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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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DIY Concrete Patio: How to Make Your Own Outdoor Entertaining Space

Out of all the materials available to build a patio area, concrete is one of the most versatile choices.

The finishing effect is smooth, clean and can even come in a variety of tints. In addition to this smooth finish, you can form it into geometric or curved shapes. On top of the classy look, it’s durable and inexpensive.

If you want to make it extra budget-friendly, you could DIY. Over the past decade, there has been a 42% increase in Brits doing DIY projects. So, why not try it yourself?

But where can you find inspiration for DIY concrete patio ideas? How can you actually build a DIY concrete patio? Read on to find out.

DIY Concrete Patio Ideas

A DIY cement patio may not conjure up a luxurious look in your mind. But with a little imagination and some complementary landscaping, a concrete patio can look very chic.

Instead of the classic light grey, opt for a desert colour instead. For instance pinks, purples, greens, reds or yellows will give your backyard a cool Mediterranean look.

Instead of a full slab, why not create an urban look. You can do this using large concrete blocks with evenly spaced with grass or gravel between them. Or add a strip of another texture in the middle of the patio, such as a piece of decking.

Create a rugged concrete by using a stiff broom over the wet concrete. This will not only create an interesting texture, but it will also roughen the surface and stop slips and trips.

You can also create your DIY cement patio in a different shape. It doesn’t have to be square or rectangular, try triangular or circular instead.

The opportunities are endless when it comes to concrete! But you may be wondering: how to make a concrete patio? Keep reading for a step by step guide.

How to Make a Concrete Patio – A Step-by-Step guide

Before you begin, you need the right tools for the job. Each project will vary, but here is a list of the essentials:

Wheelbarrow

Shovel

Garden Hose

Stakes and String

Scrap boards (for the form)

Concrete Mixer

Masons Trowel

Rebar (steel reinforcing rods for the concrete)

Line Level

Concrete Float

Gravel

Concrete and Sealant

Protective clothing

Once you know what equipment you need, it’s time to make those plans concrete.

Step 1: DIY Concrete Patio Planning

Get planning permission if you need it. There’s nothing worse than having to tear down your hard work after finding out it doesn’t follow local regulations.

You may have an idea of where you want to construct the patio. But now you need to determine the exact dimensions.

Drive stakes into the corners of the proposed area and tie a string between them. This will help you to visualize the final look.

Step 2: Start the Excavation

Before you grab your shovel, make sure you won’t damage any utilities. For instance, septic tanks or underground lines.

Use gardening tools to remove the weeds, grass, and roots from the patio area. If you come across any small stones, set them aside, you might be able to mix them into the concrete later. Large flat rocks can also be set aside for use in the foundation.

Dig down to a depth of about 6 inches. Two inches will be for the layer of gravel, and the other four inches will be for the concrete.

Make sure you create a grade (steady slope away from the house). You can do this using stakes and line level.

Step 3: Build a Form

Build a form from scrap pieces of wood. The purpose of a form is to hold in the gravel and concrete. Sink the lumber into the ground along the edges of your patio area.

If you want your patio floor to be flush with the ground, you need to make sure the upper edge of the form is level with the ground. If you want the patio to rise above the ground, adjust the form.

Step 4: Create a Solid Foundation

Pour gravel into the area and compress it firmly. Then add any flat pieces of rock you set aside earlier.

Next, add rebar to reinforce the slab. Place them every two feet into a grid-like pattern (left to right, front to back). Then connect them where they cross over each other.

Step 5: How to Pour a Concrete Patio

Mix concrete in a cement mixer. Add water, concrete, and mix. Keep doing this until you make a consistent texture in a shiny, medium grey colour.

Pour the concrete from the furthest end and work your way back. You need to do this as quickly as possible.

Step 6: Smooth the Jagged Edges

Use a screed to level the surface (usually a flat piece of wood). Pull it from one end to the other. This will remove excess concrete.

Use a masons trowel to cut 2 inch deep joints into the patio. You should do this every 3-4 feet. This will reduce pressure and prevent the cement from cracking when it’s dry.

Wait until the watery layer of your concrete disappears. Then use a float to even out any lumps.

Step 7: The Finishing Touches

Lay a plastic tarp over the patio to allow it to cure. The key is not to let it dry too quickly. By laying plastic over it for a week, you can retain the moisture.

