Search Results for: concrete

New Insulated Concrete Blocks Made From Recycled Styrofoam

BluBloc insulated concrete forms

  A new company in Portland, Oregon is gearing up to manufacture large quantities of the latest product in the ICF (insulated concrete forms) world.  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…

Green Materials Report: Permeable Concrete

Permeable concrete allows water to drain through

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…

Concrete Dome Update: Monolithic Domes

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,…

Building Innovation: Inflatable Concrete Dome

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…

Strength and Design in Concrete Forms

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…

GUEST POST: Greenwashed or Legit? The Idea Behind Green Concrete Countertops

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.

How Is Cement Made? (Trade Secrets Revealed)

How Cement Is Made

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…

15 Types of Cement and Their Use Cases

Types of Cement

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…

How Much Weight Can Mudjacking Lift?

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.

What is the best base for under a shed?

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.

The Ultimate Guide To The Best Building Materials

Best Building Materials

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…

Post and Beam Construction (Design & Building Guide)

Post and Beam Construction

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…