A Runner-up for the “2017 Subcontractor of the Year” Award

The Conco Companies are proud to report that Conco Pumping was recently honored as a runner-up for the 2017 Subcontractor of the Year Award from the American Subcontractors Association of Southern California.  The awards are designed to recognize the various achievements and contributions the recipients have made in the construction industry.  The ASA is a highly respected organization that embodies ethical & equitable business practices, quality construction, a safe and healthy work environment, and integrity & membership diversity.  This year’s winners were honored at the November ASA’s Awards Banquet.   

Conco Receives the Prestigious “2017 Charles J. Pankow Jr. Award”

The Conco Companies were recently recognized for our concrete services on the new Wilshire Grand Project with the “2017 Charles J. Pankow, Jr. Award” from the American Concrete Institute’s Southern California Chapter.  The Charles J. Pankow Jr. Award was established in 1984 by the ACI SoCal Chapter in honor of Charles J. Pankow, Jr. and is designed to recognize outstanding and innovative use of concrete in construction.  Mr. Pankow was an active member of the Southern California Chapter since its inception and had served as the International President of the ACI from 1980-1981. 

“Premiere on Pine” – ACI’s Second Place Winner in High Rise Category

The Conco Companies are proud to report that one of our recent projects is the Second Place Winner of the American Concrete Institute’s 2017 Excellence in Concrete Construction Awards in the High Rise category.  One of only 12 winners internationally, the Premiere on Pine (formerly known as 815 Pine) is a 42-story tower that highlights the structural and technological advancements made in the concrete industry over the last several years.   

Seeking an Experienced Safety Director

The Conco Companies is seeking an experienced Safety Director to provide safety leadership to over 1,200 employees for our Northern California, Southern California, Washington, Oregon and Colorado locations.   The individual will be responsible for helping to minimize and manage the legal and financial risks associated with an integrated subcontracting construction company.  The job includes overseeing Conco’s OSHA Compliance, our Fleet Safety Management, and Environmental Compliance. 

Facts Regarding the Tallest Skyscraper in San Francisco

One recent project The Conco Companies provided a range of concrete services for is the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco.  Now the tallest and most expensive building in the city as well as the tallest occupied floor west of Chicago, the Salesforce is close to completion.  Scheduled to open in early 2018, the project developer’s, Boston Properties reports that nearly 700 construction workers are on site every day, working around the clock to finish the tower.    

Concrete Mixes that Meet the Specs of Each Project

At The Conco Companies, our portfolio includes a wide variety of projects that have required the use of various concrete mixes to meet their unique specifications.  For projects that require extremely durable and/or high-strength concrete, High-performance Concrete (HPC) is used.  

The U.S. Concrete Industry

The concrete industry produces approximately 10 billion tons of concrete worldwide.  In the U.S. the industry has an annual production of 500 million tons with an estimated value of $35 billion and employs more than 2 million employees.  It is suggested that with the amount of the U.S.’s yearly production that it equals to about two tons for every man, woman and child.   To produce these types of volumes, it requires vast amounts of natural resources to supply the aggregate needed as well as to make the cement.  Concrete is used to build highways, streets and bridges, commercial, industrial, medical and educational structures, residential housing and other construction markets.   

Telebelt® TB 105 Telescopic Belt Conveyor

The Conco Companies have an impressive fleet of modern, state-of-the-art concrete pumps in addition to Telebelts.  We use this equipment to help us complete projects faster and more efficiently for our customers.    

Concrete is All Around Us

An interesting report from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) illustrates the various uses for portland cement as it is one of the key ingredients in concrete.  They suggest that while concrete is very important to the way we live, and in fact surrounds us, it is often overlooked.  They explain that concrete “makes our homes and offices durable and more resilient in natural disasters, it makes our roads and bridges strong and last longer, and thanks to its permanence and energy efficiency, it helps sustain our environment.” 

Ready for a Challenging Internship?

