Omaha Snow and Ice Management: Commercial Properties

What is Snow & Ice Management?

Snow and ice management uses a mixture of snow plowing equipment and de-icing chemicals. When Midwest winter weather strikes, snow removal operators will remove snow in places where it can be a potential danger. Although many people love snow, nobody wants the snow to cost their business thousands of dollars in repairs or accident claims.

Why is Snow & Ice Management Important?

Snow and ice management helps ensure the safety of both employees and customers. Failing to manage winter storm conditions can lead to physical injuries, vehicle accidents, and even structural damage to your property.

For Omaha businesses, snow and ice management is also part of annual corporate responsibility to the community and environment. Companies should make sure their snow and ice management is done sustainably.

What is Sustainable Snow Management?

Don’t just pick any snow management contractor. Sustainability is important, both for your company and the environment. Sustainable snow management practices include the use of non-toxic chemicals that won’t cause harm to people, animals, the environment, or the property.

Older, non-sustainable de-icing chemicals contained ingredients such as antifreeze. However, modern de-icing chemicals contain less toxic ingredients that will not harm the environment. Make sure your ice management contractor cares about the environment just as much as you do.

What is Used for Commercial De-icing?

Commercial de-icing uses chemicals that will have a minimal impact on the environment. Environmentally responsible methods of de-icing rely on mixtures of salt and chlorine over heavy chemicals like antifreeze. Does your snow and ice removal contractor advertise as sustainable? If so, they should be able to provide you with a full list of what they will use on the job.

How Do You Choose a Snow Management Contractor?

There are many snow and ice management contractors in the Omaha area. Yet, this doesn’t mean all companies are worth hiring for your commercial de-icing needs.

Choose a snow and ice management contractor with:

• High-rated service
• Provable certification
• Professional communication

Commercial de-icing puts a lot of trust in the company that you hire. If your contractor can prove good service with high-rated reviews and certification, they are more likely to be on the nice list. However, if your contractor has bad (or zero) reviews, can’t provide paperwork, or refuses to provide all the information about the job, they might go on the not-so-nice list instead.

What is ISO Certification?

ISO Certification is a label that you will see on some snow contractor websites. For commercial reasons, ISO Certification guarantees that their equipment and products have been tested and meet safety standards.

How important is ISO Certification?

Professional, registered contractors are more likely to provide this certification. However, unprofessional contractors with little experience are less likely to have this certification.

What Are Signs of a Bad Contractor?

Contractors aren’t all created alike. For every registered business, there is also a scam or low-quality contractor who will cut corners (or just run off with your cash). Signs of a bad contractor include not providing information when you ask, inability to give feedback on time, and failing to adhere to environmentally friendly standards.

What Are Signs of a Good Contractor?

Reliable snow management contractors will provide quotes in a timely manner, and will always communicate with the client about the job at hand.

Does your contractor ignore your correspondence for days or weeks? If so, that’s a good reason to find a new snow and ice management company. Registered snow and ice removal contractors are backed by reviews and as good as an open book.

Choosing a Snow Removal Service in Omaha, NE for Your Property

Choose the best snow removal contractor for your needs (or snow and ice management could cost you more!).

If you want your customers and employees to stay safe during the winter, snow and ice management is an essential service that you can’t afford to go without.

Additional Reading: Nebraska Plow Tracker

TR Concrete Construction – Commercial Snow Removal Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial snow removal
• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Snow and Ice Management: Commercial Properties appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

What is Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)?

An Intro to Ultra-High Performance Concrete

Ultra-High Performance Concrete is an alternative building material that can be thought of as next-level concrete due to its strength and durability. UHPC contains all the best qualities of traditional concrete, but almost none of its drawbacks. UHPC is less prone to environmental damage over time and settles faster than traditional forms of concrete. Ultra-high performance concrete also cuts project costs.

Why Choose Ultra-High Performance Concrete?

