Architectural Concrete Design

An important element in building design is the use of architectural concrete.  It permits a broad versatility of design that could not be achieved without it.  It has the ability to provide an aesthetic finish while still retaining all of the structural properties of the concrete.  Whereas the term decorative concrete applies to design features that are used to simply enhance the look of the concrete in areas such as floors, walls, driveways and patios.

Architectural concrete can take on a variety of forms, textures, and colors and uses several different methods to create the desired effect.  Formwork systems and form-lining molds concrete into just about any kind of shape or size as well as textures or patterns.  The concrete can be simulated to look like brick, stone, or wood and is often used in projects such as retaining walls, exteriors of building, and bridges. 

Poured-in-place architectural concrete integrates the structure requirements of the project design in a cost-effective manner.  The results can be a modern, finished concrete that offers more precision and control over the process.  Since the finished surface is the prominent feature, the type of aggregate, sand, and cement selected are very important as they impact the outcome. 

Color can be adding to the concrete using mineral oxide pigments that are put directly into the concrete mix or with chemical stains and varnishes applied to the surface.  When a project demands a large quantity of raw materials to achieve a specialized look, it is a good idea to secure the available material in advance so the finish of the concrete remains consistent throughout the job.  Beyond adding color, other methods of architectural concrete finishes include surface techniques such as sand-blasting, water-blasting, sanding, polishing, and acid-etching.   

 



For over 50 years, Conco has been providing premium concrete services and is one of the most trusted concrete contractors in Seattle.  We partner with clients on every project from the pre-construction stage right through to final completion to maximize efficiency and ensure goals and budgets are met.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.

Methods to Measure Sustainability

The growing demand for green buildings has been invigorated by green building programs such as the LEED rating system.  With new construction projects, owners and builders alike are looking for materials that offer reduced operating costs, improved health benefits, and perform better environmentally throughout the life-cycle of the products. 

Although this can result in some confusion in assessing the impact of such materials on all of these aspects, there are many good resources being developed to assist in making informed decisions.  Experts working in the field of sustainable design are improving the methods that are used to more accurately measure the value of the return on the green investment. 

One of these tools is called a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and is used in determining the actual performance of green building materials.  This cradle-to-grave assessment starts with a product evaluated by the impact of extracting the raw material, to the manufacturing process and distribution, to the durability and performance.  Additionally the ease of reusing or recycling the material is judged and taken into account. 

When considered early in the planning and design stages, sustainable criteria offer the greatest cost-efficiency as well as the best ability to influence design. Therefore, it is important that architects and owners have the most up-to-date information available right from the start of a project. 

Green products are typically made from reused or recycled-content or from renewable resources.  The EPA says the goal should be to promote clean air and reduce the emissions of VOC (volatile organic compounds) and formaldehyde.  They should not contain CFCs, HCFCs or other toxic substances and need to promote practices that conserve energy and water.  Furthermore they should offer good durability and ease of maintenance, and aid in reducing a building’s overall operating cost.   

The EPA concludes that green buildings should be designed to reduce the environmental impact on human health and the natural environment by:

·         “Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources

·         Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity

·         Reducing waste, pollution and environment degradation”

 

 

 

 

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States.  As one of the leading commercial concrete contractors in the San Jose area, we have been involved with large-scale projects in the area including the Mineta Airport.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.

 

 

 

How Telebelts and Portable Belts Assist in Projects

As highly experienced commercial concrete contractors, we recognize the need for projects to finish on time and on budget.  This is why we continue to purchase and utilize the most up-to-date equipment, which helps us to successfully fulfill our commitments. 

One kind of timesaving equipment we use is telebelts and portable belts that are designed to move heavy materials on or off a jobsite quickly and easily.  A telebelt is a mobile telescopic belt conveyor that is highly versatile and available in a variety of sizes.  They are used to place a high volume of concrete, gravel, rock, and backfill fast and efficiently and are a great way to save time and labor costs.  The set-up on a telebelt is easy to do, and since it is mobile, provides the option to move it around the jobsite as needed. 

