Slump Test Determines Consistency of Concrete

Slump is the measure of the consistency in a specific batch of fresh concrete.  A slump test accesses the consistency of the fresh concrete, and to ensure that the correct amount of water has been added to the mix.  

Using Concrete and Glass to Create a Masterpiece of a Home

A recently constructed 20,000 sq. ft. home located on Miami’s Coconut Grove bay is an excellent example of integrating a man-made structure into the natural surroundings.  Designed by the filmmaker Alejandro Landes, the massive concrete and glass-walled villa is his first architectural project.  Throughout the beautiful home, Landes used a selection of tropical materials such as salvaged teak wood, rattan, bamboo, handmade linen and more.   

Mix-use Development Offers Smart Growth

At The Conco Companies, we are proud to have provided concrete services on many mixed-use buildings and “green” projects constructed in urban areas up and down the West Coast.   The Municipal Research & Services Center in Seattle, Washington defines mixed-use development “as pedestrian-friendly development that blends two or more residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, and/or industrial uses.”  As one of the ten principles of Smart Growth, it includes “a planning strategy that seeks to foster community design and development that serves the economy, community, public health, and the environment.” 

ICF Wall Systems

Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) systems are being used in everything from single story buildings to 20+ story high-rises.  Common types of projects include single and multifamily residential housing, hotels, offices, educational and healthcare facilities, manufacturing and warehouse buildings and others.    

Placing Concrete in Extreme Temperatures

At The Conco Companies we have years of experience placing concrete in all kinds of weather conditions.   We are often asked if it is ever too cold or too hot to safely place concrete.   The answer is not necessarily a “yes” or “no” but rather other factors are taken into consideration. 

Concrete – A Great Overall Building Material

The Portland Cement Association states that, “Slightly more than half of all low-rise buildings in the United States are constructed from concrete.”  It is also the most common man-made material on the planet as well as the 2^nd most consumed substance just behind water.  The concrete industry is worth over $37 billion, employs over 2 million people in the U.S., and each year about 10 billion tons of concrete are produced.    

Developing a More Durable Concrete Using Acid Mine Drainage

The University of Michigan is conducting an interesting study that involves developing a more durable concrete using raw acid mine drainage from abandoned mines in Northeast Pennsylvania.  The research is focused on whether the impacted water, taken from boreholes in Solomon Creek, could be used in a “mixture for bendable concrete that can withstand four times the amount of pressure than regular concrete.” 

“Topping Off” Ceremony for the Salesforce Tower

The final beam was hoisted into place on April 6, 2017 topping off the new Salesforce Tower in downtown San Francisco, which is the tallest building west of Chicago. While the new Wilshire Grand in Los Angeles has a spire that actually makes it higher in height, the San Francisco tower will hold the honor of having the highest occupied floor.  The 61-story skyscraper, located at Mission and 1^st Street, and has been under construction for four years.