Tag Archive for: budget

How to Determine the Tensile Strength of Concrete

/in , , /by

When a contractor plans to execute a construction project, it’s important to firstly determine the overall strength of the concrete. Due to various effects and the applied load, the structures built from concrete are prone to tensile cracking. But, on the other hand, it’s advisable to use steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane when the contractor needs to reinforce concrete slabs. So, let’s get into two different kinds of tests and the procedure of measuring the tensile strength of concrete.

1. Split-Cylinder Test

A split-cylinder test is known as a standard test, which enables the contractor to find out the tensile strength indirectly. As the expert starts off with the test, a concrete specimen dipped in water is placed between the loading surfaces of the testing machine. While the load is applied uniformly along the diameter, the testing machine is set to a range between 0.7 to 1.4 MPa/min.

It’s important to note that a plywood strip has to be placed on the lowermost plate. Moreover, the expert shouldn’t forget to place another strip above the specimen. Later, the pressure needs to be applied relentlessly until the concrete specimen starts cracking along the diameter. At this instance, the expert has to record the reading which is nothing but the breaking load. He then has to use a formula for calculating the tensile strength of the specimen. Typically, the tensile strength may lie between 1/8 and 1/12 of the compressive strength. If you’re using mini concrete Brisbane, then you should be mindful of the time for which the specimen is exposed to water.

2. Flexure Test

The flexure test is yet another test that can help you determine the tensile strength of concrete. Before proceeding with the following steps, first pour fresh concrete into the moulds to create samples. Rather than coming up with just one sample, create three specimens for the test. Keep the hardened concrete in the water at a temperature between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius for two days.

After the specimen undergoes curing, it has to be placed carefully between the loading points. After some time, a load equivalent to 2% to 6% of the ultimate load has to be applied steadily. Mesh reinforcement Brisbane is essential for concrete slabs at the construction site.

Towards the end, as soon as you calculate the loading rate, find out the modulus of rupture. This figure is nothing but the extent at which the concrete cracks when it is subjected to continuous load or pressure. Post test, set the testing machine to a configuration for cylinder testing. Also ensure you discard the specimen and clean the testing machine thoroughly.

Once you have decided on what type of concrete you need, you can find suitable tools online. If you are concerned about completing the construction project, you should contact firms dealing in concrete delivery Brisbane  such as Reocrete Brisbane.

What Concrete Should Be Used for Different Construction Projects

/in , /by

Are you planning to construct your new dream house? Or perhaps you want to renovate your existing home? Be it a small scale project or large-scale, choosing the right concrete material is the key to any successful project. People in the past used mortar and steel from steel suppliers Brisbane, but nowadays concrete has become the primary construction element. It is almost everywhere; roads, buildings, bridges, driveways, pools and much more.

What Concrete is Best for My Project?

This post will help you understand which concrete to select for which type of construction project.

1. Concrete Pools

Three following types of concrete can be used for constructing a pool – Shotcrete, Gunite or Cast-in-place. Shotcrete and Gunite concrete can be moulded into any shape with the use of a specialised spray, while cast-in-place concrete is a little harder to mould into a desired shape.

2. Driveways/Pathways

While using concrete for driveways and patios is obviously very common, the primary factors to consider are regarding thickness, the concrete mix, thickness of the sub-base and slope of the concrete.

3. Domestic Homes

Concrete can be used as more than infrastructure to build modern and sleek homes. Polished floors, bathrooms, concrete benchtops are some of the areas where concrete can be used to create a breathtaking structure.

Types of concrete

There are broadly the following 9 types of concrete:

1) Plain Concrete:

This type of concrete is the simplest and doesn’t require any kind of reinforcement. Usually, this concrete is ideal for use in buildings, footpaths, pavements, and those areas which don’t require high strength. Concrete prices in Brisbane vary according to the application.

2) Rapid Strength Concrete:

It acquires strength just after a few hours of its preparation which ensures quick construction of buildings and roads.

3) High-performance Concrete:

As the name suggests, high-performance concrete displays a high level of performance possessing rapid strength gain, easy placement, high permeability, high durability, and life-term mechanical properties.

4) Roller Compacted Concrete:

This type of concrete in Brisbane is placed and then road rollers are used to compact it. It provides higher density and requires less cement.

