In recent years, the development of large concrete structures has become increasingly common due to its many structural benefits. Concrete presents a number of characteristics that improve the sustainability performance of a structure. Not only does…
According to ASTM C125 – 20: Standard Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, concrete setting is “the process, due to chemical reactions, occurring after the addition of mixing water, that results in a gradual development…
Monitoring your concrete curing temperature during the early stages of construction ensures the integrity of your structure. This is especially true during extreme weather conditions when mixing and curing of concrete are subject to different environmental…
Reinforced concrete structures have shaped our cities for thousands of years, from historical buildings stretching as far back as the Romans to present day, such as the 3-storey parking garage adjacent to the mega shopping mall…
Concrete is a porous material which contains microscopic voids known as pores. These pores range in size, vary in connectivity (pore structure) and can be added to the concrete via air-entraining admixtures. The water-to-cementitious material and…
Every year, the construction industry goes through a recurring cycle. During summer, construction worksites explode in number and activity. This is the time when concrete strength development occurs at a steady pace. The summer weather contributes and does not slow concrete strength gain. This…
Concrete curing temperature is undoubtedly a critical part of construction. According to a report by ACI Committee 308, the American Concrete Institute defines “curing” as “the process by which hydraulic-cement concrete matures and develops hardened properties…
Since the commercialization of the maturity method, there have been important advancements in monitoring and computing technologies such as a simple thermocouple for concrete, wireless sensors, manual data entry, cloud sharing systems, and more. SmartRock® is…
The quality of your concrete directly depends on proper curing and accurate strength tests. While there are several different methods used to test concrete strength, not all of them are equally efficient. Below, we compare two…
Concrete has compressive strength, meaning that it can withstand its own weight within a structure. However, it lacks tensile strength. Therefore, as soon as everyday loads are added to that structure, such as vehicles in a…
Running temperature measurements of your pour after placement is one of the most important steps in the construction of a concrete structure. That is why ensuring optimal curing conditions for your element is critical, especially during…
During the winter months, when snow has taken over every inch of not only your driveway, but also your jobsite, it can be incredibly frustrating to carry on with regular construction operations. SmartRock® is #1 and…
Giatec continues to uphold the value of bridging the gap between academic research and sustainable construction on the jobsite. Every year, we recognize civil engineering students, researchers and faculty across Canada and the U.S. with the…
When it comes to any construction project that requires the use of concrete, whether it’s a hospital, residential building, road, bridge, or dam, concrete strength testing is an essential step in ensuring the integrity and durability…
Wood and concrete have been used in construction for thousands of years and for good reason. Both materials have properties that make them appealing building materials. In this blog, we will tackle the age-old debate of…
Corrosion is a natural process that begins when the steel rebar within reinforced concrete starts to rust. According to ACI, “corrosion occurs when the protective layer in concrete steel reinforcement is destroyed. Steel in concrete is…
In 1971, the One Shell Plaza pierced the Texas skyline, breaking the city record for the tallest building. This 52-storey building broke another record as the world’s tallest building made of lightweight concrete. SmartRock® is #1…
Potholes are a huge problem all over North America, but nowhere are the detrimental effects more evident than in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. According to CTV News, the city experienced over 40 freeze-thaw cycles during the 2018-2019…