The Conco Companies, one of the West Coast’s largest commercial concrete contractors, is looking for interns and/or graduates to fill our Concrete Estimator positions.  As our team is comprised of some of the top experts in the concrete industry, this is an excellent opportunity to learn from the best.  In business since 1959, we have worked closely with contractors, developers, owners and engineers on various concrete methodologies in an effort to develop the best standards and practices in the industry today. 

Conco’s Expanded Reach Has Resulted in a Busy 2017

The Conco Companies have continued to extend their reach throughout the Western U.S.  Our service areas include the Bay Area, Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, and San Diego, CA; Reno, NV; Seattle, WA; and Denver and Colorado Springs, CO.  Our newest office is in Portland, Oregon.  Furthermore, we are pleased to report that with a steady uptick in the construction markets of our service areas, all of our regional offices are staying busy.  

Z-Fold Pumps Offer Versatility and Maneuverability

At The Conco Companies, we have a long history of adopting the latest concrete technologies as well as purchasing the latest state-of-the-art equipment to provide our customers with the best range of options for their project.  One of the types of pumps that we find are very beneficial in projects with challenging placement specifications is our articulating boom pumps. 

Our Martinez Facility is a 2017 Recipient of a “Pollution Prevention Award”

The Conco Companies’ Martinez facility was recently honored as a recipient of the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District’s Pollution Prevention Award.  All private businesses and organizations located within the Central San’s service area are eligible to enter the annual event.  Award recipients are recognized for going above and beyond in their business practices in regard to pollution prevention and environmental protection.    

The ACPA is Providing Help to Recruit Concrete Pump Operators

Many people have no idea what a concrete pump is and how it is used.  Just as many people are unaware that concrete pump operators are one of the highest paid careers in the construction industry and that the industry is actively recruiting people who may be interested in a career as a concrete pump operator.   

Shortages of Qualified Workers are Rampant throughout the Industry

Over the last several years, we have experienced a dwindling number of new workers seeking careers in the construction industry.  Some think this may be due to young people entering the job market feeling that construction work is not a glamorous or lucrative profession.  The problem has come to a head as older, experienced tradespeople retire and not enough people are stepping into the jobs causing a shortage in experienced cement masons, carpenters and ironworkers. 

The Topping Out of the East County Detention Center

Recently The Conco Companies announced the topping out of the East County Detention Center, a 500,000 SF expansion and replacement to the existing Riverside County Jail.  The project’s General Contractor is Clark Construction and the architect is HOK.  The $330 million project will add another 1,626 beds to the facility once it is complete.   

Shotcrete Projects

Over the last several decades, there have been advancements in shotcrete technology and improvements in the equipment that have resulted in a material that is perfectly suited for more and more applications.  While shotcrete virtually eliminates the forming process, it still offers the same structural characteristics as traditional cast-in-place walls.  This means that projects using shotcrete are typically completed faster, which saves both time and money.  

Our Reinforcing Services are used on a Variety of Projects

Conco Reinforcing has been extremely busy over the last couple of years and our services have been employed on a number of different types of projects.   From airports to mixed-use high-rises, public works, highway projects and others, our two fabrication plants and installation crews have remained hard at work.   

Some of the Methods Used to Increase the Strength of Concrete

The strength of concrete can be increased by a number of methods including using a higher grade of cement or a mineral admixture such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS).  It can also be strengthened by using a low water to cement ratio (W/C) as well as by using well-graded angular aggregates.  

Heavyweight Concrete has Many Uses Including as a Sound Barrier

While there are many applications in which lightweight concrete is the most appropriate choice so are there as many that require heavyweight concrete.  Lightweight structural concrete is made using lightweight coarse aggregate and/or lightweight fine aggregate.  It typically has a density of approximately 105 pounds per cubic foot as compared to that of normal concrete mixes that have a density of 150 pounds per cubic foot.  A common use for lightweight concrete is to reduce the overall load or weight of an entire concrete structure such as on bridge decks, beams, slabs and walls of concrete structures.    