Ultra-high performance concrete is stronger than traditional, regular concrete mixtures. UHPC can handle the pressure of up to 22,000 psi. Pre-mixing specific fibers (including PVA and glass) into UHPC gives the concrete the ability to hold together more effectively. The use of UHPC is already common in more industries thanks to its durability and strength. UHPC can bring the costs of your overall building project down. Conversely, in some cases, the use of traditional concrete can cause the costs of other projects to skyrocket.

How Does UHPC Work?

UHPC is made in the same way as traditional concrete. Most brands on the market simply require mixing a powder concrete mix together with water. Individual instructions provide more information regarding the specific ratio. However, there’s one difference that separates UHPC from regular concrete. Where traditional concrete buildings require a frame, ultra-high performance concrete can hold its strength even without.

What Fiber Types Are Used for UHPC?

The different fiber types in ultra-high performance concrete are part of what enhances its tensile strength. Depending on the brand, the mix of UHPC might contain PVA, glass, carbon, or a combination of several.

What Makes UHPC Better than Traditional Concrete?

UHPC is Environmentally Friendly

Ultra-high performance concrete is better for the environment. Producing regular concrete can leave behind a huge carbon footprint. Regular concrete materials don’t move around environmental factors like heat as well, therefore, leading to more resource waste.

Not only does UHPC reduce the footprint left during construction, but UHPC is also better for the environmental friendliness of the building as well.

UHPC is Cheaper to Produce

Ultra-high performance concrete is cheaper to produce and leads to lower costs. Switching to UHPC for your building project can almost guarantee saving money on your final quote.

UHPC is Stronger

Simple concrete slabs can handle the pressure of up to 5,000 psi. Compare this to ultra-high performance concrete, which is measured at a strength of 17,000 to 22,000 psi.

Judging the compressive strength of UHPC, it’s not difficult to see why professionals consider this type of concrete the new market standard for better building.

UHPC is More Durable

Ultra-high performance concrete has enhanced durability. Constructions made from UHPC can last much longer than ones made from traditional concrete.

UHPC is Time-Saving

UHPC is made to be stronger and last longer than traditional concrete. However, there’s one more aspect that makes it worth your consideration. UHPC dries faster than traditional concrete. As a result, building times can be cut drastically.

UHPC is Recyclable

Traditional concrete has finite recyclability, whereas UHPC can be put through the cycle several times. This only further helps to reduce its overall carbon footprint. When its lifespan has reached the end, UHPC can be used as part of a mixture that completes roads.

UHPC is Easier to Work With

With UHPC there is no need to frame under the bulk of your construction.

Conclusion

After all, it is called ultra-high performance concrete! UHPC is one of the best alternatives to traditional concrete in almost every way you can think of.

The use of UHPC can reduce building costs, and guarantee sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings for years to come.

Why settle for regular concrete when there are better and cheaper options out there that can guarantee better and stronger results? Consider UHPC for your next project and see how much better it goes.

Additional Reading: Ultra-High Performance Concrete (FHWA)

TR Concrete Construction Omaha – Commercial Concrete Contractors

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial snow removal
• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post What is Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)? appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Role of Concrete in Building Our Infrastructure

Design Flexibility

Designers favor concrete because it is extremely flexible. Workers are able to mold it into any shape and mix it to various degrees of strength. When used in tandem with other construction materials like reinforcing bars, designers can shape and bend the concrete. Most importantly, the nature of concrete allows it to be used as a solution for overcoming design problems. Concrete has a fresh and clean finish which is both timeless and modern. Furthermore, it is suitable for painting and attaching other finishing components to it.

The load-bearing properties of concrete reduce the need for (and thereby the cost of) additional building materials to support raised floors. This is because the properties of concrete are conducive to longer and wider floor spans. What’s more, with fewer supporting columns required, floor space plans can be more creative and efficient. Another wonderful property of concrete is that it is virtually soundproof. This makes it excellent for high-density urban areas.