If you want to apply a sealant you will need to refer to the instructions. As various sealants have different waiting times.

Concrete Patios – Do It Yourself Tips

There are many benefits of doing a DIY cement patio, but there are also many things that could go wrong. Follow these extra tips for a smoother experience:

Wear work clothes that cover your skin.

Wear safety items (such as gloves, safety glasses, and a mask).

Always be ready with a hosepipe.

Place the concrete mixer close to the project so it’s easy to transport the concrete.

Buy extra concrete (in case you run out and the shop has closed).

Keep the mixer off the grass or use a tarp to protect your grass.

Before pouring the concrete, wet the gravel (this helps it not to cure too quickly while pouring).

Leave the patio to settle for a week before putting furniture on it.

If you follow these tips, your DIY experience won’t be as hard as the concrete itself.

Not Your Cup of Tea?

When will you be building your DIY concrete patio? Of course, some DIY projects are not everybody’s cup of tea. Where can you go if you want someone to do the job for you?

We at Gyvtec Ltd can help you to build your patio in a speedy timeframe. Find more about our revolutionary services here.

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/diy-concrete-patio-how-to-make-your-own-outdoor-entertaining-space/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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Keep Your House (and Feet) Warm: Benefits of Water Underfloor Heating

Some like it hot. Walking barefoot across a marble floor, safe in the knowledge that it’s warm to the touch is an extravagance many of us can only dream of.

This is where underfloor heating comes into its own. Not only does it keep you cozy, but it also makes a statement that says luxury.

If you’re thinking about installing water underfloor heating, here are a few things to help you warm to the idea. It’s affordable and it brings with it benefits such as energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

We’re here to walk you through the advantages of a system that’ll literally keep your feet as warm as toast when you cross the bathroom floor.

Where Can the System Be Installed?

The good news is you can get water or ‘wet’ underfloor heating fitted in just about any home and under nearly any type of flooring.

It can also be added to a new-build or older home. If you’re thinking of renovating your house or adding a conservatory, then now might be the time to consider installation.

It may not be a small or inexpensive job and it makes sense to bring in the professionals to set up the water-pipe system.

One-off Installation

The experts will have to lay the pipes under the floor, as well as recommended floor insulation and screed. They’ll then have to link the system up to a boiler and heating system. Remember though you’ll only ever need to get this done once.

The most popular rooms to install underfloor heating in are the bathroom and kitchen. And, you can even have different ‘zones’ within a room or the house which you can control.

Say Goodbye to Radiators

If you’re a bit of a minimalist, then underfloor heating will be right for you. It’s hidden away and out of view.

Clunky radiators can make a room look cluttered but with water underfloor heating, you won’t need them anymore. Radiators heat the area around them. This heat moves upwards and can be quickly lost.

This means radiators require more energy for what can be a less effective result. The water will need to be a higher temperature than their underfloor counterpart for a similar effect.

Underfloor heating is a modern and state of the art system. It lets you enjoy the luxury of warm floors on cold winter days. This is especially true if you have cold stone or tile floors.

Better Heat Retention

With a water underfloor system, the floor itself is heated. It holds the heat in far more effectively than traditional radiators. They cool down very fast when turned off.

If you have a stone floor, the heat will be retained with an underfloor system, even if the window is left open. With conventional heating, the heat can disappear the moment a draft enters the room.

Lower Energy Costs

Water-based underfloor heating tends to use water that’s heated to a lower temperature. Conventional water central heating is usually about ten degrees centigrade higher.

This means water underfloor heating is perfect for use with high efficiency condensing boilers. The lower operating temperature also makes it more appropriate for use with solar water heaters.

Water-based systems tend to be reliant upon gas rather their electric counterparts. This typically translates into significantly lower running costs.

More Even Heat Distribution

With water underfloor heating, your home is going to feel more comfortable. This is because the temperature within the room is more consistent.

Traditional radiators rely on convection and that means some corners of the room can be cooler than others. So, there’ll be no need anymore to grab the best spot in the room next to the radiator.

You Are in Control

The areas to be heated are divided into separate zones with each zone having its own independent thermostat.

The warmth of the water in the pipes is controlled by adding more hot water from the boiler to reach the optimum temperature.

Most conventional boilers will cope with the water flow. Occasionally a higher rated pump will need to be fitted in order to cope with extra pressure.