Moreover they are a very reliable, well-built piece of equipment.  Putzmeister, a leading manufacturer, states, “The main conveyors and feed conveyors of Telebelts are two separate hydraulic circuits.  Each has their own pumps, control valves and motors and they are hydraulically independent of each other.”  Putzmeister offers the industry’s only line of truck-mounted telescopic belt conveyors and an outrigger design that permits set-up in congested areas and on rough terrain.

Telebelts are fast and efficient with outputs up to 5 cubic yards per minute.  They are ideal for use in low clearance areas or under bridges and into limited access structures.  To give you an example of the type of reach a telebelt may have, the Putzmeister TB 130 has a horizontal reach of 126’ 6” and a maximum rated capacity of 360 cubic yards an hour.  The unit has a 360 degree hydraulic rotation and a variety of hopper options. 

Portable belts are ideal for jobs that seem to offer few options but to wheelbarrow the material by hand.  These belts are specifically designed for just such situations and are built to be linked together to transport materials in tight spots and around corners.   They are also easy to set-up and maneuver around the jobsite. 

When your project demands exceptional services and the best value, Conco can deliver.  We have been offering premium concrete services throughout the Western U.S. since 1959, and have a regional office in the Denver area.  With state-of-the-art equipment and modern facilities, we work diligently to meet goals and stay within budget.

Is it Possible to Protect Homes from Damaging Tornados?

While architects are continuing to make strides in designing large commercial buildings that can provide more protection from natural disasters, the powerful EF4 and EF5 strength tornados that have occurred through parts of Alabama, Missouri, and Oklahoma over the last few years have demonstrated that single family, wood-framed homes offer little protection.  Not one of those styles of homes that were in the direct path of the forceful storms survived.  Moreover a recent report from Lloyd’s of London regarding the increasing risk of tornados finds that statistically the U.S. has more tornadoes than anywhere else in the world. 

Since many of the wood-frame structures destroyed by tornados were built with the most commonly used minimum standards of the International Residential Code, some people think the standards should be raised.  Though many experts that study the destruction of tornados think it is undesirable to try and build a fully tornado-proof home.  In order to be effective, it would have to be a windowless concrete bunker. 

There are some methods that can make your home more resistant to the damage from strong winds and flying debris that occurs during tornados.  A structural engineer from Simpson Strong-Tie, which makes high-strength metal connectors, suggested in an article from MSN that to resist strong winds, “Homes must be built with what is called a ‘continuous load path.”  The goal would be to create a “series of reinforced connections that tie every element together from roof to foundation, like a chain.”  

While this could be helpful in preventing some of the damage that might occur during a tornado, FEMA recommends that you do not try and tornado-proof your whole house.  Their suggestion is for those in highly prone areas to build a “safe room”.  These rooms can be a retrofitted closet or bathroom or a newly built space in your home and should effectively protect your family against the strongest wind forces.  A safe room does not need to be very large as tornados are over quickly.  They are typically built using reinforced concrete and compared to other ideas are a relatively inexpensive solution for a homeowner.  

Conco is one of the leading commercial concrete contractors in Sacramento and has been delivering first-rate services in the area since 1959.  We are experts at creating cost-effective solutions that take advantage of the most up-to-date techniques.  Our concrete services include commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects and highways.

Eighth Tallest Buildings in the World

Our eighth skyscraper in a series of blogs regarding the tallest buildings in the world is the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The Towers became the tallest buildings in the world in 1998 by replacing Chicago's Willis (Sears) Tower until the Taipei 101 surpassed them in 2004.  They still retain the honor of being the tallest twin towers in the world. 

Architect on the project was Cesar Pelli & Associates who designed the postmodern building to create a distinct icon that promoted Kuala Lumpur as a commercial and cultural capital for the new millennium.  Planning on the Towers started in 1992 and the buildings were officially opened in August, 1999.  Engineer on the project was Thornton-Tomasetti Engineers and contractors were Mayjus and SKJ Joint Ventures.

Both of the Petronas Towers stand at 1,483 ft. and have a massive 10.7 million sq. ft. of space.  One of the most remarkably and well-known features of the skyscrapers is a dramatic two-​story bridge on the 41st and 42^nd floors that links the two buildings together.  It is the world’s highest double-decked bridge and is intended to symbolize a gateway to the future and provide stunning views of Kuala Lumpur.