Versatility

Engineers and developers embrace concrete for a number of reasons. Concrete is the cornerstone of infrastructure construction. In addition to being environmentally friendly and low impact, it offers true structural integrity when used correctly. Different jobs require different strengths and consistencies. Adding sand and stone chips in various quantities can improve the strength of concrete. Another advantage of concrete for engineers is its density and mass. In high wind and seismic environments, engineers prefer concrete for building taller structures due to its lateral stiffness and resistance to horizontal movement.

Cost-effectiveness

There are a number of reasons why concrete is cost-effective, besides being cheaper than other materials. Unlike steel and wood, concrete is typically never in short supply. Therefore, there are rarely delays in construction as a result of concrete. The finish on concrete reduces the need to add other finishes to it and it doesn’t need to be coated.

Precast concrete panels can reduce labor costs on site. All workers need is a crane to lift them into place. Another benefit of precast panels is that they are made in a standardized mold. Therefore, precast panels fit together without too much alteration or work on-site. Furthermore, precast concrete panels are fairly airtight and weather-resistant. This helps by reducing the time and cost of overlaying sealants.

Concrete endures for decades and even centuries because it is so durable. This makes it even cheaper as it is low maintenance. Maintenance crews are able to fix any minor defects or weaknesses quickly, easily, and cheaply. There is seldom a need for early replacement or reconstruction. A further value proposition is its ability to mimic other materials like stone, which is becoming increasingly more rare and expensive. Another big advantage of concrete is that construction can start before plans are finalized or changed because concrete is easy to alter. Getting an early start means saving time, and time is money for developers.

Green concrete

Concrete is energy efficient. Concrete has the advantage of thermal mass, therefore, it renders a good energy performance. At night, concrete will release the internal heat that it absorbs during the day back into buildings. However, in warmer periods, it works in reverse. This helps make concrete a low-cost, efficient, and sustainable source of energy.

Additional Information: ‘Green’ concrete could be game-changer for construction industry

TR Concrete Construction – Concrete Companies in Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial snow removal
• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Role of Concrete in Building Our Infrastructure appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Cracked Concrete And What To Do About It?

Yes, you can DIY repairs for cracked concrete, however, we strongly suggest hiring concrete professionals for better results and to save you time and money. Don’t let those imperfections linger, here’s how to fix them!

How To Fix Cracked Concrete

Here’s what you’re going to need:

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Wire brush
• Putty knife
• Concrete repair mix
• Mason’s trowel

If you have everything, then you’re all set for the following steps!

Step 1: Decide which concrete repair product to use.

You will want to use a concrete repair mix to repair cracked concrete slabs. You can easily find the concrete mix online or at home centers nearby.

Other options include epoxy patching compounds, latex patching materials, and mortar mixes. Mortar mixes are suitable for big cracks while the other two options are better for small cracks.

Step 2: Prepare the area.

Knock away the loose concrete by using a small hammer and chisel. Use a wire brush to remove all the loose and lingering particles.

At this point, expect the project to get messy. That said, we suggest spreading a tarp around the concrete patch and using protective gear for your safety.

Step 3: Fix it!

Now, you’re all set to fix the cracked concrete using your selected concrete repair product. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the complete repair project is completed properly.

If you’re using the mortar mix, make sure to smoothen the concrete patch to level with the surrounding concrete. Leave it for 2 hours and cover the area using a plastic sheet to keep it moist. Experts recommend sprinkling water on the patch every day for a few days until the surface hardens.

Concrete Crack Repair Methods

There are several methods that you can use to repair cracked concrete. It is essential to evaluate the type of crack to choose a suitable fixing method. Types of concrete cracks include shrinkage cracks, hairline cracks, expansion cracks, heaving cracks, settling cracks, overload cracks, crazing cracks, and crusting cracks.

Here are a few methods that work:

Epoxy Injection

This method is best for cracks that are as narrow as 0.05 mm. The epoxy injection method involves sealing cracks by injecting epoxy under pressure. In fact, the epoxy injection method is one of the easiest ways to repair cracks on various structures as it works on any application. The process is pretty simple. All you need is a piece of injection equipment, capping paste, an injection port, and injection resin.