Nowadays there are intelligent thermostats available. These will let you pre-program when you want your floor to heat up. They’ll also set the room temperature that you want the system to maintain.

No More Waiting for the Room to Heat Up

These state of the art controls will build up a pattern of your heating needs. That means everything will just as you want it and when you want it.

You’ll never have to worry again about walking into a cold room and waiting for the heating to warm it up.

A Cleaner Sort of Heating

Floors can stay cold and damp with traditional radiators or convection heating. This creates a perfect breeding ground for dust mites.

When the floor itself is heated, the environment becomes too warm and dry for them to breed in. This can reduce the number of dust mites in your home massively.

As a result, people who have respiratory difficulties like asthma will suffer less.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Most water-based underfloor heating systems rarely require any form of maintenance.

Make sure the system installed is certified officially and correctly. This way you’re protected and unlikely to have any trouble from it.

In fact, once fitted correctly, these systems are so reliable that many come with long guarantees.

Water Underfloor Heating Right Now

What are you waiting for? The benefits of a water underfloor heating system are clear as daylight.

one-off installation costs

more even distribution of heat throughout the house or room

lower energy costs

a clean and minimalist look

no more bulky radiators

low maintenance costs

more hygienic

We are the underfloor heating experts. We’re there to help and advise you so that you make the choices that are right for you and your home. Get in touch with us for a quote. It’s absolutely free. You really do have nothing to lose!

The post Keep Your House (and Feet) Warm: Benefits of Water Underfloor Heating appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd.

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/keep-your-house-and-feet-warm-benefits-of-water-underfloor-heating/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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Comparing Costs: Is Water Underfloor Heating Worth the Investment in Your House?

Poor insulation and a cold home increase the risk of respiratory illness.

Are you considering installing underfloor heating but not sure if its worth it? Not to worry! We are going to discuss the ways to heat your floors and some of the benefits. You’ll want this installation in no time.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out!

Underfloor Heating Benefits

Underfloor heating is a wonderful investment for any home.

It’s a unique method to keep your home cozy and warm. Heat’s distributed throughout each room in an even manner.

There aren’t any large radiators required, so it’s a beautiful space saver. You’ll have more room for paintings, windows, or shelving units on your walls.

When you walk barefoot, you won’t have cold feet. This is great for when you’re getting out of the shower or bath. Even if the windows are open, your floors stay warm.

If you have a suitably sized unit, it will work at a lower temperature. This, in turn, can reduce your heating bills.

Having underfloor heating can add value to your home’s selling price. This attracts buyers who are looking for a luxurious property. They are a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric heating sheets or a series of wires get installed under your floor. Another option is installing within the flooring. They heat a bathroom’s cold tiles.

Some people choose to have electric underfloor heating installed in one room. Most people have it set up in their bathroom and then the kitchen.

The installer places it on top of a layer of screed and then a layer of floor insulation. This ensures that the heat travels upwards.

You can have electric underfloor heating for almost any type of flooring. The type of system you install depends on how well insulated the room is and how large it is. The installer needs to know what the ground is like below.

For awkward or small spaces, the loose-fitting wiring is flexible enough to fit. Heating mats or electric cable systems cover larger areas. This is why they are a good choice for a kitchen.

Costs of Installing Electric Underfloor Heating

People like having a professional trader or company to install their underfloor heating. The installers will know what type of system to set up based on the room. They’ll also know how to prepare the ground.

If you’re someone who likes to get the work done yourself, you could install the cables or heating sheets. You’re going to need a certified electrician to connect the system to the main electric supply.

Find out who does these types of projects in your area. Ask around within your contacts for a trusted trader. Costs will include the underfloor heating mats, insulation board, heating controls, and screed.

Electric systems are more straightforward to fit and quite thin. They’re less of a hassle to install than a wet heating system. The wet heating system needs a lot of space. Your floor might need raising.

Electric underfloor heating is cheaper than a wet system to install. Yet, it’s more expensive to run. Most installers don’t suggest this form if you have a large area to heat.

Water Underfloor Heating

With a wet system, a series of pipes connect to your boiler. This circulates warm water throughout the floor space.

You can also join the underfloor water pipes to a solar water heating system. The other options are through a ground source heat pump or air source.