The US Cement Industry

Cement is the key ingredient in concrete, and as the Portland Cement Association (PCA) explains, portland cement is “the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all concrete, just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver.”  To manufacture cement, lime, silica, alumina, iron and other materials are heated to extremely high temperatures that create marble-size balls or nodules called clinker.  Next the clinker is ground up and mixed in with limestone and gypsum.  

Order a Concrete Pump from the Experts

If you need the services of a concrete boom pump, did you know you can order it from one of the area’s leading commercial concrete contractors?  On The Conco Companies’ website, we provide comprehensive instructions on what you need to know and what we need to know to ensure you get the best pump for your job.  Some of the facts we need include the scope of the job and the particulars of the jobsite where the pump will be used.  In turn, we let you know what to expect from us including the fact that all of our pump operators are ACPA certified as well as the terms of their work conditions.    

New Salesforce Videos

One of the big projects The Conco Companies recently provided a full range of concrete services for was the Salesforce Tower in downtown San Francisco.  Now that the silvery curtain-wall panels have completely covered the outside of the 1,070-foot tall building, it can be seen for miles in and around San Francisco.  This is probably not surprising as the peak of the building stands 200 feet taller than the city’s previously tallest building, the Transamerica Pyramid.  The 61-story building consists of 900 feet of occupied space with spacious office floors that boast ceiling heights of almost 14 feet.  The remaining 170 feet above the top floor of the building is mainly empty space but does house some mechanical equipment.    

The World’s Fastest Elevators and Longest Elevator Runs

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recently published a report in collaboration with the Guinness Book of World Records on the fastest elevators and the longest elevator run in skyscrapers.  It evaluates elevators in commercial buildings from across the globe to determine the speed and the length of their run.  The CTBUH has certified the Shanghai Tower, currently the world's second-tallest building at 632 meters tall (2,073′), takes the prize for both the “fastest elevator and the longest elevator run of all commercial buildings in the world.”  

Concrete Solutions from a Full Service Provider

The Conco Companies initially started out as a concrete contractor but as our business expanded over the years, we have evolved into a full service provider to the construction industry.  We now provide a range of “concrete solutions” to our customers as opposed to “concrete services,” and we have the resources and expertise to oversee the entire process.   

Career Opportunities for Concrete Boom Operators

Conco Pumping is accepting applications for Concrete Boom Pump Operators at all locations including the Reno, NV area.  While we prefer applicants to be experienced, Conco is willing to train the right, motivated individuals.  We do require that all applicants possess a commercial driver’s license and have a clean driving record. 

Seeking an Experienced Senior Project Engineer for Fontana, California

The Conco Companies are looking for an experienced full-time Senior Project Engineer for our Los Angeles Region.  The preferred qualifications for the position include possessing a Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related program of study, but are NOT a requirement.  We also ask that applicants have a minimum of four years of related construction (vertical, commercial) experience in the local market.  

Tips for Finding the Best Commercial Subcontractor

During our close to 60 years in the industry, The Conco Companies have learned a thing or two about the construction business.  Right from the start, our goal has been to provide customers with first-class services that are executed in a highly professional manner and to deliver what was promised.  

Career Opportunities for Construction Project Engineers in Portland, Oregon

Due to a growing demand for services, The Conco Companies recently expanded our operations and opened a new office in Portland, OR.  As such we are looking for full-time Project Engineers to support the Superintendent and Project Manager on assigned projects.

Qualities desired for the position include being able to work well in a team and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Applicants must also have the ability to manage their time efficiently and be adept at organizing and prioritizing tasks.

Our Most Important Asset – Our Employees

At The Conco Companies, we firmly believe that our most important asset is our team of hard-working, dedicated employees.  We place the safety and health of our workforce above all else and are committed to providing them, along with our trade partners and customers, the safest workplace possible.  