Stitching

The stitching method involves drilling holes on both sides of the crack and grouting in U-shaped metals to hold the concrete together. You can use a non-shrink grout or epoxy resin-based bonding system to anchor the legs of the staple on the holes. Keep in mind the length, location, and orientation of the staples should vary. As a result, tension is distributed on the concrete and not on a single plane.

Routing and Sealing

The routing and sealing repair method is suitable for flat horizontal surfaces such as floors and pavements. This concrete repair method involves enlarging the crack and having it filled and sealed using a joint sealant. This method is relatively simple compared to the procedures used in epoxy injection methods. Moreover, routing and sealing are also suitable for patterns and larger isolated cracks. The routing and sealing method can also be used to waterproof a concrete surface.

Drilling and Plugging

The drilling and plugging method is recommended for cracks that run in reasonably straight lines and are accessible on the other end. This type of repair method is commonly used to repair retaining walls with vertical cracks. To repair concrete properly using this method, drill a hole that’s 50 to 75 mm in diameter centered on the crack. Then, use grout to prevent movement of the sections that are adjacent to the crack. Note that it is essential to fill the hole with resilient material for better support.

Final Say

It can be easy to fix cracked concrete as long as you plan and know the right procedure. Understand the best repair method, find the right concrete repair product, and use the exact tools needed to make the work easier for you.

The basic concrete crack repair steps are pretty easy to follow. However, it is strongly advised that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. There are several repair methods to use depending on the type of crack. Carefully examine the cracked area to come up with the right fixing method and to save resources too.

Contact an Omaha Concrete Contractor

Finally, don’t hesitate to consult with concrete companies near you to ensure things are done correctly. Failure to properly repair cracks in concrete can result in having to completely replace concrete patches in the future.

Additional Reading: Types of Cracks in Concrete and Typical Causes

Related Blog: Why Does Concrete Buckle In Heat?

TR Concrete Construction – Omaha Concrete Repair

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial snow removal
• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Cracked Concrete And What To Do About It? appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Concrete and Cement: What Is the Difference?

Concrete is the most used material on earth after water. It’s a composite made of multiple materials – one of which is cement.

Cement and concrete (made with cement and a few other materials) are both used in construction all over the world.

What is cement? How is concrete made from cement?

Cement is a limestone-based compound. Here’s how the whole process works:

1. Limestone is extracted out of the earth.
2. The limestone is then mixed with a source of silica, such as fly ash or industrial byproducts.
3. This mixture is fired in a kiln – 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. After this process, we get clinker – solid, round pebble-like pieces.
5. Cement plants then grind clinker down until it becomes a fine powder.
6. A few additives are mixed in to make it less volatile so that it doesn’t quickly solidify in air. This powder is cement.
7. Now, this cement is mixed with water on construction sites, thus creating cement paste.
8. Sand is then added into the cement paste – mortar.
9. Stone aggregates (or gravel or crushed stone) are added to the mortar. This is the final step in which concrete is created.

In many ways, concrete is an evolution of cement. Cement or mortar itself are both used in construction as well. Concrete, however, has its own identity and a separate use case.

The use of cement vs. concrete

Cement solidifies when it’s mixed with water and kept in the air for a while. For example, two bricks can be attached to each other permanently with mortar between them. This is how brick walls are made.

Cement undergoes a chemical reaction when it mixes with water. A process called hydration dissolves the clinker into basic calcium. This calcium, in the presence of water, combines with water and silica. This ultimately forms a molecule called calcium silica hydrate or CSH. CSH molecules form supertight bonds among them. When sandwiched between two materials, CSH paste will solidify and dry soon to lend them strength and affinity. Solidified cement is surprisingly largely porous – 96% of the pores inside cement are connected. Cement has excellent strength despite its porosity.