5) Reinforced Concrete:

Reinforcement basically means mixing steel rods, bars, or mesh into the concrete to improve the overall strength. Reinforced concrete finds application in the construction of columns, bridges, ceilings and any other structures like these which require a high level of strength.

6) Ready-mix Concrete:

It is ready to use obviously, but one should take care of the time required for its transportation. If there is an unexpected delay, then the concrete may harden making it pretty much useless.

7) Stamped Concrete:

Generally, interior floors and patios use stamped concrete in order to give that aesthetic look and feel. This type of concrete is used to create many realistic patterns like natural stones, granites, and tiles.

8) Vacuum Concrete:

This type of concrete contains a high proportion of water and its preparation involves suction of any excess water using a pump. This concrete achieves strength in just ten days.

9) Glass Concrete:

This is a type of modern concrete that uses recycled glass as aggregate. It is used to give an aesthetic feel to any structure for which it is used.

Reocrete is one of the best concrete suppliers in Brisbane who deliver the right grade and consistency of concrete to your worksite. The above points might confuse you slightly, but that’s okay, for any additional information, just chat with the experts at Reocrete!

What is Plastic Shrinkage Cracking?

/in , /by

Plastic shrinkage cracking refers to the cracks formed when concrete has not yet set. It occurs when the concrete is in the form of plastic only. The main cause behind crack formation is the rapid drying process. Cracks can be seen the next day after the finishing operations. Plastic shrinkage cracks can form randomly or can be roughly parallel to each other. Concrete Brisbane gets weak due to these cracks and therefore expand.

What Causes Plastic Shrinkage Cracks?

The basic reason behind the occurrence of cracks is the higher rate of evaporation of moisture from the surface. When the evaporation rate exceeds the moisture supplied to the concrete, cracks are formed. The concrete surface dries out because of the lack of moisture on the surface and hence it cracks.

Water is lost in the following two ways:

  1. Drying from the top: During the placement process, moisture seems to evaporate from the top surface of the concrete, which is also known as bleeding.
  2. Drying from the base: Water can get absorbed in the ground below the concrete slab. This increases the risk of cracking and also the settlement of concrete and mesh reinforcement Brisbane.

There are various environmental factors that affect the rate of evaporation from the surface of concrete, such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. A combination of all these factors leads to cracking even in cold weather conditions. Also, the concrete mixtures which have a reduced rate of bleeding are prone to plastic shrinkage cracking. Any factor that contributes to a delay in the setting process, leads to cracking.

How to Control Plastic Shrinkage Cracking?

Mentioned below are the tips that will help you in minimising plastic shrinkage cracking in your concrete:

  • Dampen the surface of concrete frequently.
  • During hot weather, mix water with crushed ice or use chilled water.
  • Use windbreaks to reduce the velocity of wind that is coming on the surface of the concrete.
  • Use product substitutes that reduce the rate of evaporation from the surface.
  • Start the curing regime immediately after finishing.
  • Use synthetic or steel fibers to prevent cracking.
  • Accelerate the setting time of concrete.
  • Use fog sprays in dry periods to discharge a fine mist into the air. Fog sprays reduce the rate of evaporation from the surface of mini concrete Brisbane and should be used until curing is applied to the concrete.
  • Cover the concrete with moisture-retaining coverings like polyethylene or building paper sheets.

Reocrete is the leading supplier of concrete and steel reinforcing mesh in Brisbane. We deliver the right grade and consistency of concrete to your worksite at the exact time and day you need. We understand how much of a difference just a 30-minute delay in the compaction of concrete can cause. So, we practice what we preach and deliver exactly what you need!

Benefits of Using a Small Cement Mixer

/in , /by

Small cement mixers are generally used at construction sites for mixing various types of aggregates like lime, gravel, and sand. They are also used for mixing concrete or cement. A typical model of a small cement mixer comprises of a rotating cement mixer bowl, a powered motor that can rotate the contents of the mixer bowl, and a handle. This handle is used by the operator to change the position of the bowl when the mixture is ready. It has to be poured out after mixing.