People tend to install this system in their kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Most people install it in two rooms. This makes it a more popular choice compared to electric underfloor heating.

Costs of Installing Water Underfloor Heating

This type of heating tends to be more energy efficient than radiators. It’s less expensive to run. Heat emits from an underfloor system and distributes compared to a single heater in a room.

The system uses water at a lower temperature for even warmth.

Depending on how energy efficient your home is will reveal how much you save on your energy bills over time.

A water underfloor heating system is pricier to fit in comparison to the electric system.

Call the Professional

An underfloor water system is more complicated than an electric underfloor mat. You should call in a professional to install the wet system. Plumbing connections and tests need running.

Connecting pipes lay under the floor to a central system connecting them together. Then they’re connected to the heating system. It’s fitted to a thermostat so you can regulate the temperature.

The floor needs insulation so the system can work well. You need enough space to accommodate this and the piping. Depending on your home, you may need to elevate the floor level.

It’s always easier to install water underfloor heating in a new build because you can adjust as you go along.

There are some lower floor systems where you can use this system in the room without needing to raise the floor. Check with your installer and see if this is possible in your home.

We hope you found this article helpful on underfloor heating. A water underfloor system is going to be more cost effective in the long run. Make sure you call a professional to do the work.

Want to learn more about this installation? Contact us today! We would love to chat with you about water underfloor heating.

The post Comparing Costs: Is Water Underfloor Heating Worth the Investment in Your House? appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd.

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/comparing-costs-is-water-underfloor-heating-worth-the-investment-in-your-house/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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Don’t Make These Common Cement Pumping Mistakes on Your Building Site!

With self-builders now accounting for 10% or more of all new development, people are taking on bigger and bigger projects. With the help of online DIY guides and instructional videos, concrete pouring is becoming a more common home building tactic than ever before.

If you’re pouring concrete on your own, whether you’re an expert or this is your first time, you might want to consider common problems to avoid.

Here are five things to watch out for when pouring.

1. It Comes Out the Wrong Colour

When you’re mixing your concrete, if it’s well mixed, you’ll see everything as one colour. The right balance in your batch means that you’ll have a solid colour from your ready mix at the end.

Concrete discolouration can occur at the end when there are changes added at the end. Sudden changes or rushed operations creates discolouration because of improper chemical reactions. Some people add calcium chloride to their mix during the curing process, however, this will cause discolouration.

The ingredients that you mix together need to comply with standards set out by local authorities. Otherwise, you could be using something dangerous that isn’t suitable for use by the public.

If you want to avoid discolouration, you can take a few precautions to ensure that your concrete looks good when it’s done. Make sure that your subgrade is prepared in a uniform fashion. Then at the end, ensure that water has fully evaporated before you finish the concrete.

If you do hard trowel on the exterior of your concrete, you’ll end up setting the tone for changes to the colour.

2. A Scaly Surface

If you’ve noticed that the finished concrete that you’ve poured has a scaly surface that chips off and peels away, you might need to retry your efforts. If the surface breaks off and continues to peel away, it’s going to fall apart in no time. When air is introduced to your concrete, followed by freezing and thawing cycles, you could deal with scaling.

Scaling also occurs when the concrete isn’t strong enough to handle the weight that it bears. If you rush your curing process, you’ll end up with concrete that can scale as well.

Again, this problem can be avoided by ensuring that all the water on the surface of your concrete has evaporated before you work on it. If you add salt or additives during cold weather, you create the perfect conditions for scaling.

3. Watch for Crazing

Time and again, people pouring concrete deal with crazing. If you notice that there are sets of interconnected fine cracks along the surface of your cement, you’re dealing with crazing. If the cement paste rises to the surface and starts to shrink, you’ll be dealing with crazing.

While you’ll have perfectly strong concrete, these cracks will appear whenever your surface gets wet. This can give the appearance that your concrete isn’t strong. If looks matter to the client you’ve poured your concrete for, this can impact your end result and future projects with them.

Crazing occurs when you haven’t cured your concrete in as timely as a fashion as you should have. Moderates slump concrete without bleeding and segregation will help you avoid crazing.

Again, this is another problem that can be avoided by not working on the concrete until the water has fully evaporated.

Sprinkling water over your surface while there’s still water present can introduce crazing. Inversely, if you’re fighting the weather, which is causing fast evaporation, you might need to put some water on the subgrade. Otherwise, the subgrade will steal water from the concrete mix.