Mortar isn’t the only way in which cement is used. Though mortar is used in bricklaying and other construction jobs, concrete is what makes most of the life we see around ourselves (precisely why we call cities concrete jungles). As we know, mortar is mixed with stone aggregates to make the composite we call concrete. These stone aggregates further improve the strength of the composite that mortar is. Concrete is used in larger construction jobs such as buildings, bridges, and entire skyscrapers. The porosity of cement can be reduced further to improve its strength. Research into this field led to the development of “high-performance concrete,” or HPC, in the 1980s.

No cement sidewalks

To the ire of many, cement is used to define concrete more often than not. For example, it’s common to hear terms such as “cement sidewalks”. While in fact, the sidewalk is made of concrete, of which cement is an ingredient. Building something out of cement paste (only cement and water) would be very expensive because you’d need lots of cement. That’s why sand is thrown into the mix, quite literally, which adds additional hardening into the mass.

The cement + water + sand combination, called mortar, is only used for smaller tasks. Large-scale construction work where strength is key to endure storms and extreme weather always uses concrete – mortar mixed with gravel or crushed stone. Concrete is extremely tough when hardened. Concrete is used in the pillars made for the tallest of buildings in the world and the base of the largest of bridges carrying the heaviest of loads.

The next time you mention a sidewalk, say what you mean – a concrete sidewalk and not a cement one!

Additional Reading: 17 Striking Concrete Buildings Around the World

TR Concrete Construction – Omaha Concrete Contractors

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Concrete and Cement: What Is the Difference? appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Why Does Concrete Buckle In Heat?

What causes concrete to buckle?

When there’s an extreme change in temperature, concrete will most likely respond to it. This extreme change will either cause the concrete to expand or contract. If the expansion occurs at a crack or joint, the pavement may buckle or warp. If water seeps into the pores of the concrete for a period of time, this insulated hydration will heat the concrete and cause it to grow. This is typically caused by sprinklers and rain or snow. When it comes to excessive heat, the culprits usually consist of water pipes, electrical wiring, the ground itself, vehicles, and even buildings.

When a structure heats and cools unevenly, buckling will occur wherever there are weak spots. Furthermore, larger structures are more commonly affected as the density allows for more heat to be stored. Some factors that may make certain concrete structures expand or contract more easily are their age and what kind of material it is (shale, limestone, or gravel). When it comes to roads, because they are built in segments and layers, there may not be enough room when the material wants to grow. This may result in little speed bumps on the highways.

Preventing buckling before it occurs

The good news is that all hope is not lost when it comes to concrete. There are preventative measures that can be taken to avoid this phenomenon. Planning properly with smart engineering practices will get you prepared. By incorporating expansion joints, being aware of weather patterns, and determining tensile strength, you can make sure that there won’t be problems down the line. Ever notice that soft glue-looking material in between slabs of concrete? This is an expansion joint. It’s a pliable material that allows the material to grow without it affecting nearby slabs. The concrete can move around freely without getting damaged.

Tensile strength showcases how much your structure can handle. It is how well a structure can avoid being elongated and compressed. Tests can be performed to measure things like movement, saturation, and compression.

Weather is huge when you’re working with concrete. How wet, dry, hot, or cold is the area you’re looking to build on? One thing you’ll want to make sure of is that you keep the structure out of direct sunlight. When a concrete structure is being built, it requires a curing process. This process can take up to 30 days. If the sun is shining directly on it during this time, water will evaporate prematurely and cause overall weakening. If you cannot avoid the sun entirely, you can water it and cover it to prevent buckling.

Preventing and fixing pre-existing structures

Fortunately, there are precautions that can be taken and fixes that can be made if the structure is already up and running. Some of these precautions include keeping the internal and external temperatures as close as possible, surrounding the structure with thermally insulating materials, or incorporating buttresses. Buttresses will essentially help lighten the load.

When it comes to repairing, one of the simplest ways is to just remove what is no longer in place. Taking these pieces out and applying adhesive caulk to fill them in is more than possible. It’s important to note that the structure most likely won’t be as strong as it was initially. This is essentially just a band-aid fix. If the structure has been altered significantly, it would be best to remove the whole section and pour in the brand new slab. Make sure you bear in mind the preventative measures of buckling this time around.