Small cement mixers are handy. They can be stationary or can be moved to a certain place. They can also be mounted on trucks to ease the process. Despite its benefits, premix concrete Brisbane is being used extensively nowadays, as it is ready to use concrete. Below are some of the benefits of using a small cement mixer which makes it a convenient option for mixing-

Benefits of a Small Cement Mixer

  • Saves time: This is the most important benefit of using a small cement mixer, it saves time and effort. A cement mixer not only saves time and effort, but it will mix the contents like steel bar Brisbane properly and the workers can focus on other aspects of construction in the meanwhile.
  • Saves money: It saves you money since you don’t need extra employees to manually mix the concrete and cement. The only thing you need is a small cement mixer.
  • Physical strain: Investing in a small cement mixer can save you from any kind of physical strain that may arise from mixing manually. There is a great amount of pressure that is put on the shoulders when mixing aggregates like gravel, sand, or reinforcing mesh Brisbane. You can suffer from back and shoulder pain.
  • Easy and convenient: One of the key benefits of using a mixer is convenience. It is very easy to use and requires no specialization. Also, it is portable; you can move it near where the construction is happening. The mixer has a particular wheelbarrow base and its small size makes it easier to move around quickly. So it offers great flexibility for the workers.

 

These were some of the amazing benefits of using a small mixer. For more information or for your very own concrete delivery Brisbane, feel free to contact us. We are the leading concrete delivery suppliers in Brisbane.

5 Reasons Why Concrete is Your Best Patio Choice

/in , , /by

Concrete has emerged as a popular material all over the globe. It is manufactured from the mixture of cement, water, and aggregate. In construction work, concrete has become one of the most important and useful materials. There are several types of concrete. As per your work nature, you can use the type of concrete that you need. If you are thinking of installing a new patio or getting your old patio repaired, you should opt for concrete. Concrete Brisbane has mentioned some of the major reasons why concrete should be your best patio choice, keep reading to find out!

Given below are the top 6 reasons for using concrete:

1. Less Maintenance:

Using concrete will mean that you require far less maintenance to keep your concrete patio radiant and shining throughout the day. You only need to clean the patio once in 15 – 30 days to keep the concrete free from debris. Just sweeping with a broom on a regular basis is what you need to do to keep it dirt-free. Hosing down or using a gerni (which is more intense) every now and then will ensure your patio is clean 24/7.

2. Long-lasting:

Concrete lasts for a very long period and as time passes, the concrete patio becomes robust. Concrete patio’s offer resistance from erosion and can withstand high traffic. It also eliminates the requirement of reconstruction for a long period thus saving your money and time. Concrete prices Brisbane are not very high and will remain in your budget.

3. Heat-Resistant:

It offers great resistance from fire as it does not burn. This quality has turned it into the perfect construction material for your patio. If it comes in contact with fire or hot flames, the structure will remain free from any harm. It has emerged perfectly for BBQ or garden parties.

4. Affordable:

Concrete is extremely economical if you are planning to redesign your patio. The installation cost, labour processes, and maintenance costs are quite low. Therefore, with a concrete patio you can easily save a huge amount of your money and use it for other important purposes.

5. Colours!

At Reocrete, we stock a wide range of coloured concrete to suit your patio perfectly!

Conclusion:

Concrete has emerged as environment-friendly, cost-effective, and durable, not to mention you do not have to spend a fortune on its maintenance. With time, the durability of concrete witnesses a sharp rise. If you are planning to install new patio flooring, opt for concrete as your family will receive safety and security. You can buy concrete from leading concrete suppliers Brisbane at economical prices! So, get in touch today with Reocrete – your one stop concrete shop!

How to Decide Which Concrete is Right for Your Home

/in , /by

Building your dream home requires making a number of calculative decisions along with considering numerous expenses which are crucial and unfortunately unavoidable. Concrete selection is one such decision which needs to be carefully considered. That is why it is important to know which type of concrete you must employ for your construction.

Concrete comes in different kinds of mixes, consistencies, and types. It is better to be aware of all the types before making a purchase. Read about these various concrete Brisbane mixes down below:

1. Dry Ready Mix:

The first and the most heavily used concrete mix is dry mix which can be procured in large quantities. This concrete is easy to create by using a mixture of water (added in directed quantity) and dry concrete. This mixture will take minutes to be ready. Dry Ready Mix can be used for various projects. It is usually made use of in small work projects.

