A new company in Portland, Oregon is gearing up to manufacture large quantities of the latest product in the ICF (insulated concrete forms) world. Â BluBloc offers a twist on standard ICF products – it uses recycled styrofoam instead of manufacturing new for use in the forms. BluBloc is 85% recycled polystyrene foam (styrofoam) and…
Search Results for: concrete
11
Jul
Jul
This post is part of the Green Materials Report series. GBE is providing information on various building materials and what makes them green. Each post focuses on one material. We will be looking at the ingredients in the material, how it is used, what makes it green, and any green product certifications that it has earned. We…
13
Jun
Jun
I recently wrote about an innovative concrete dome. Turns out others have been built that are beautiful, structurally sound, and well worth mentioning. One is Monolithic Dome. What follows has been taken from their website. What are Monolithic Domes? They are super structures! Monolithic Domes are constructed following a method that requires a tough, inflatable Airform,…
12
Jun
Jun
Building innovations like this inflatable concrete dome may revolutionize certain building standards — roofs, for instance. Look at the interior  photographic perspective. Remember Buckminster Fuller’s geodesic dome? When concrete shells are constructed, they usually have to be supported by elaborate timber structures. A revolutionary technique developed at the Vienna University of Technology now uses…
29
May
May
There is something amazingly raw and beautiful in cast concrete forms and buildings. These forms can become any shape imaginable and all that is required is the form to hold the concrete as it dries. Panels of remarkable sizes can be placed on site in construction zones, allowing buildings to rise in record breaking time…
09
Apr
Apr
Building green is trendy these days in the construction and remodeling industry. There are environmental experts who point to concrete as a suitable material for green construction, including concrete floors, concrete homes and concrete countertops.
09
Apr
Apr
Have you ever looked at a building and wondered how it holds together? How can something that tall or big stand on its own like that? Well, it’s not standing on its own. With the help of post-tension slabs, high-rise buildings, bridges, and parking lots become reinforced. We will take a deep dive into everything…
01
Feb
Feb
Cement is made by chemically combining raw materials such as calcium, silica, aluminum, iron, and other elements under strict manufacturing controls. Additionally, limestone, shells, and chalk or marl are frequently combined with shale, clay, slate, blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore to make cement. This all depends on the type of cement being made for use as…
29
Jan
Jan
Cement is crucial in bonding aggregates and reinforcing materials during a construction project. Different construction works have unique requirements that need different cement types. Most construction applications use Portland cement, but other types may be more appropriate depending on the location and project. So, which cement variant best suits your project? Portland Cement Portland cement…
Mudjacking is not a permanent fix. However, depending on how well you carry out maintenance, it can keep your concrete pavement or driveway level for between 2 and 5 years.
Mudjacking Is a minimally invasive procedure used to raise and level sunken concrete and can lift weights ranging from 600 pounds to 1400 pounds per square foot of concrete. However, depending on the extent of damage and quality of the concrete, these values might deviate on either side.
10
Dec
Dec
A shed on your property is an ideal way to expand your storage space. Struggling to squeeze tools and equipment into a garage or basement can be a real hassle, and if you are a DIY type, sheds are simple to build and even easier to buy. But selecting your new shed’s foundation is equally…
The best base for under a shed is one matched to your needs. For example, a lightweight, simple shed might do just fine sitting directly on the ground. A medium-duty shed might need a gravel pad to keep it secure. A heavy-duty project might need a concrete pad or complete foundation.
02
Dec
Dec
Roofed porches can be pleasant places to relax, and they provide coverage around the entrances of your home from some harsh weather conditions. But some homes may need a new porch roof or not have one. Similar to building a roof over a deck, installing a porch roof is a task for people skilled and…
30
Nov
Nov
Whether you recently built a deck, or wish to upgrade the existing one, adding a roof over the deck can be a great addition to your home. A roof over your deck protects from weather elements, like rain and snow, while adding an aesthetic touch to make your outdoor space more inviting. The best part…
28
Nov
Nov
A crawl space is the area of your home located between the ground and the first floor. Many homes have crawl spaces, which can be a great way to access plumbing or electrical systems for repairs. According to Christine Kingsley at the Lung Institute, crawl spaces can also be a source of moisture and mold,…
24
Nov
Nov
There are so many factors to consider when buying materials for your building projects that the process involved can be very overwhelming. Before anything else you need to consider your finances and how much every element will cost you. Although you may want to concentrate on the building materials, it doesn’t matter which materials create…
22
Nov
Nov
Building with post and beam construction is a rewarding experience for homeowners and architects. The process involves designing, engineering, and building homes that minimize their carbon footprint without sacrificing aesthetics or comfort. With sustainability and longevity in mind, these structures are highly energy efficient and architecturally superior to their timber counterparts. The concept of post…