Concrete in the heat

Now that we’re aware of how and why concrete buckles in the heat, we can do what we can to prevent it. Whether it’s checking weather patterns, adding expansion joints, or calculating the tensile strength, don’t let your concrete buckle and suffer in the heat.

Additional Reading: Placing Joints in Concrete Flatwork: Why, How, and When

TR Concrete Construction in Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Why Does Concrete Buckle In Heat? appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

The Difference Between Footing and Foundation

Simply put, all footings are foundations but not all foundations can be footings. Are you still confused about the details? Let’s break it down.

Foundation defined

First and foremost, a structure or building consists of two main portions, the superstructure, and the substructure. The substructure is generally known as the foundation, as it transmits the load of the superstructure. Either columns or a wall is used to transmit the load of the superstructure to the foundation or substructure. The purpose of the foundation is to distribute the load to the soil with the right amount of pressure.

The foundation is the lowest part of any structure. Its key function is to transfer the load of the higher components to the soil. It plays an essential role in any structure. There are usually two types of foundations (shallow foundations and deep foundations).

A shallow foundation transfers the load of up to 1.5 meters and deep foundations transfer loads below the ground surface with more than 1.5 meters in depth. Shallow foundations are typically created for low-height structures or structures with a greater horizontal spread compared to their vertical height. It will also be required for a skyscraper that’s sitting on weak soil. It will need a deeper foundation only if there are concrete plans to extend this building vertically down the line.

Pile, Well, and Pier Foundations

Pile, well, and pier foundations make up the umbrella of deep foundations.

• A pile foundation is used when the topsoil is relatively weak. This is the most common type of deep foundation used for buildings. It’s used where a group of piles transfers the load to the soil.
• A well foundation is usually used when constructing a bridge where the soil is soft and/or moist. You’ll typically find them in water.
• A pier foundation consists of a large cylindrical column. The two types of pier foundation include masonry or concrete pier and drilled cassion. Its purpose is to transfer large loads to firm the strata below. A pier is dug out and cast in place.

What exactly is footing?

The footing is the part of the foundation that transfers the load to a larger soil area. It’s the part of the foundation that is in actual contact with the soil. It makes the foundation safe for whatever settlement it’s on. The materials used for footing usually consist of slabs or rebars. Footings are constructed with brickwork, masonry, or concrete.

Footings are typically used with shallow foundations. But unlike just deep and shallow foundations, there are many different types of footings. These include isolated, combined, continuous, strap, strip, raft, pile, and spread footings.

To give some examples, strip footing is used for load-bearing walls or rows of columns that are close together.

Combined footing is when two or more columns are being supported. They are either rectangular or trapezoidal in shape.

Strap footing is when a strap beam is used for two columns. Its purpose is so the footing does not extend to any adjoining property. The width and depth of the footing will depend on the size, the soil, and the type of foundation.

Footings vs. Foundations

If these terms still feel a bit confusing, let’s go over their differences in a brief and simplified manner. The footing is what’s actually in contact with the ground, while the foundation is the structure that transfers the load to the earth. A simple way to visualize the difference when comparing it to the human body would be to view the footing as the actual feet of the legs and the foundation being the legs themselves. The foundation can be both shallow or deep, but the footing is typically only used in shallow instances. The footing will transmit the load directly to the soil and the foundation passes it to the ground.

In short, all footings are foundations but not all foundations are footings. This statement alone may put an end to the confusion.

TR Concrete Construction – Industrial & Commercial Footings Omaha

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post The Difference Between Footing and Foundation appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Parking Lot Removal and Replacement at Elkhorn School

During the 2021 summer break, concrete construction crews were busy pouring back a parking lot for an Elkhorn Public Schools elementary school. It was about 18,000 square feet, 350 yards of concrete.

“We’re pouring at all back in one shot,” explained Todd Remmereid, owner of TR Concrete Construction.