If you need to work fast, try using flowing concrete.

4. Cracking Is Serious

Cracked concrete is an inevitability of any pour. It can’t be fully eliminated. As the earth shifts and moves, as people use your surface, it’s going to be subject to cracks.

However, cracking can be sped up by the way that your concrete is mixed and poured. Cracking can result when the concrete shrinks as it dries. When the temperature changes drastically, contraction occurs, making cracks appear.

If you’re building a wall, cracks are dangerous, especially if it’s a load bearing wall. Be sure that the crack isn’t structural before you decide to repair it. You’ll need more drastic measures if the crack in the wall changes the structure or carries any kind of load.

You can avoid common cracking by preparing your subgrade. Get rid of the topsoil, organic material, or any soft spots in the subgrade. Make sure all the soil is compacted as much as possible.

If your subgrade doesn’t drain properly, it will keep water in and put pressure on the concrete to create cracks. If that water freezes, that extra volume will pressure the surface to crack.

Make sure you’ve got adequate concrete joints to handle the load. Follow the weather when you’re placing, finishing, and curing concrete. The environment that you pour concrete in matters a lot.

5. Curled Concrete Is Tricky

If there’s a big difference in temperature or moisture between the two surfaces of your concrete, you’ll introduce curling. The slab of concrete on top will then lose support from the base of the rest.

Make sure your concrete joints are places accordingly and use low water or water reducing mixtures. If you add enough steel reinforcements in your slab, curling shouldn’t be an issue.

On top of that, pour your concrete on a subgrade that’s slightly damp and absorptive. Your bleed water will then be leached downward and not forced to the top of your poured slab.

Concrete Pouring Is a Challenge Even for Pros

Whether you’re new to concrete pouring or not, you’re going to find there’s a lot of trial and error in using this material. You can do everything right and be undone by an unpredicted overnight drop in temperature.

Sometimes you can do everything wrong and still end up with a great pour.

If you’re considering using pumpable concrete, check out our guide for more info.

The post Don’t Make These Common Cement Pumping Mistakes on Your Building Site! appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd.

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/dont-make-these-common-cement-pumping-mistakes-on-your-building-site/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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An In-Depth Look at the Benefits of Using the Calcium Carbide Bomb Moisture Test

The ancient world didn’t communicate with a maximum of subtlety, but it understood something about the broad strokes. Take for example the common belief that four elements form the world: earth, water, fire, air.

Keeping a proper balance between these elements is both the intent of construction and its downfall.

Controlling these elements requires an understanding of the amounts present in a structure. Moisture testing is necessary to avoid a laundry list of costly problems.

With so many ways to perform a moisture test, which one does the job right? This guide will walk you through the most popular method.

Moisture Testing Basics

The first thing to understand about why you need concrete moisture testing are the myths about matter. Going back to science class, you know that matter comes in forms like gas, liquid, and solids (and also superstates like plasma).

Speaking of superstates, they are more common than you might think. Glass, for example, is sometimes a liquid and sometimes a solid. It is actually an amorphous solid, a state denoted by its lack of crystal structures.

Concrete also functions as an amorphous solid, but a porous one. Porous solids seek to absorb and house water. Think of concrete as a type of slow sponge.

Testing for moisture in concrete, then, is about finding close to nothing, not zero.

Calcium Carbide Bomb Moisture Tests

This test, abbreviated as CM testing hereon, checks a material sample for water molecules. This test is a destructive test, meaning that it takes a physical amount of the surface targeted for testing and destroys it.

The following will break down the process of the test. Then we’ll go over the variables that can cause issues with the test. Finally, we’ll talk about how well the CM test fares in comparison to other concrete moisture tests.

Process

You perform CM testing using a sealed flask with a gauge. The gauges measures build up of gas within the flask. As long as the pressure within the flask doesn’t move the gauge past 4%, the concrete is curing properly.

You remove a sample from the target area. You perform multiple tests for larger areas with a breakdown of 3 tests per 300 SM.

Pull samples from screeds (the technical term for surface). The CM test provides accurate results up to 50% depth (horizon) in a screed. You would core a sample anywhere between 40 and 50% to get the best results.

Samples get pulverized and weighted on a scale. You only place exact, known amounts in the flask. This ensures the accuracy of the test.

