Is exposed concrete right for you?

Exposed Concrete Flooring

Whether you’re building, renovating, or simply want to give your home a facelift, your choice of flooring can make or break your new space, and helps set the tone for the aesthetic of your home. Whether you are installing a new driveway or path around your home, want to update your outdoor areas, exposed concrete in Brisbane is a versatile solution that marries practicality with aesthetic.

What is exposed concrete?

Exposed concrete is a finish of concrete where the top layer has been either buffed or washed off to expose aggregate within it, such as stones and pebbles. Depending on the desired finish, the top layer can be washed off to further expose the aggregate it contains, which creates a more textured and rough surface, or the concrete can be left to set before being buffed and grinded back to create a more smooth surface.

These finishes aren’t solely for aesthetics, but also serve function within your surfaces. For driveways, having further exposed aggregate can create a highly gripping surface which is perfect to prevent cars from slipping or sliding on an angle and during wet weather. Contrastingly, for outdoor patios and spaces, a smoother surface can be more pleasant to walk and stand on.

Exposed concrete is an incredibly diverse concreting option, with endless combinations of concrete and pebbles to help you find the perfect look for your home. From dark concrete and light aggregate to light concrete with warm-toned aggregates – there is something for everyone.

Is exposed concrete in Brisbane right for you?

Exposed concrete offers a variety of benefits and is perfect for outdoor applications, making it a great option for your home.

Highly Durable

As concrete is a highly durable material, exposed concrete is an incredibly strong flooring option, perfect for high-traffic areas. Exposed concrete is often used in driveways and paths, as it can easily withstand heavy loads, such as cars or trucks, and any damage caused by this is minimised. Moreover, exposed concrete is a very forgiving material, meaning that should any damage ever occur it will be far less obvious, making it less of an eyesore.

Low Maintenance

A huge benefit of exposed concrete is how easy it is to keep it looking great. As exposed concrete is not highly porous, it is less likely to hold onto stains or dirt like other options, such as tiles, might. Cleaning exposed concrete is easy, with power washing being a quick and simple way to give it a refresh should it ever need it.  Not having significant maintenance requirements, utilising this material throughout your outdoor spaces gives you more time to focus on the things that matter.

Cost-Effective

As concrete is an affordable material, exposed concrete is a more affordable option for your outdoor applications compared to other materials such as tile or stone. With options to use minimal aggregate, exposed concrete can provide a high-end and luxurious finish, without having to break the bank. Moreover, as exposed concrete is very low maintenance, the need to purchase special cleaning supplies or pay to have it maintained professionally is mitigated, meaning you can spend your money on things you want!

With versatility and low maintenance, exposed concrete is the perfect choice for your next outdoor build or renovation. If you still can’t decide if exposed concrete is right for you, or are simply spoiled for choice with the options for your project, feel free to reach out to us. With industry professionals who can provide expert advice, Reocrete can help bring your dream home to life today.

Are Polished Concrete Floors Right for You?

When finding flooring options for your home, office, or commercial building you can be overwhelmed with the enormous variety afforded to you. Previously used in garages and warehouses, the polished concrete look is emerging within homes, restaurants, offices, amongst other locations due to not only its aesthetic, but its practicality.

There are some considerations to make when determining if polished concrete is the flooring option for you, so we have compiled this list to take the guesswork out of your decision:

Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors

  1. Highly Durable and Long-Lasting
    As concrete is an incredibly durable and sturdy material it makes it the perfect for flooring in high traffic areas, where items like tables and chairs, cars and machinery, or large groups of people will be regularly. Chipping, scratching, or damaging polished concrete surfaces is considerably more difficult than wooden, tiled, or stone flooring, making it a great choice when considering longevity. In addition to being highly durable, should you incur any chips or dints to your polished concrete floor, it blends far more seamlessly than a chipped tile or stone surface, which can be quite the eyesore. For garages and workshops in your home, restaurant flooring, or businesses such as car dealerships or warehouses, polished concrete is the perfect way to create a visually appealing space whilst having longevity in your flooring option. Concrete suppliers in Brisbane can advise on the best polished concrete for your space.
  2. Cost Effective
    Polished concrete flooring is a highly cost effective and visually appealing flooring option, and is a great option for those who want more affordable options without compromising on look. Compared to alternative flooring such as hardwood, stone, or tiles, which can often cost thousands of dollars and have a time consuming installation, polished concrete can be installed in a fast and budget-friendly manner by concrete suppliers in Brisbane.
  3. Wide Option of Design Options
    With a wide range of colours and textures that can be utilised in polished concrete floors, the options are endless. Polished concrete flooring can be fully customised, and can even imitate more expensive flooring options with certain designs and inclusions. With a finish perfect for everyone, you won’t struggle to find something you love.
  4. Spill resistant
    Accidents are inevitable however, polished concrete flooring can minimise their impact. Being completely sealed and liquid-proof, polished concrete won’t absorb any liquids making cleaning any spills incredibly easy. For areas such as car workshops, cafes and restaurants, or even home kitchens and living rooms, having a spill resistant flooring option is invaluable, helping prevent damage and saves time that may otherwise be spent cleaning.
  5. Highly Sanitary
    With considerations for sanitisation being more important than ever before, the ability to completely sanitise polished concrete flooring is highly appealing. Disinfecting your floor has never been easier, with no absorption or discoloration caused as a result of the use of strong chemicals.
  6. Allergy Resistant
    For those who suffer from allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma, polished concrete flooring is a fantastic alternative. Carpets can be challenging to fully clean and sanitise, and can hold dust and dust mites, pollen, and other allergens which can be highly inflammatory to someone who suffers from allergies. Polished concrete can be easily vacuumed and mopped with hypoallergenic cleaning supplies, and is ideal for those who require a very clean living space.

 

Considerations for Concrete Flooring

Whilst the benefits of polished concrete in Brisbane seem endless, there are some considerations to make when deciding if it fits your purposes.

  1. Can Cause Reverberation
    Given how hard polished concrete flooring is, noise is reverberated throughout the room, rather than absorbed. Should this be an issue in your space, the issue can be mitigated by adding furniture, rugs, or other textiles such as curtains.
  2. Can be Cold
    Polished concrete floors can be quite cold to walk on, particularly in winter, which should be considered when installing your flooring. As a result, you may need to take additional steps to stay warm, and your home or office may require more heating during colder months than it otherwise would. Fortunately, having concrete in Brisbane is highly beneficial during Summer, keeping your building cool.
  3. Is a Hard Flooring Option
    As concrete flooring is very hard, it does not offer much cushioning or protection for employees standing all day. To minimise this issue, supportive shoes can be worn, and cushioning mats can be utilised in spaces where people may be standing for long periods of time.

With endless options and many applications, polished concrete floors are arguably one of the most practical flooring choices. If you think a polished concrete floor is perfect for your space, reach out to our industry leading concrete suppliers in Brisbane who can guide you through the next steps to achieving your dream flooring.

 

 

Guide to Laying a Concrete Slab

Are you planning to build a new home soon? Concrete flooring could be one of the best options for your project because mesh reinforced floor is durable and will outlast most other flooring options. In addition, concrete is moisture resistant and energy efficient. In this post, we offer important tips for laying a concrete slab. If you are planning to add a concrete floor, read on for insights on how to ensure a strong and long lasting concrete surface.

Choose Professional Concrete Suppliers Brisbane

The top secret to ensuring a lasting concrete floor is choosing the right concrete supplier. Experienced professionals will make sure the premixed concrete undergoes all the important stages in preparation, and the right ratios are observed when mixing it. When sourcing premixed concrete QLD, you need to verify that the company has a good reputation for the supplying and pouring of concrete. Do not choose a concrete supplier Brisbane based on price alone. Remember to:

  • Do some research to find potential concrete contractors
  • Look for experienced professionals who understand the right procedures for mixing concrete
  • Ask for recommendations from friends and relatives
  • Compare prices

Working with professional concrete suppliers guarantees you the best results and saves money.