Dealing with Concrete’s Shrinkage and Cracking Problem

Most material, including concrete, shrinks as it dries.  The Portland Cement Association (PCA) points out that the most common amount of shrinkage is about 1/16 of an inch in a 10-foot length of concrete.  To alleviate the problem, joints are placed in concrete pavement and floors “to allow the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint, where concrete cracks due to shrinkage are expected to occur.”   Likewise expansion joints are placed in bridges, concrete walls and other structures to allow for shrinkage and to control cracking.   

Today’s Concrete is More Resilient

Over the last several decades, technological advancements in the concrete industry have led to improvements in both the strength of concrete as well as the longevity.  In fact, experts predict that concrete mixes of today can produce concrete that will last for hundreds of years rather than just decades of concrete structures from the 20^th century.  Along with the superior performance, concrete has also become “greener” to produce.   

Our Extensive Fleet of Pumps Offers Your Project Many Benefits

The Conco Companies have a long history of providing exceptional concrete services for a wide range of projects using our extensive fleet of concrete pumps and ancillary equipment.  Since 1975, we have owned and operated one of the largest concrete pumping and belting companies in the U.S., and have the capability and resources to handle the most challenging project specifications.   

Key Ingredient in Concrete – Portland Cement

Portland cement is the most common type of cement and typically originates from limestone.  It is the key ingredient in concrete, mortar and stucco and used throughout the world.  When added to concrete, it is the paste that binds the aggregate (consisting of gravel and sand) with the water. 

Scientist Search for Clues to the Formula for Roman Concrete

One of the mysteries that continue to baffle scientists and engineers is how the ancient Romans produced the strongest concrete in the world.  Typically modern concrete buildings last about 50 to 60 years while ancient Roman concrete structures have survived through 2,000 years of environmental damage.   

Conco’s Portland Office is working on Several New Projects

The Conco Companies have recently opened a new office in Portland, OR.  While not new to the area as we have performed services for Portland from our facilities in Kent, WA, this is our first actual office in the city.  The need for the office made sense as we are working on several large projects throughout the city and having a more established presence allows us to better serve our current clients as well as future clients.   

Early Innovations Lead to Today’s High-tech Concrete Pumps

As one of the nation’s leading commercial concrete contractors, The Conco Companies have undertaken many challenging jobs placing concrete over our nearly 60 years in the industry.  We attributed our success to our seasoned team of professional engineers, managers, pump operators, and finishing crews as well as to our large fleet of state-of-the-art concrete pumps. 

The Wilshire Grand is Now Open

One of The Conco Companies most impressive projects over the last few years was providing concrete services on the Wilshire Grand Center in downtown L.A.  Now after four years of construction, the 73-story tower officially opened on June 23, 2017.  Costing $1.35 billion, the 1,100 ft. tall skyscraper is the tallest building west of the Mississippi.   The opening ceremony for the skyscraper included local dignitaries and politicians as well as the owners of the building, Korean Air.  

Precision Engineered Reinforcement Services

The Conco Companies provide a wide range of concrete services including concrete reinforcement for all of your rebar fabrication and installation needs.  By owning and operating two large rebar fabrication facilities in California and Washington, we have the capacity to cost-effectively serve our customers’ needs saving them both time and money.  Also Conco’s highly skilled crews are trained on the specialized tools used to fabricate, assemble, and install the rebar. 

Placing Shotcrete Expertly and Cost-effectively

At The Conco Companies, our shotcrete services provide an excellent alternative to traditional cast-in-place walls.  Since shotcrete is pneumatically placed, it virtually eliminates the forming process, saving time and money, while still offering the same structural characteristics as traditional concrete methods.  It is used for a wide range of applications including retaining walls, shear walls, and architectural walls as well as soil nailing and slope pavement.    

Conco’s Cellular Concrete Services

As one of the leading commercial concrete contractors in the nation, The Conco Companies provide the Western United States with a wide range of concrete services including producing and placing cellular concrete.  Also known as foam concrete, cellular concrete provides customers with one of the most productive, cost-effective solutions in a variety of applications.   