Once the sample material is in the flask, you also place quantities of calcium carbide inside. Seal the vessel and agitate for a few minutes. Then read the gauge for a final result.

Pressure builds up from an interaction of the calcium carbide and water in the sample. Chemically, H20 (water) bonds with the calcium carbide (CaC2).

When water is present the calcium carbide bonds as follows CAC2 + 2H2O becomes C2H2 + Ca(OH)2. The C2H2 is a gas called acetylene. The rest is a byproduct (calcium hydroxide).

The acetylene gas pushes out (as gasses do) which creates the pressure variable measured by the gauge.

Repeat tests to find an average for a screed area. A single test may give a false positive for a higher or lower number based on specific conditions.

Variables

It is possible to get various readings from the same test. These variations occur from differences in ambient humidity. The depth of the horizon pull and failure of moisture control measures also effect results.

Improper measuring of the amounts of calcium carbide and sample material obviously cause issues. Dirty flasks create a problem of contamination.

Given that testing is destructive, avoiding retesting is important. Carefully check for and eliminate as many of these variables as possible when performing a test. Trained and certified testers know to clean gear between tests and to check in an evenly spaced area.

Benefits Over Other Tests

Several other concrete moisture tests exist. Each has some pros and cons. We’ll give a quick rundown of those here.

Bond Testing

This test places an adhesive strip under a sample of material. Usually a square meter of material in places around the site, again following the roughly 1 per 300 m2 ratio.

After 72 hours the adhesive strip is checked. If the bond of the adhesive was strong and showed no accumulation of moisture the test was successful.

This test suffers from a lot of subjectivity in the administration and a lack of viability to extrapolate conditions a whole floor.

Sheet Tests

More of a visual demonstration, perhaps, than a test. You stretch plastic sheeting across the surface and tape it along the edges. After a day the sheet is checked for any kind of moisture. Dark spots and visible water droplets clearly disqualify the area.

The issues with this test are legion. Any change in the dew point or even the temperature change overnight creates droplets. Other tests calculate an average rather than an acute failure.

Moisture Meter

Place probes on the test area. These can be on the surface or in drilled holes. An electrical impulse is then sent between the sensors.

The resistance of the material between is calculated.

This test has high accuracy for the areas it tests but tests in a thin line. Materials above or below the test area may have hidden water pockets.

Internal Relative Humidity

RH testing is an old test which still has a lot of traction, especially in the United States. Developed by the Portland Cement Association (PCA), this test fixes the ap issues from the moisture meter.

This test also provides information of resistance between the probes. This testing has high accuracy but is expensive as it requires frequent calibration of equipment.

Do Yourself a Solid

Fortunately, you don’t need to know how to do moisture testing to see the results. A good flooring company knows how to perform testing and ensure the quality of the surfaces they lay down.

To get started on your own construction project contact us for estimates.

The post An In-Depth Look at the Benefits of Using the Calcium Carbide Bomb Moisture Test appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd.

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/an-in-depth-look-at-the-benefits-of-using-the-calcium-carbide-bomb-moisture-test/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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Pumpable Concrete: Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know

Conventional methods for delivering concrete not fitting your project? Are there hard to reach areas for the regular wheelbarrow to bring?

You might want to consider a faster and safer solution for transporting concrete.

The solution is pumpable concrete. This easy and fast solution is well sought for by various construction projects. In fact, even this Crossrail project made use of pumped concrete.

While that is more of a massive infrastructure project, it is hard to deny the capabilities of using pumpable concrete for small businesses and personal projects, too.

Not sure what those benefits are? Uncertain about the properties or amazing feats you can accomplish with this material?

Here are some details that you need to know about this construction method:

1. What is Pumpable Concrete?

Transporting concrete comes in various ways. This ranges from the use of the wheelbarrow or through a truck mixer. The latter being the way for larger quantities of concrete.

In bringing concrete towards elevated areas, such as those in buildings, workers resorted to using cranes.

There’s also the other method of pumping concrete through pipelines using a concrete pump. It is a method ideal for use with high rise buildings and areas where the normal means of delivery is not possible.

The type of concrete used with this method is different from conventional concrete. It has a different mix and consistency that ensures it flows through the pipes with ease. More of that later on.

2. Types of Concrete Pumps

What pushes the concrete through the pipes is the concrete pump. There are two types of pumps used in sending the mix into the pipes.