Prepare the Ground Appropriately

Make sure the ground is prepared appropriately. Start with marking the area where you are going to cast the slab. You could use the wooden pegs to mark the area where the professional concrete suppliers Queensland will pour the concrete. Dig deep enough so the surface will accommodate the sub base and damp-proof membrane. Factor in the concrete slab thickness to make sure you prepare the ground appropriately.

Predetermine How much Concrete You Need

Before you contact a concrete company in Brisbane, it is essential to predetermine the amount of concrete you will need. Engage a professional builder to guide you when it comes to calculating the amount of concrete needed for your area. You could use an online concrete calculator but make sure you arrive at the area dimensions correctly.

Use Mesh Reinforcement

For the concrete surface to last for years, you will need to ensure proper reinforcement. High-quality steel bars from a trusted supplier will help you reinforce the surface properly. Note that steel is used for reinforcing concrete more than any other material. Steel makes a good choice for reinforcing concrete because it guards the surface from cracking.

Observe Health and Safety Guidelines

Do not go to a construction site without wearing the recommended protection gear. Remember that concreting is an extremely labor-intensive job, one that requires patience and dedication to achieve optimal results. Therefore, you and your staff must wear safety equipment when working with concrete.

Conclusion

Laying a concrete slab is often the most critical stage of a construction project. It is important to follow the guidelines set above or you may end up with a weak concrete surface, which is dangerous for any construction project. Remember to engage an experienced concrete supplier in Brisbane.

How Do you Take Care of Exposed Concrete Surfaces?

If you are looking to add durability and appeal to your concrete floor, consider exposed range concrete. Professional concrete suppliers Brisbane will provide you with the top quality exposed concrete customized to meet your needs.

Exposed range concrete provides a rugged nonslip surface that holds up against heavy traffic and withstands extreme weather conditions. Exposed concrete is ideal for concrete driveways and patios and can be used for any outdoor spaces.

However, you may be concerned about maintenance. How do you ensure your concrete surface will retain its appealing look for years to come? In this post, we outline the best procedures to ensure your concrete surface remains attractive all year long and more. By practicing these concrete surface maintenance procedures on your exposed concrete surface, you will add value to your investment for an extended period. Keep reading to discover the top secrets for concrete surface maintenance.

1.      Pressure wash the exposed concrete surface

One of the top secrets for the  maintenance of a exposed concrete surface is pressure washing. Use a high pressure washer with hot water and a commercial grade degreaser to eliminate oil stains. The hot water acts as a oil lifter from the concrete surface while the degreaser emulsifies the stains, allowing for easy washing off. For a stain-free surface, you can apply exposed aggregate cleaners to get rid of tire marks before the final rinsing off with hot water. Remember to use a stiff-bristled brush to remove any extra-stubborn stains prior to rinsing the surface.

2.      Reseal the exposed aggregate

Another important procedure when it comes to the maintenance of exposed range concrete is resealing. Sealing the surface is vital to add a layer of protection to your driveway. The sealant acts as protection against any moisture, stains, or weather damage to the surface. Sealing exposed aggregate concrete enhances the decorative look as well. A properly-applied concrete seal keeps the finished surface in pristine condition so the concrete does not crumble or become blemished over time.

3.      Repair any cracks

Maintaining a structurally-sound surface takes effort. Repair the surface to minimize water intrusion through the cracks, as flood water may cause problems to your sub grade. Cracks on the concrete surface could get larger as water seeps into them. Therefore, sealing the concrete surface on time is a wise practice.

Conclusion

A proper concrete maintenance procedure ensures that the surface lasts longer. Besides, proper maintenance often results in improved curb appeal and extends the surface’s life. The surface will be able to endure a high volume of traffic and will not start to wear out, which impacts its longevity. Talk to professional concrete suppliers in Brisbane for high quality exposed concrete. Experienced concrete suppliers in QLD Brisbane will provide a custom solution that meets your requirements.