According to the Petronas website, the building of the Towers required the single largest and longest concrete pour in Malaysian history.  It took 13,200 cubic meters of concrete that was continuously poured over 54 hours for each of the towers.  By the end of the pours, each Tower had a record-breaking slab with 104 piles that formed the foundation.  

 

 Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States and is once again involved in doing concrete work for a major landmark project. The new Wilshire Grand Center will reshape the Los Angeles skyline as the tallest building west of the Mississippi.  As a part of the project, Conco successfully poured the largest continuous mat foundation ever done in the U.S. on February 15, 2014.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using Tower Cranes to Build Skyscrapers

In order to build the super tall skyscrapers of today such as the Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles, huge tower cranes are used.  Tower cranes are capable of lifting very heavy loads of steel, concrete, generators and other building materials and can be erected to grow taller as the construction project moves upward.   

Before a tower crane is ready to use, it needs to be stabilized at the jobsite.  The process entails building a concrete pad with large anchor bolts embedded into the concrete that secures the base of the crane.  Once a tower crane reaches its maximum height, it can be tied to the side of the structure with steel collars and moved upward as a project demands.

The gears and motor for the crane are contained in the slewing unit that is attached to the mast and which allows the crane to rotate.  On top of that is the long jib that is used to lift the heavy materials as well as the counter-jib that works as a counter-weight to keep the crane balanced.  The crane operator may control the unit from the ground or in a cab that is on top of the tower.

The tower crane mast is a steel triangular lattice structure that is constructed of vertebras generally 10 square feet in size.  Once a crane has been fastened to the exterior of the building or in some cases to the interior and needs to be raised higher, the process is started to add new pieces.  A climbing frame or metal sheath that sits between the slewing unit and the top of the tower is used to temporarily support that section of the mast while the jib moves a new segment into the space.  Once the new piece is bolted down, the climbing tower then moves higher up along the mast ready for the process to begin again. 

According to Wikipedia, typically the maximum unsupported height of a tower crane is 265 feet and the maximum reach of the jib is 230 feet.  It has a maximum lifting strength of 19.8 tons.  

 

Conco’s team of professional concrete contractors in the Portland area brings the highest level of integrity and principles to each project from pre-construction to finish.  With the rapidly growing construction market, Conco is taking an active role in the Portland area with our expansion of high-quality commercial concrete services.

Retrofitting Historic Buildings Against Earthquakes

New construction is being built better than ever to withstand the threat of earthquakes.  Moreover since earthquake activity is not limited to the West Coast, local building codes throughout the country mandate that new construction be resistant to the strongest earthquake activity that is believed possible in an area.  This task has become easier with new high-tech materials that are available such as fiber-reinforced polymers, fiber reinforced concrete and high strength steel.  

One of the on-going phases in creating safer buildings is the seismic retrofitting of older structures to be more resistant to seismic activity and ground motion.  Among these projects include significant historical buildings that have the additional task of ensuring the structure is stronger while still preserving the distinctive characteristics that make the buildings special.  

Obviously first and foremost human safety is addressed and then the focus switches to work on retaining the distinct architectural features of the building. Common weaknesses in historic buildings when faced with earthquake activity include unreinforced masonry and structural connections between walls, floors, and foundations.  Older construction used unreinforced bearing walls that offer inadequate lateral resistance and ductility or flexibility when subjected to seismic activity.     

According to the NPS Department of Interior’s Preservation Briefs, it is imperative to put together a team of experienced engineers, architects, and building code officials as well as consulting with their agency’s administrative staff.  They state that, “Historic materials should be preserved and retained to the greatest extent possible.”  Also that, “New seismic retrofit systems, whether hidden or exposed, should respect the character and integrity of the historic building and be visually compatible with it in design; and that, seismic work should be ‘reversible’ to the greatest extent possible to allow removal for future use of improved systems and traditional repair of remaining historic materials.” 



 

Conco is a leading supplier of concrete services for the Western United States. We have built our reputation in the Los Angeles area 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.