Friday, June 30, 2017

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.   


Tuesday, June 27, 2017

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.   


Sunday, June 25, 2017

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.  


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

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. 


Tuesday, June 13, 2017

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.  


Sunday, June 11, 2017

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.   


Friday, June 9, 2017

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.   


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Seeking Qualified Project Managers for Our Southern California Operations


The Conco Companies have expanded our operations over the last several years, and as a result, we are always looking for talented individuals to join our team.  One of our current postings is for several qualified, full-time Project Managers for our Southern California locations.