Direct Acting Concrete Pumps

The majority of the concrete pumps used are of this variety. A direct-acting, horizontal piston-type pump with semi-rotary valves.

First, the concrete gets fed into the pump using gravity and a bit from the suction effect of the pump. This is partly due to the piston’s action and the alternating of the two valves. Under favourable conditions, there should be a suction pressure of 0.08 N/mm2.

After the suction, the valves switch as the inlet valve closes. With the outlet valve open, the piston pushes the concrete through. This process continues as it runs.

With modern pumps, the output pressure tends to ride up to 60 m3/h while sent through a 220-mm diameter concrete pump pipe.

Squeeze-Type Concrete Pumps

Compared to the Direct Acting pumps, these pumps are a smaller, portable peristaltic type. The pumping process is different because it uses a rotating mechanism instead of a piston.

It starts with the concrete coming from the hopper. Rotating blades then pull in the concrete and feed the mix into a flexible pipe. This connects to the pumping chamber.

Most pumping chambers feature a vacuum of 0.08 N/mm2.

The purpose of the vacuum is to ensure the shape of the flexible pipe maintains its cylindrical form. This guarantees a constant flow of the material through the pipe.

Meanwhile, the other half of the pump holds a set of rotating rollers placed on top of planetary drives. These squeeze the flexible pipe to push the mix into the delivery pipe in progression. The squeeze pumps are capable of achieving outputs of up to 20 m3/h using 75-mm diameter pipes.

3. Requirements of Pumpable Concrete

In using concrete pumps, the conventional concrete mix may not suffice. There are some specifications that you should take note to avoid any problems.

Here are the following requirements to keep a note of:

Recommended Slump Value between 50-150 mm

The Slump Value is the measure of how consistent freshly-made concrete should be. With this range for the concrete’s slump value, it allows medium workability for the concrete. This means the concrete is easier to shape and change as required.

Water-Cement Ratio Should Not Be Too High

If the ratio for the water and the cement is too high, it would cause problems. If the water content in the mix is too high, it will end up with the water moving faster along the pipe. This results in clogging of the pipes, a common problem encountered with using concrete pumping pipes.

Concrete Must Not be Too Wet or Too Dry

The concrete needs to be in the right mix and consistency to pass through the pipes with ease. Another property to mention is to make sure the concrete pumped is not sticky.

4. Advantages of Pumpable Concrete

There are clear advantages of using pumpable concrete for a construction project. Here are reasons why you should use it:

First, transporting the mix through a concrete pumping pipe is less labour intensive. It is easier to manage and there are fewer steps to undertake. Also, you can work with fewer people on the project.

Another reason is that concrete pump piping is also quieter. This is thanks to less machinery, like large vibrating parts, for concrete compaction.

Fewer parts that move and break make it easier to use and is much safer compared to conventional methods. Creating a safer workplace should be one of your company’s primary missions, and this tool helps you achieve this goal.

It is also far more convenient with your construction budget.

In essence, you also ensure that the project reaches completion at a faster time. Pumpable concrete is easier and faster to place compared to conventional concrete. The quality of the material is also top-notch, sought for by major construction projects.

These clear advantages make this option sit at the top of the list.

Get Started with Pumpable Concrete Today!

It is easy to see that pumpable concrete is a helpful option. With its quality, ease of use, and fast implementation, your construction project can benefit from this advanced method.

Don’t stop here! There is more to learn and discover regarding better construction practices and equipment for the trade.

When it comes to flowing concrete, we have the means to help you get started. Visit us now if you want to discover more guides or avail of some of our services. To know more about what we offer, feel free to contact us today.

The post Pumpable Concrete: Things You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd..

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/pumpable-concrete-things-you-didnt-know-you-didnt-know/

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omgscreedposts · 6 years

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What Are the Advantages of Using Flowing Concrete?

What if you could complete your next major project in record time and under budget?

Whether you’re a contractor or a homeowner, this probably sounds like a dream come true. But with flowing concrete, you may just be able to turn this dream into a reality.

Despite how handy this concrete is, many people do not know what it is or what it does. And many of those who do know are still on the fence about whether it is right for them or not.

If you’re curious about using flowing concrete, keep reading to discover the distinct advantages that it has to offer!

What Is Flowing Concrete?

