Signs Of Sub-Par Concrete
Whether you need to pour a concrete slab for a parking area, piers or a full basement, it’s important that the concrete from your supplier is made of quality materials and is rated for the project. Read up on how to spot the signs of sub-par concrete and what some of the quality tests are that are typically performed before the material is brought on site to ensure its integrity.
Concrete Problems
Spalling
Spalling happens when water enters concrete and forces the surface to either peel, pop out or flake. It happens because of moisture and sometimes salt as well. Eventually, it can cause crumbling and eventual destruction of a structure.
In general, spalling takes awhile to show up, and older homes are particularly vulnerable to spalling incidents in their basements. Usually, incidents of spalling are not necessarily attributed to the quality of materials from a concrete supplier, although excess water is sometimes a culprit.
There are some things concrete suppliers can to to prevent spalling in the first place, including:
- Pouring adequate cover of the rebar
- Placing joints at the correct locations and within the right distances
- Ensuring the edges and corners have adequate concrete cover
- Making sure the concrete is mixed correctly and in the right ratios of water, aggregate and cement
Popouts
These generally cone-shaped pits, sometimes found in concrete flatwork such as driveways or sidewalks, happen when a piece of the concrete has broken away due to internal pressure. This can occur when moisture gets into the concrete, freezes and then expands.
Luckily, popouts do not decrease the lifespan of a concrete slab or basement — customers just find them aesthetically unpleasant.
Tips for preventing popouts include using:
- Aggregates that meet standard specs
- Cements that meet ASTM standards
- Air-entrained concrete
- Concrete with the lowest water content possible for the application
- Proper curing and sealing methods
Concrete Supplier Quality Tests
To ensure their concrete is of adequate quality, many concrete suppliers undergo a series of quality tests before it’s used.
Slump Test
A concrete slump test measures the consistency of fresh concrete before it sets and hardens. It’s usually placed in a metal cone that’s open at both ends and has attached handles. It’s filled with concrete in four stages, and the cone is lifted vertically upward. Finally, the concrete supplier measures the slump of the concrete from the top of the slumped concrete to the level of the top of the cone.
Other Concrete Tests
In addition to the slump test, other concrete tests for quality and durability include:
- Water permeability
- Compressive strength
- Rapid chloride ion penetration
- Water absorption
- Initial surface absorption
Quality concrete suppliers should be performing these tests on the quality and durability of their product according to industry standards.
Concrete Supplier in Flushing, NY
At Best Concrete Mix Corp., we provide professional concrete services for our customers, mainly government contracts and other large projects. We provide all different types of concrete for our customers depending on the project specifications, and we conduct thorough tests to ensure its durability and quality.
Contact Best Concrete Mix Corp.
If you’re in need of a professional quality concrete supplier, look no further than Best Concrete Mix Corp. in Flushing, New York. We have what it takes to make sure your project is done right and in a timely manner. Give us a call to find out how we can help at 718-539-5946, or to place an order.