2. Ready Mix:

As the name suggests, ready mix concrete comes with a premix concrete Brisbane with water. The ready mix comes with proper consistency and has to be used up right away. This type of concrete usually arrives with the help of a cement company who also assist in pouring the mixture. Ready mix is suitable for medium as well as small projects.

3. Transit Mix Concrete:

Transit mix concrete involves advantages of “ready mix concrete” but for a larger quantity. In transit mix concrete, a large truck arrives with the concrete mixture which has to be used instantly. This type of concrete works perfectly for very large surfaces, which need a simple one-pour concrete action. Concrete prices Brisbane have suggested that transit mix concrete is more on the pricey side however, matches the requirement of large cement slabs.

4. Bulk Dry Materials:

Bulk Dry material concrete is generally used by those who can mix concrete on their own and have bulky equipment to support the whole process of mixing and pouring.

Decorative Concrete:

Apart from the basic concrete mixes which suffice the construction needs, there are decorative concretes which create more of an aesthetic option while designing a space.

1. Etching Pre-Designed Concrete

Etching pre-designed concrete type has several designs etched to the surface of the concrete. This concrete type fares well on walls. Etchings come in several different designs. For instance, some slabs feature contemporary designs while some have a classical design. Concrete suppliers Brisbane also houses a wide range of designs depending upon the style of the homeowner.

2. Stamping Concrete:

This type of concrete also has a design but it generally showcases a pattern, also called as ‘stamp.’ Stamping concrete works great as designer concrete floors. It adds a very chic décor without being heavy on the wallet. Concrete Brisbane showcases several stamps on their stamping concrete.

3. Sandblasting Concrete:

In sandblasting concrete, the surface depicts a sand-like textured surface. The whole process of creating a sandblasting concrete is expensive and time-consuming but the end result is very classy.

With all these options at hand, you can select any type of concrete depending upon your requirement, budget, project-scale, etc.

Physical Properties You Should Consider When Using Rebar

/in /by

Rebar plays a vital role in boosting the life span of concrete. It has been used for many decades as a strengthening agent for concrete. Rebar is manufactured from various types of alloys and grades of steel. You can buy top grade steel from the very popular steel suppliers Brisbane. The exteriors of all the steel rods include ridges. The presence of ridges allows concrete to stick to the rebar. It also prevents concrete from sliding around inside the slab. Concrete may be strong under compression but it has weak tensile power. And, rebar can effectively boost the tensile strength of a particular structure.

Given below are some properties which makes rebar a great choice for reinforcing concrete constructions:

1. Smooth Expansion:

Soon after embedding in the concrete, rebar becomes thermal coefficient which is very much similar to concrete. Concrete and rebar must expand and contract at a similar rate. It is because concrete offers weak tensile power. Spilling may take place in case there is tension between rebar and concrete due to a difference in expansion rates. You should take into consideration the expansion while implementing rebar into concrete. And, always use rebar which offers strong protective features to bring down or eliminate corrosion or rust.

2. Rusting:

In case you spot rusting on rebar, do not panic. A little amount of rust should not be a cause of worry. However, you should notice if the rust is leading to a huge amount of corrosion in a bar. If it is so, the rebar may not be usable. Rebar reinforcement should be effective and satisfactory irrespective of the rust on the external side of the bar. The rebar reinforcement should meet the laid down standards in the industry. Check the standards of reinforcing mesh Brisbane. The level of rust should also come under the specified requirements for brush testing. If you notice rust on rebar, then follow the available standards before embedding in the concrete.

3. Grounding:

Though rebar is manufactured from metal, the real electrical conductor in a foundation is concrete. And, the concrete must always be grounded. The ideal way to ground the concrete is possible only by using rebar. It is also known as Ufer Ground. The key element is that rebar remains in close contact with the earth. In the absence of close contact with the earth, rebar will not be able to ground the foundation. Make sure you check all the guidelines before using rebar for grounding the concrete slab.

4. Low Magnetic Field:

Stainless steel rebar can effectively bring down magnetism and ensures that procedures or machinery within the building receives no disruption. It has emerged ideal for hospital, toll booths with electronic pass detection, laboratories, and medical facilities with MRI machines. You can contact leading stainless reinforcing mesh Brisbane to procure stainless steel rebar.

