The Canadian ready-mix concrete industry plays a pivotal role in the nation’s construction and infrastructure sectors. As one of the largest construction materials markets, Canada has a growing demand for high-quality, sustainable, and versatile concrete solutions. This article provides an overview of Canada’s ready-mix concrete industry, examining its production volume, its position within the global … Read more
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally due to its excellent compressive strength, versatility, and relatively low cost. However, its porous nature makes it susceptible to water absorption, which can lead to various degradation mechanisms such as freeze-thaw cycles, chloride ingress, and chemical attack. To address these vulnerabilities, advanced materials like … Read more
Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, with versatility that spans across everything from skyscrapers to residential projects. Traditional wet concrete mixtures are often the go-to for builders, but an alternative, dry concrete, is gaining attention in certain applications. Dry concrete refers to a concrete mix with little or no water added during batching, allowing … Read more
Concrete accelerators are chemical admixtures used to reduce the setting time and enhance the early-age strength of concrete. These accelerators are essential for projects with tight schedules or those exposed to cold weather, as they help concrete set and gain strength more rapidly. Understanding the different types of accelerators, their applications, and appropriate dosages is … Read more
Geopolymers represent a significant innovation in materials science, particularly within the construction industry. These inorganic polymers have garnered interest as a sustainable alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) due to their lower carbon footprint and high performance in specific applications. This article will discuss what geopolymers are, their properties, characteristics, and how they compare with … Read more
The ready-mix concrete industry in the United States is a substantial part of the construction sector, critical to urban development and infrastructure. Ready-mix concrete—produced to specific quality standards and delivered to sites—offers convenience, consistency, and enhanced control over concrete quality. This article provides a breakdown of U.S. ready-mix concrete production, its position in the global … Read more
The heat of hydration is a crucial property in concrete chemistry, directly affecting the concrete’s temperature during curing, especially under specific environmental conditions and project demands. This process can significantly influence the structural integrity and durability of concrete, making it essential to understand its implications, especially in large-scale pours. This article delves into the science … Read more
Structural adhesives for concrete are increasingly being used in the construction industry to bond concrete to itself or to other materials such as steel, glass, wood, and plastics. These adhesives offer numerous benefits over traditional mechanical fasteners or welding, including improved aesthetic appeal, faster assembly, and the ability to bond dissimilar materials. As construction projects … Read more
Low-slump concrete, known for its high strength and durability, has become essential in various applications requiring reduced fluidity, such as highway pavements, structural elements, and pre-cast products. Unlike conventional concrete, low-slump concrete minimizes water content while maintaining workability, reducing the risk of shrinkage, cracking, and segregation. Below is an exploration of the essential practices that … Read more
In construction and civil engineering, the ability of epoxy to bond effectively to concrete is crucial, especially in applications requiring high-performance solutions such as repairs, coating, and structural bonding. Concrete, with its porous nature and variable composition, can present challenges for bonding, making epoxy-concrete adherence a topic of significant interest for achieving reliable, long-lasting results. … Read more