How to Reinforce Concrete Slab and Control Cracking

A concrete slab is a popular structural element of modern buildings. A concrete slabs consist of a flat and horizontal surface made of cast concrete. When constructing a building, one of the key considerations is how to control cracking.

In this post, we look at how to control concrete cracking. If you are wondering how to prevent the cracking of your concrete slabs, there are important guidelines to adhere to while laying them.

Apply High-Quality Steel Reinforcing Mesh

Steel bars are a strong and durable concrete reinforcement option. Consider that steel is a highly ductile construction material. Besides, steel and concrete feature a similar coefficient of thermal expansion. Lastly, steel is easy to weld, making it easier to construct rather compared to the elaborate internal frameworks of steel rebar.

Therefore, using a mesh reinforcement made using high-quality steel bars provides your slab with the ability to resist compression, tension, and shear that cause the occurrence of cracks.

Ensure a High Quality Sub base

The second secret when it comes to preventing cracking of a concrete floor is making sure have a strong and solid sub base. Before you start a concreting project, make sure the area is cleared appropriately. Determine the depth of your concrete project and then remove the top soil, any organic materials or rocks in that area.  Remove enough so the final area feels solid and the concrete floor sits slightly above the ground.

Unless you are pouring premixed concrete on virgin clay, you need to backfill the area using sand, gravel, or crushed stones. Backfilling helps deliver an even pour and provides strength to your concrete surface. Make sure the backfill level is uniform in terms of depth and thickness.

In addition, compact the sub grade appropriately. Depending upon the project, compact the area using heavy hand temper or vibrating compactor. Make sure the sub grade is hard, uniform, and well drained. If you fail to compact the sub grade appropriately, the result is cracking.

Do not Compromise Quality Of Building Materials

Order premixed concrete from a professional concrete supplier in Brisbane. Experienced concrete suppliers ensure high-quality construction products prepared by a team with impeccable knowledge. Choosing the best premix concrete supplier in QLD guarantees timely delivery and correct advice. In addition, professionals protect customers against price extortion, which is critical in lowering the cost of constructing their property.

Whether it is the steel reinforcing mesh or concrete, always work with the best suppliers.

Hire Qualified Concrete Contractors

Another critical element that can affect the quality of a concrete surface is the choice of contractor. Make sure you are working with a professional contractor who understands the best practices of laying concrete. Seek recommendations from friends and relatives and then verify the reference sites. Hiring inexperienced builders does not save you money as soon you will be dealing with cracked floors.

Conclusion

We have looked at the top tips when it comes to laying a concrete floor. Talk to professionals and work with an experienced concrete and steel supplier in Brisbane. Remember that the quality of any concreting project depends upon how well you prepare it.

Is Exposed Concrete Good?

When it comes to flooring options, sturdiness and appearance are some of the factors that will affect your choice. You want to make sure the floor will last a long time and retain its appeal. Concrete suppliers in Brisbane provide a wide array of options for flooring. One of the common is the exposed range concrete.

What is exposed range concrete and what advantages does it have?

Exposed concrete is the type of decorative concrete that is often created by removing the top layer of the cement paste, revealing the aggregate in the concrete mix. Concrete contractors also place aggregate in fresh concrete, creating exposed range concrete. Some of the common uses of exposed aggregate concrete include on driveways, swimming pool decks, patios, and sound barriers.

Now that you understand what exposed range concrete is and how it is made, the next question addresses the benefits of using exposed concrete. Here are some of the top reasons for using it.

Aesthetics / Curb Appeal

Generally, exposed aggregate is aesthetically appealing, making it the best choice when it comes to decorative concrete in Brisbane. Therefore, homeowners prefer using exposed concrete, often referred to as decorative aggregates on driveways, and concrete patio floors.