Conclusion:

Concrete has emerged quite robust in compression but a little weak in tension. In order to compensate for this imbalance in concrete’s nature, rebar is cast into it. By casting rebar into steel, it can easily carry huge loads. The most common rebar in the industry is carbon steel. It consists of rolled shape round bars with deforming shapes. The other types of rebar may include stainless steel, composite bars manufactured from glass fiber or carbon fiber. So, get in touch to learn more about steel bar Brisbane and purchase it at competitive prices.

5 Tips to Help Concrete Floors Last Longer

/in , /by

The popularity of concrete flooring is on the rise. Concrete floors have emerged as a common feature in several homes all across Australia. This particular flooring system can last for many years and can endure huge traffic with proper care and effective maintenance. Opting for concrete flooring in your brand new office or home is one of the best investments. Concrete has become a popular material as a result of its many benefits.

Here are some of the tips to make concrete Brisbane floors last for a longer period:

1. Fix the Bigger Cracks:

When you spot cracks on concrete floors getting bigger, it is important to fix them. There are several factors that may cause cracks in this popular flooring system. Most of the time, these cracks are not cause for concern. However, at times, they may require repair at the earliest when they begin to get larger. There is a tip to find out what kind of cracks should be repaired. If the crack is big enough to fit a coin inside, it is time to repair it.

2. Choose the Correct Flooring to Add on Top:

If you decide to convert the basement area into a game room, you should add a different floor on top. It will help in creating a suitable space which appears cozy. There are several leading concrete suppliers Brisbane who can give you valuable tips about a concrete basement. There are many options available to add an appealing flooring system on top of concrete. Some of them are epoxy coating, laminate floor system, carpet or ceramic tiles. These options are quite popular and will not create a hole in your pocket.

3. Address Moisture Issues:

Before you go ahead and add a flooring system over your concrete base, make sure you have addressed any moisture issues. You can conduct a test to check the moisture levels. All you have to do is tape a strip of plastic sheeting on top of the concrete floor. The edges should be sealed with duct tape. Now check after 24 hours and if you notice any condensation on the plastic sheet, you need to tackle the issue before going any further.

4. Take Adequate Care when Painting:

Painting concrete flooring may have become common but is not a preferred option. You must follow some steps before applying a coat of paint. Make sure you opt for Epoxy paints if you notice moisture on the floor. You must also ensure that the floor is cleaned before applying paint.

5. Tackle Construction Joints:

If you are constructing the home right from scratch or redoing the basement floor, you must add the construction joints. Cracks in the concrete floor are unplanned joints that may develop on their own. Get your concrete delivery Brisbane at highly cost-effective prices.

Conclusion:

Concrete basement floors can last for a long period of time. You need to follow the above tips to boost their lifespan. When you follow the required maintenance tips, the flooring system can easily endure any traffic with ease. You can opt for joint waterproofing system as it offers great protection to the flooring system. Moreover, the concrete prices Brisbane is also under your budget and will prove to be a great investment idea.

Concrete Rebar Reinforcement: When is it Necessary?

/in , /by

Reinforcement can significantly resist the tensile stress in a particular area of concrete. In its absence, cracks may appear. The main purpose of providing reinforcement is to resist the internal tensile. It is mainly provided in compression areas to enhance the capacity of compression and ductility. The other purpose of providing concrete rebar reinforcement is to bring down the long term deflection which helps in increasing the flexural capacity of the beams. Reinforcing mesh Brisbane plays a crucial role in boosting the life of structures.

What is Rebar?

Rebar has emerged as a crucial constituent of reinforced concrete. It is generally manufactured with the help of ridged carbon steel as the ridges help in offering frictional bond to the concrete. Rebar is cast into concrete to convey tensile loads on a particular structure, as concrete may be very strong but it lacks strength in tension.

Reinforcement helps in preventing excessive cracking of structures often caused due to changes in temperature or shrinkage in the controlled structural elements.

Role of Reinforced Concrete and Its Growing Importance

The importance of reinforced concrete has been surging with every passing day as it works really well in tension or compression. We have already witnessed that concrete is a composite material which remains effective in compression but not in tension. And, the situation can be tackled by casting wet concrete around the robust steel reinforcing bars supplied by renowned steel suppliers Brisbane. As soon as the concrete gets hardened around the steel bars, the outcome is new reinforced concrete popularly known as reinforced cement concrete.