The LA Federal Courthouse Wins Another Award

We are proud to announce that a project The Conco Companies provided concrete services for has won another award.  The LA Federal Courthouse in downtown LA was recently recognized as a “Gold Winner” in the category for Best Sustainable Project by the LA Business Journal‘s Commercial Real Estate Awards.   Last year the Courthouse also won the “2016 Outstanding Achievement and Excellence in Concrete Construction” award presented by the Southern California ACI chapter.  In addition the project was selected to compete at the national level at the 2017 ACI National Convention.

Award-winning Residential Tower

The Ten Thousand, a luxurious apartment building in Century City that borders Beverly Hills, was recently recognized as a “Gold Winner” in the category of the Best Multi-family Project from the LA Business Journal‘s Commercial Real Estate Awards.  The Conco Companies were honored to provide concrete services on the 40-story, 483-foot residential tower, which is quickly becoming one of the area’s iconic architectural landmarks.  The developer as well as owner of the $300 million project is Crescent Heights.  The architect is Handel Architects and Shamir Shah Design the interior designer.  Swinerton Builders is the general contractor.     

The Importance of Curing Concrete Properly

At The Conco Companies, we have experience placing any type of concrete for a broad range of projects and in a variety of weather conditions.  Our crews use several different methods for curing concrete as it is determined by the type of construction and the concrete mix as well as outside temperatures and humidity.  Other considerations include project specifications and/or parameters of the jobsite.  However regardless of the technique used for curing, it is important to keep the concrete moist and prevent further loss of moisture.   

New Fixes for Concrete Spalling

Concrete spalling and cracking, sometime referred to as concrete cancer, is caused by rebar corrosion and can affect buildings and other concrete structures.  Once the steel reinforcing in a concrete slab begins to rust, the steel rust can expand up to 7 times its original size and results in concrete being displaced and getting flakey.  As the steel pushes the concrete away, it allows more water to come into contact with the steel and compounds the problem.   

Reactive Powder Concrete

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), which is also known as Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), is a combination of portland cement, silica fume, quartz flour, fine silica sand, high-range water reducer, water, and optional additives.  The Portland Cement Association explains that reactive powder concrete is “extremely workable, durable and yields ultra-high strengths without using coarse aggregates. Reaching compressive strengths of 30,000 pounds per square inch (psi), this new-age concrete also has tensile strength with the inclusion of steel and synthetic fibers.”   The micro structure of RPC is optimized by precise graduation of all particles in the mix to give it maximum density.  

Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC), a type of reinforced concrete that uses a fibrous substance to increase structural strength, durability and ductility, is a subject of new research and developments.  In FRC, short, discrete fibers are uniformly distributed and randomly oriented to provide a kind of three-dimensional stability and include fibers made of steel, glass and synthetic or natural material.  Depending on which material is used, they offer varying properties and characteristics. 

Time and Cost-saving Trends in Concrete Construction

At The Conco Companies, we make it a point to stay up-to-date on the latest concrete news and innovations, and implement new ideas and technologies designed to save our customers time and money as well as to create a better finished product.  Some emerging trends in concrete that are changing concrete design and construction include high strength / high performance concrete (HSC/HPC); self-consolidating concrete (SCC); fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) polymer modified concrete (PMC); high volume flyash concrete (HVFC); reactive powder concrete (RPC); and self-healing concrete / bacterial concrete.  

Concrete Pumps Available Along the West Coast

The Conco Companies have owned and operated one of the largest concrete pumping companies in the United States for over 40 years.  To remain a leader, we continue to invest in new concrete pumps to provide customers one of the most modern, state-of-the-art operations on the West Coast.   

Tilt-up Construction Offers Several Benefits

Tilt-up construction, also known as tilt-slab or tilt-wall, is a construction technique in which concrete wall panels are cast-on-site and tilted into place.  It was first used in America around 1905, and patented in 1908 by Robert Akin during the concrete construction of the Schindler House in West Hollywood, CA.