Before we dive into the many advantages of flowing concrete, it’s important to answer a simple question. Just what is flowing concrete, anyway?

Basically, flowing concrete is a special mixture of concrete and water that are created to higher slumps. This allows you to have the advantages of cheap, high-slump concrete without losing any of the strength that may be necessary for your project.

Differences Between Flowing and Traditional Concrete

Unless you’re an expert in concrete, then knowing the definition of flowing concrete is only half the battle. It’s also important to know how this differs from some of the other concrete options out there.

Traditional concrete is what everyone has been using since way back in 1824. It’s a versatile and proven substance, but it brings headaches because it takes a lot of labour and specialized equipment to use.

Another alternative is self-consolidating concrete. This concrete passes more easily and is able to level itself. However, it’s expensive and difficult to create, which produces entirely different kinds of headaches.

Flowing concrete was designed as a kind of hybrid between these two other solutions. That means you get most of the advantages without any of the significant drawbacks.

Curious what those advantages are? Just keep reading to discover everything flowing concrete can do for you!

Less Labor Required

The first advantage of flowing concrete is also one that many consider the greatest advantage: flowing concrete requires much less labour than other forms of concrete.

The main reason for this is that no vibrations are necessary in order to shape the concrete. And for flat surfaces, very little screeding is necessary. That means you can complete complex jobs with far fewer personnel.

And this helps to put money back in your pocket as well. When you can complete a job without hiring as many people or having to use lots of heavy machinery, the savings really add up!

Much Quieter

Earlier, we mentioned that no vibrations are necessary when working with flowing concrete. That leads to the next big advantage: your work is going to be much, much quieter.

A large part of what makes working with concrete loud and annoying is the noise from the vibrators. It essentially takes the ear-piercing noises from a loud industrial setting and puts them on the street, annoying everybody.

Without these vibrators, the entire project will go a lot quieter. And trust us: your neighbours will thank you for keeping it down!

Easy to Use

Earlier, we mentioned how traditional concrete work usually involved specialized machinery. And one of the annoying things about using specialized machinery is that you need to hire specialized labour to handle it.

With this flowable concrete, that’s one less thing you have to worry about. When you don’t have to use tools like the vibrators, then this job becomes easy enough for just about anyone to do.

This is great news if you are tackling this project yourself. And if you are hiring anyone else, then less specialized machinery means you might be able to save money on your project!

Much Safer

A really major concern when you’re working with concrete is the safety of the job site. If things go wrong, it can easily result in major (and possibly even fatal) injuries.

Fortunately, using flowable concrete means that the project is going to be much safer. And that’s because there are far fewer variables for you to have to control and worry about.

For instance, the lack of vibrators alone means you won’t have people on top of the concrete forms and endangering themselves. And you won’t have any workers unnecessarily dragging hoses and cords around, creating a potentially dangerous environment for everyone involved.

Highly Detailed Concrete

So far, we’ve been focusing on the sheer utility of flowable concrete. And it’s always good to know that this is cheaper, safer, and so on.

However, this concrete also offers a far superior finished surface quality when compared to other concrete. And its ability to flow into the negative draft areas gives you an unprecedented level of control.

How good is flowable concrete? We’ll just put it this way: there’s a reason that this is the concrete that is favoured by sculptors. Ultimately, this concrete is strong enough for a major construction project and delicate enough to create amazing artistic sculptures!

Faster Projects

We’ve now arrived at the final advantage of flowable concrete. And it’s an advantage that is practically guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

Simply put, this kind of concrete is much faster to place. In fact, some people who have used it vouch that you can unload an entire truck full of flowable concrete in as little as sixty seconds!

This fast setup is able to positively benefit every aspect of your project. From further reducing your labour costs to your project coming in well ahead of schedule, the benefits of this concrete just keep coming.

The Bottom Line

Now you know about the many advantages that flowing concrete can offer for your next major project. But do you know who can help you bring that project to life?

At Gyvtec, we are the final authority when it comes to concrete and concrete-related projects. We bring you the service you deserve at a price you’ll have to see to believe.

To see how we can help you get started, visit us to request a quote today!

The post What Are the Advantages of Using Flowing Concrete? appeared first on Gyvtec Ltd..

source https://gyvtec.co.uk/what-are-the-advantages-of-using-flowing-concrete/

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