Exposed concrete uses aggregates that come in different shapes, sizes, and colors to match the exterior décor. Homeowners enjoy the benefit of customizing their concrete surfaces by choosing their preferred color, shape and size of aggregate. In this way, you can boost the curb appeal of your home.

Low Maintenance

Exposed concrete aggregate requires little maintenance. All you need to do is to clean the surface on a regular basis. To clean concrete surfaces, use soapy water and then rinse the surface appropriately. In addition, sweep the patio or the driveway at least once a day to keep the surface free from dust, dirt, or debris.

Trusted Durability

Exposed concrete should last for a long time if the installation process meets the expert’s recommendations. Note that the durability of exposed aggregate concrete is hard to match; in fact, the surface could last for years without maintenance.

Saves Money

You do not have to worry expensive maintenance procedures so long as you engage a qualified professional to install your concrete surface. You will need to ensure the concrete surfaced remains clean throughout so there are no stains on the concrete surface.

Skid Resistance

Another advantage to enjoy when you choose exposed concrete is its skid-resistance quality. Exposed aggregate contains small stones that give the surface good grip. Therefore, you do not need to worry about skidding, especially in wet conditions because the small stones give the surface texture, making it skid resistant, while reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Conclusion

Exposed range concrete Brisbane can add curb appeal to a surface. You can select the color of exposed concrete from a wide range of available options. For all your concrete needs, contact a qualified concrete supplier in QLD. Reocrete is the leading supplier of pre-mixed concrete, guaranteeing you value for money. Call us today.

What are the Pros of Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is an extremely popular choice for commercial and residential floors. Some of the common locations are large warehouses, office buildings, hotels and restaurants, retail stores, auto showrooms, and private residences. Whether used for commercial or residential flooring, polished concrete Brisbane offers a variety of benefits.

Are you interested in polished flooring options? In this post, we look at some of the benefits of choosing polished concrete for your flooring needs.

1.     Provides vast design options

Polished concrete offers vast of design options. You may choose among many colors, create patterns with saw cuts, or even embed aggregates into the concrete prior to the polishing process. To control the reflective component of a polished concrete floor, you can use different levels of concrete polishing.

These diverse options make polished concrete a good choice for any flooring requirements. You can try the different options available to arrive at the look and color that meets preferences. To attain a glossy, mirror-like finish, talk to experienced concrete suppliers Brisbane. The professionals will ensure the supply of top quality products, guaranteeing the best results.

2.     Ease of maintenance

When choosing a floor type, maintenance is one of the key factors to consider. Of note, polished concrete flooring is relatively easy to maintain. Here are important guidelines to remember for the maintenance of polished concrete floors.

  • Clean the floor regularly: proper and regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of dirt and ensures a stainless floor.
  • Install walk-off mats: installing mats or grating at entry points reduces the amount of debris tracked into the building from outside.
  • Address stains immediately: clean any liquid spills on polished floor immediately. Otherwise, the spills penetrate the concrete, becoming permanent stains.

You do not need a huge maintenance budget for polished concrete. All you need is to clean the floor and polish it regularly to restore the gloss.

3.     Cost effective flooring option

Compared to various flooring types, polished concrete is a cost-effective option. However, the cost depends upon the finish chosen. It is worth pointing out that like several flooring options, the cost saving does not come at the time installation. You will realize the cost-effectiveness over the floor’s lifetime. The only reason you may replace this floor type is if you get tired of the look.

4.     Higher durability

Another important reason to choose polished floor type is durability. Polished floors are extremely strong and resilient; they have the ability to withstand heavy traffic and equipment. Therefore, it is difficult to damage this type of floor, especially if you use the right mesh reinforcement and high quality concrete.

Conclusion

While polished concrete floors provide vast benefits, there are also some drawbacks to using it. Nonetheless, the benefits outweigh any drawbacks as long as you order your concrete from professional concrete suppliers in QLD. The installation process also plays a critical role when it comes to durability of your concrete floor.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Concrete Curing

When you pour premixed concrete, its sensitivity means that it can be easily ruined. Proper concrete curing ensures a strong and durable concrete surface. However, you have to follow the proper concrete curing process. In this post, we look at what concrete curing is and how you can enjoy the best results.