Parking Lot Project Timeline

Beginning at 5 a.m. on the day of the concrete pour, the crew got an early start. They wrapped up about 8 to 10 hours later the same day.

“We started, we did the tear-out about two days ago, so in and out in a couple of days” said Remmereid. Minimizing the amount of time and impact on the normal operations of the school was a priority.

Two days earlier, the parking lot removal, also known as tear-out, was completed in about a day. That was followed by prepping for the pour. Removal and replacement of the concrete was also slated for the back parking lot, another 45,000 square feet.

Equipment and Experienced Crew

A variety of big equipment filled the site of this concrete construction project.

“We bring a lot of horsepower to the game. We’ve got excellent equipment. You can see in the background we’ve got our laser screed striking off the concrete,” added Remmereid.

It takes a talented team to make everything run smoothly. About 15 concrete finishers work to complete the parking lot removal and replacement project.

Building Relationships

“There’s quite a bit of work going on here with Elkhorn Schools,” explained Remmereid. “We’re really grateful to have a longstanding relationship with Elkhorn Schools. We think we attribute it to getting in, getting our work done, and getting back out.”

TR Concrete Construction – Remove and Replace Concrete Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Parking Lot Removal and Replacement at Elkhorn School appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

How Do You Build a Parking Lot?

Parking Lot Type: Private, Park ‘n Pay Downtown, Public Mall and Office Park

The purpose of a parking lot will decide how big it should be and how it should be built in terms of the depth of foundations and which materials to build it with. A downtown “paid parking” lot will differ from an office park lot. Both will differ from a shopping mall parking lot. They will all experience different traffic volumes.

The volume of traffic and the weight of that traffic will dictate your decision-making. For example, an office parking lot will experience proportionately less wear and tear in a defined period than a shopping mall parking lot. They will both need to accommodate delivery vehicles to a greater or lesser extent. No matter the extent though, both require delivery vehicle access to varying degrees.

An office park can reserve the right to restrict the weight and size of delivery vehicles. A mall will need to allow for the size of their suppliers’ delivery trucks. In both cases, a decision must be made to either have independent access for deliveries or if delivery vehicles gain access through the public lot. If so, what will the impact be on the size of the roads that allow access to, and around, the public parking bays?

What impact a breakdown has on the flow of traffic is another good question, as is how many entry lanes are from the main road and how many exit lanes. In the case of a downtown paid parking lot, thought must be given to entry and exit contingencies. The answers to these and other questions will be found in the parking lot regulations and codes.

Consider the regulations more as guidelines than obstacles to be dealt with. They exist for very good reasons – usually as a consequence of other people’s mistakes.

Parking Lot Regulatory Building Codes

You may not need to use industrial-grade materials to reinforce your domestic slab at home, however, commercial spaces have different requirements and codes to meet. Building codes specify requirements such as how much space to allow per vehicle. This will depend on the angle of the parking bays- “straight in” or “herringbone” for example. The best person to consult is your city engineer. You cannot build parking spaces without a permit, therefore you will have to be proactive to obtain one.

While the regulations may seem onerous, they are actually useful guidelines and very detailed. The codes and regulations will tell you, for example, that the weight of a vehicle on a residential lot may not exceed 6 000Lbs. The regulations will guide you on what type of foundations you will need to build. Regulations also cover drainage requirements and safety aspects. They also pay attention to special needs like disabled parking. Furthermore, some codes also cover landscaping which is rather useful.

Materials

No matter if you are building a private parking space at home for your prized chariot or building an acre of parking for a mall – all parking lots have one thing in common. Parking lots are measured in square feet or meters. This determines just about everything, from how much building material, to what type and quantity of marking paint you will need.

There can be no “half measures” with regard to this. Size really does matter and it is definitely “hip to be square”. This is because all the “wet” materials, as well as some of the “dry” materials, come in quantities designed to cover square feet/meters.

The biggest decision to make is to choose between the two most common main materials used to build a parking lot – concrete and asphalt. This decision will be informed by the purpose and size of the space.

