order to remove the specific elements from the crushed concrete. Concrete can also be pulverized but this is not the best method since it makes it harder for separation process to be completed.

Equipment’s to use.

You’ll need to consider a couple of options before deciding which method you’ll use. The most convenient solution is using a crushers that is portable to be able to transport it from different positions. Place the crusher near the crushing site but not at a position where it might hinder site activities. Factors you should consider before choosing an equipment are a powerful electromagnet, an air separator system, separate hydraulic stands, and automatic control systems

Importance of recycled concrete.

Old concrete can be used to make gravel, aggregates as well as materials for paving. Normally on walkways or drive ways are made out of broken concrete which is carefully put on a stable. Crushed concrete can be used to make bed foundations that will contain underground utility lines which is not expensive. The concrete small particles can replace aggregates which are used to mix concrete in constructions. Another use is it can be used to control stream bank erosions this is for the larger pieces as well as wire gabions for gulley erosions. Find out how mismatched colors in stamped and decorative concrete can harm the look of concrete.

Mismatching colors between two slabs that are integrally colored presents quite a challenge for many contractors. With multiple loads pours the colour variations tend to become more noticeable with some slabs even appearing a shade or even two darker than the previous one. The differences in construction joints tend to become more noticeable on cured and sealed concrete as compared to when it is being placed wet.

Mixture ratio

Achievement of a uniform colour is based on the consistency in the variables used during the order. Factors such as design of concrete mix, water to cement ratio as well as a constant supplier of cement are considerations to put in place for a uniform colour. With other variables ranging to the weather, finishing practices, and even the relative content of moisture in the sub grade some factors are beyond the supplier of the ready mix. A shade line between slabs can actually be gotten from presence of trees or even houses depending on whether it was cloudy or sunny when the mixture was cured. With different liquid finishing aids such as water or solvents used in one mixture and not the next, a difference in the colour is likely to be achieved. Floating, trowel ling, stamping or even brooming concrete in different setting stages will eventually cause a colour differentiation.

Colour hardener

Use of a colour hardener when integrating colors before setting the mixture allows for one to ensure a constant colour is maintained. With one slab butting on another the color difference is actually very apparent. With this in mind a hardener is dusted with matching colors on the slab at the header board area and gradually fading it into the integral colour. At the connecting points where the difference is much noticeable applying the colour hardener along with the integral colour makes it unnoticeable. An antiquing release agent in powder form is used hence cohesive appearance that is also speckled is used.

Use of borders

Throughout the slab ribbons and borders can be used at the construction joints to combat the differences in colour. When different shades of a colour are butted up against each other, the colour change on the joints becomes unnoticeable. However, the use of a contrasting band in between the joints makes the colour differences even less noticeable with sometimes the differences disappearing altogether. It is necessary to note that it is not all differences between slabs are actually colour differences and a great idea to use band when multiple pours are applied. If you are using stamped or decorative concrete for the first time then read about mismatched colors in stamped & decorative concrete and what’s the best solution to this problem.