Concrete, a fundamental material in construction, is versatile and durable. However, its properties often need to be tailored to meet specific project requirements. Admixtures, substances added to concrete during mixing, play a crucial role in modifying its properties to improve performance, workability, durability, and strength. This article highlights the most useful admixtures in concrete and … Read more
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
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
Concrete testing is an essential component of quality control in the production of ready-mix concrete. Variations in test results are common, but understanding and managing these variations is critical to ensuring the quality and reliability of the concrete produced. In this article, we’ll explore why variations in concrete test results are significant, the primary sources … Read more
Concrete testing is a cornerstone of quality assurance in construction, directly affecting the durability, strength, and safety of concrete structures. Each test has specific goals, covering everything from the selection of raw materials to the assessment of fresh and hardened concrete. In the ready-mix concrete industry, rigorous testing is vital for producing consistent, high-quality concrete … 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
Calculating the correct amount of ready-mixed concrete to be delivered to a construction site is essential for maintaining project efficiency, cost control, and ensuring adequate supply. Suppliers use precise methods to calculate the yardage or volume required based on project specifications, and this article dives into these techniques. Understanding how suppliers calculate concrete yardage can … Read more
The ready-mix concrete (RMC) industry in Panama has evolved substantially in recent years, meeting the needs of a fast-growing construction sector fueled by urban expansion, infrastructure development, and private real estate investment. This article examines the state of Panama’s RMC industry, including the market volume, comparison to the global market, the primary companies operating within … Read more
The ready-mix concrete industry plays a vital role in New Zealand’s construction and infrastructure development. As the demand for efficient, sustainable, and durable construction materials grows, ready-mix concrete has emerged as one of the most critical elements in both residential and large-scale projects. This article provides an in-depth look into New Zealand’s ready-mix concrete market, … Read more
Choosing the correct type and size of aggregate is crucial for producing high-quality concrete with the desired strength and workability. The performance of concrete is heavily influenced by the aggregate, which makes up roughly 60-75% of the total volume. Factors such as strength, durability, workability, and cost are all impacted by aggregate properties, so the … Read more