Concrete – An Important Resource

Concrete is not only an extremely important resource in the construction industry, but to the very infrastructure of our country.  Almost all larger-sized buildings, bridges and other structures constructed today use reinforced concrete, which is comprised of steel rebar in the form of mesh, spiral and bars or structural fibers from other materials.  Concrete can also be “pre-stressed (reducing tensile stress) using internal steel cables (tendons), allowing for beams or slabs with a longer span than is practical with reinforced concrete alone.” 

The benefits of building with concrete are numerous and concrete mixes of today allow for all kinds of creative projects.  It is one of most sustainable building materials available and lasts for decades, especially when compared to wood, asphalt or other materials.  Furthermore, concrete structures are extremely fire resistant.

Another factor to consider regarding the importance of concrete to our economy is that it is produced here in the U.S; and it is estimated that the concrete industry provides over two million jobs to Americans.  Furthermore, the concrete used for a project is generally produced somewhere near the construction project, which reduces transportation and energy cost.  The Portland Cement Association (PCA) explains that the cement industry is regional by nature and that nearly 98% of U.S. cement is shipped to customers by truck with the rest by barge or train.

Even after several decades of use, concrete can be recycled into an aggregate that has a hundred or more different uses.  The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) points out the fact that concrete is “green” as it does not have any toxic runoff as asphalt does and is produced locally from abundant local sources.  Thus the mere sustainability of concrete makes it a good choice both environmentally and economically.

At The Conco Companies, we are one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products.  Our experience includes commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects.  We serve California, Washington State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Properties_of_concrete,

cement.org/cement-concrete-basics/how-concrete-is-made, 

nrmca.org/sustainability/Sustainable%20Concrete%20Pavement.pdf