What is Concrete curing?

Concrete curing refers to the process of maintaining adequate moisture in concrete within a proper temperature range to aid cement hydration. Concrete hydration is the chemical reaction between the cement and water, resulting in the formation of various chemicals that contribute to settling and hardening.

Therefore, proper concrete curing is critical as it helps your concrete surface to last longer and supports weight. The question is, how do you ensure a proper concrete curing process? Here are important tips to bear in mind when it comes to concrete curing.

Spray concrete with water

After pouring the premixed concrete, allow a day or two for it to settle and then spray the new concrete with an adequate amount of water. Spray the concrete with water at least five times a day, or as often as needed.

Spraying concrete with water allows the moisture in the concrete to evaporate slowly. Ideally, moist-cured concrete should be up to 50% stronger compared to concrete poured during cold weather. Note that concrete spraying is not recommended for concrete poured at this time.

Cover new concrete

When you do not have time to spray the concrete with water as many times a day as necessary, another option is covering the concrete so it can trap moisture and slow evaporation. You can use polythene sheeting to cover new concrete. Before covering, make sure you wet the surface thoroughly. Remove the sheeting daily and wet the concrete before recovering it again.

Don’t let new concrete get too cold

The best time to pour concrete is when temperatures are expected to remain above 50 degrees for five to seven days. However, with the arrival of an unexpected cold front, plans could go awry. Under such circumstances, the focus shifts from keeping the concrete damp to keeping it warm enough so the chemical hardening process is not interrupted. Note that concretes chemical reaction slows at 50 degrees Fahrenheit and stops completely at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, when temperatures are low, the chemical reaction is dormant and the concrete won’t gain strength.

When the temperatures drop, newly-poured premixed concrete should be covered with insulating blankets.

Avoid painting concrete in the first month

Any paint or stain applied on young concrete while it is still hardening will affect the residual moisture or the changing chemical content. It takes about a month for all of the water to get used up in the hydration process. Painting the surface too soon while the moisture is still rising to the surface could put pressure underneath the hard paint barrier.

Conclusion

Concrete curing plays an important role in ensuring durability and strength. Curing takes place immediately after concrete placing and finishing. The process involves maintenance, temperature control, and ensuring the desired moisture throughout.  Therefore, when you pour pre-mixed concrete, we advise following the proper curing process.

Why is Steel Reinforcing Mesh Used in Concrete Projects?

Are you installing concrete floors or slabs? One of the top secrets when it comes to durability and strength is steel reinforcing mesh. Reinforced concrete is one of the most ubiquitous building materials available in the world. When reinforced with steel bars, concrete becomes suitable for use on slabs, walls beams, columns, and foundations.

In this post, we explain why concrete is reinforced with steel. If you are wondering why concrete has to be reinforced, this article will present the explanation.

Concrete alone is surprisingly brittle

At a glance, concrete appears to be extremely strong. However, this strength is only true if you use appropriate mesh reinforcement. There are three fundamental types of stress to consider when using concrete as a building material.

  • Compression (pushing together)
  • Tension (pulling apart)
  • Shear (sliding along a line or plane)

Generally, non-reinforced concrete is resistant against compression but weak against tension and shear. Therefore, using a steel reinforcement provides concrete with the ability to resist shear and tension.

Steel is highly ductile

Ductility is the mechanical measure of how much deformation a material undergoes before breaking. Concrete has a very low ductility. Thus, upon twisting a chunk of concrete with enough force, it will crumble in your hands.

Still, it is highly ductile, and so if you bend it, it will not break. Therefore, ductility is mandatory in concrete projects. You can bend steel in any direction or shape to ensure proper support. Therefore, using steel ensures ease of creating a grid of reinforcing steel rebar in whatever shape is needed.