Commercial spaces require strength and durability. That’s also a reason to choose the best road marking paint that doesn’t fade. Apart from consulting the regulations, the next most important decision is selecting your building materials supplier.

A supplier with experience in supplying parking lot builders will have “tons” of knowledge to put at your disposal. They will lighten the load when it comes to calculating quantities. Best of all, an expert supplier will help with the project management and will be able to schedule “just in time” deliveries, which are paramount when trying to prevent wet materials from drying out, when delivered too early.

A metaphor for life

Building a parking lot is a metaphor for life – literally and physically. What you put in is what you will get out. In this article, we have covered only the overarching factors to be considered. There are of course many details. The best thing to do when building a parking lot is to learn the codes and regulations. Next, find a supplier to partner with. Lastly, the right people to build it.

If you equip yourself with all three, then you will successfully build a parking lot that not only will fit its purpose but will also be fit for purpose. That’s why it is important to understand the purpose at the beginning. The purpose will have a decided impact on the life expectancy of the parking lot, and therefore the cost of a parking lot, not only as a new build, but the maintenance costs in the future.

Omaha Parking Lot Repairs and Maintenance

On top of parking lot construction, TR Concrete Construction provides parking lot maintenance in Omaha, NE,  and surrounding areas. Contact TR Concrete Construction for more information about parking lot repairs, or visit our Omaha commercial concrete services page to learn more!

TR Concrete Construction – Commercial Parking Lots Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replace concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next commercial concrete project in Omaha, NE, and surrounding areas. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post How Do You Build a Parking Lot? appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.

Cold Weather Concrete Placement

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) definition of cold-weather concreting as stated in ACI 306 is, “a period when for more than three successive days the average daily air temperature drops below 40 degrees and stays below 50 degrees for more than one-half of any 24-hour period.”

Important steps to take for successful cold-weather concrete placement

All concrete must be protected from freezing until it has reached a minimum strength of 500 psi, which typically happens within the first 24 hours. Early freezing can result in a reduction of up to 50 percent of the design strength.

Prevent freezing temperatures.

Maintain subgrade temperatures above freezing. This can be achieved by covering with insulation blankets and/or use of ground heaters. Do not place fresh concrete on frozen ground.

Use hot water in the concrete mix.

Typically, concrete at placement should be 65°F or higher during cold weather months. Hot water use in the concrete mix helps offset the effects of cold weather. Adding hot water allows initial concrete temperatures and moisture levels to be maintained and can help concrete achieve normal cure times and strength gain.

Accelerating admixtures may also be used.

Since colder weather leads to colder concrete, the set time can be delayed. Accelerators added to the concrete can keep it on schedule. Accelerators also help prevent frost damage and allow finishing operations to take place in a timely manner.

Protect concrete after placement.

This can be achieved by covering with Insulation blankets and/or the use of heated enclosures.

Maintain proper temperatures during extended cure times.

The concrete must maintain a temperature above 50° for approximately 3 days for the concrete to reach the required strength. Continued use of concrete blankets keeps curing concrete warm and at ideal temperatures as it cures. Concrete should remain covered until cured.

Following these recommended steps when placing concrete in cold weather will help to ensure the concrete obtains the required design strength and mitigate other potential issues from concrete exposed to freezing.

TR Concrete Construction in Omaha, NE

This industry takes a lot of heavy machinery and tough labor, but it also requires as much or more planning, critical thinking, and fine touch to get a quality finished product. It is a very rewarding career and keeps you constantly on your toes being that 2 days are never the same. It is a profession that has been around for a long time and is ever-evolving and still remains a very vital staple in today’s economy.

As a reputable business with over 25 years of concrete construction experience, TR Construction has expertise with projects large and small to include:

• commercial building concrete
• footings
• paving
• remove, and replacement of concrete
• industrial projects
• special projects for clients

TR Construction can deliver Concrete Excellence on your next project. Contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call at (402) 238-2599.

The post Cold Weather Concrete Placement appeared first on TR Concrete Construction.