Advantages of Reinforced Cement Concrete

The main advantage of reinforced cement concrete is that it remains highly effective and solid both in tension or compression, as the concrete provides the compressive power by resisting the squeezing and steel offers tensile strength by resisting bending or stretching. The outcome is reinforced concrete uses one composite material inside the other one. Concrete becomes matrix and steel bars offer the reinforcement.

Why Steel Bars Are Preferred Over Other Materials to Reinforce Concrete?

Generally, we could have used any kind of material to reinforce concrete but here we will answer why steel bar Brisbane are given preference over other materials? We use steel bars because they have the strong power of expanding and contracting in any weather condition whether it is too hot or too cold in the similar proportion of concrete. Due to this, it will not cause any crack to concrete which surrounds it in comparison to any other material which might have cracked if it expanded or contracted.

Types of Reinforced Concrete

There are various types of reinforced concrete available in the market which may include steel fiber, glass fiber, engineered cementations composite, etc.

  • Glass fiber reinforced concrete: It has been in use for the last 25 years for concrete reinforcement apart from steel. Various structures have been using glass fiber reinforced concrete which may include bricks and ceramic tiles.
  • Steel fiber reinforced concrete: It can significantly reinforce concrete by resisting the tensile cracking. It can also easily withstand light and heavy loads.
  • Engineered Cementitious Composite: Popularly known as bendable concrete, it is claimed that it is 40 percent lighter than normal concrete. It can easily self-repair the cracks by the reaction caused by carbon dioxide and rainwater.

Conclusion:

Concrete rebar reinforcement plays a vital role in bringing down the number of cracks which may appear in concrete surfaces and mesh has emerged less expensive than rebar reinforcement. You can buy top quality steel reinforcing mesh Brisbane from leading producer who can offer you top quality products at competitive prices.

5 Essential Things You Need to Know When Ordering Premixed Concrete

/in , /by

Building anything, whether private or commercial, has its own value and responsibility. Concrete is one of the most essential components of construction and pre-mixed concrete has made it really easy to acquire the material for direct application. But there are certain things you need to know while ordering premixed concrete. Here are the 5 most essential ones:

1. Estimate the Quantity

Unlike regular concrete, pre-mixed concrete cannot be stored for later use; any leftover material would go in waste. Thus, it is important to estimate approximately how much concrete you would need. This depends on various factors like size of site and thickness of the slab, while also accounting possible wastage of material and over-excavation. Even a little extra concrete delivery Brisbane would incur a lot of money. So it is important to order an amount that leads to neither wastage nor shortage.

2. Place Advance Orders

It is always advisable to place orders well in advance, maybe as early as a week. Pre-mixed concrete is subject to availability so it cannot be made on short notice; urgent requirements are often declined or carry extra charges. Inability to acquire concrete when you need it can even lead to halting of construction work, thus costing your time and money. So it is wise to order premix concrete Brisbane in advance to avoid any hassle.

3. Specify the Details

While placing the order, you should provide all the details regarding the concrete you would require. Concrete comes in different strength grades depending upon the use, and each grade has different availability and cost. The slump size must also be decided since it is vital for the workability and quality of concrete; modifying the slump later can compromise the concrete quality. Aggregate size usually follows a default 20mm, so you should specify if you require anything different. All of these details impact the concrete prices Brisbane suppliers would offer. Getting the details right will save you future issues.

4. Discuss Whole Procedure

Apart from the concrete specifications, the method of using it also plays a role. Both the method of placing concrete and rate of concrete replacement are important details which must be conveyed while you order premixed concrete. These details play a role in deciding how the concrete would be mixed. Most concrete suppliers Brisbane ask for these details anyway while you place an order.

5. Keep an Eye on the Order

Once all details have been discussed and finalised, you can place the order. But even after this, you should track your order and take updates about the progress. In some rare cases, your order might be misplaced by the company, which would only result in your loss. It is wiser to keep a regular eye on the order and see if it is progressing as planned.

Conclusion:

Pre-mixed concrete is one of the many ways which have made construction easier today. But convenience shouldn’t mean carelessness. By taking the right precautions you can ensure that you get the right product exactly when you required it.