Steel and concrete have similar coefficients of thermal expansion

When heated, solids tend to expand. It opposite happens when the solid is cooled. Heating solids causes the molecules within the material to move faster. The active atoms take up more space, causing expansion. When cooled, the net result is that the solid shrinks in size.

While expanding and shrinking is universally true for solids, it occurs at different rates. Coincidentally, steel and concrete feature a similar coefficient of thermal expansion. Therefore, when subjected to heating or cooling, they expand and shrink at essentially the same rate.

The fact that steel and concrete feature similar a coefficient of thermal expansion makes steel the best choice when it comes to concrete reinforcement.

Steel is easy to weld

Reinforced concrete is used for different purpose and in different ways. In some situations, you may need to construct a rather elaborate internal framework of steel rebar before pouring the concrete. Therefore, the steel rebar may require some welding to provide proper support and secure the concrete slabs adequately. Since steel is an easy-to-weld concrete reinforcement material, steel scores as the builder’s choice.

Conclusion

We have looked at the top reasons why steel is chosen as the best for concrete reinforcement. However, for these qualities to hold, you need to source the steel bars from professional steel suppliers Brisbane. Experienced experts provide the advice required to ensure stronger and durable concrete surfaces.

What is a Dowel Bar and Why are They Important for Concrete Project?

Concrete is popular choice of material for the construction of pavements. To ensure solid pavements that can hold heavy traffic, builders use dowel bars. Choosing high quality dowel bars guarantees strength and durability. In this post, we look at what a dowel bar is and why it is used in the construction of pavements. Keep reading to discover more about the usage of dowel bars in concrete projects.

What is a dowel bar?

 

A dowel bar is a short steel bar often installed in concrete slabs. The use of dowel bars in concreting projects provides for mechanical connection without restricting horizontal movement. Dowels are strong enough to reduce joint deflection and stress to add to the effectiveness of concrete slabs. Typically, dowel bars are used in the construction of concrete pavements, but they can also be used in the construction of a building for extra strength.

What are the benefits of applying dowel bars?

 

Dowel bars provide a variety of benefits to any construction project. Here are the main reasons to use them when constructing a pavement.

1. Dowel bars transfer load without restricting the horizontal joint movements.

Consider that concrete expands when subjected to heat and it shrinks when cooled. Therefore, in the summer, the pavement will most likely expand, while in winter there is contraction. Whenever there is change in temperature, concrete slabs move horizontally. Dowel bars transfer heat equitably, without restricting the resulting horizontal movement.

2. Increases the load-carrying capacity of slabs

Steel dowels help increase strength of a concrete surface. Ideally, concrete is resistant to compression, but it has a low tensile strength and ductility. Without steel dowels, concrete pavements will not resist the forces of compression. Steel dowels ensure the concrete surface bonds well with concrete. In addition, steel dowels expand and contract as the temperature changes, ensuring adequate load carrying capacity.

3. Dowel bars reduce joint faulting and corner cracking

Short steel bars provide for mechanical connection between slabs and allow them to assume some of the load. This reduces joint deflection and stress and avoids corner cracking. Ideally, dowel bars are inserted at the mid-slab depth and coated using a bond-breaking substance. This prevents bonding and helps the dowel bars transfer the load to the adjacent slab.

How do I choose the right dowel bar?

The first consideration when purchasing dowel steel bars is size. Normally, the size of a dowel bar depends upon pavement thickness. Usually, dowel bars are 1 meter long and 16 MM to 25 MM in diameter. In addition, dowel bars are often spaced 300 mm apart to ensure proper strength levels.

Apart from size, it is important to verify the material used in the manufacturing of dowel bars. Steel dowel bars provide a high level of strength, guaranteeing durability. Therefore, order dowel bars from an experienced steel supplier in Brisbane.

Conclusion

Dowel bars are an important part of a construction project. To ensure that dowel bars provide value to your project, make sure you source high-quality steel. Reocrete is the leading supplier of dowel bars for any project.