Concrete is the combination of cement, aggregate, and water. While the ratio of water to other elements can be a wide spectrum, no matter the mix, poured concrete does not maintain its shape at first. Over time, concrete hardens but must be kept in place initially. This is done with molds, called formwork, that keep the concrete in its desired shape. Alternatively, there are also concrete application methods gaining popularity, such as shotcrete, that reduce the formwork needed. In both cases an experienced team is needed to ensure that a concrete project is finished on time and on budget. The Conco Companies is an experienced concrete contractor offering a variety of concrete services in Portland including formwork, pumping, and shotcrete.
Traditional Formwork Formwork is required to counteract the internal lateral pressure of poured concrete which naturally wants to spread out. This essential element of concrete contracting is a large component of the costs in the traditional concrete placement process, so an experienced concrete contractor can make the difference between an on-budget or over-budget project. Formwork needs to be constructed so that it is level and correctly placed, and to ensure that the final structure will meet the specified design. Additionally, concrete formwork must be strong enough to prevent bowing on its sides and correctly braced at the joints to prevent leaks. After the concrete cures, slight shrinking during the curing process allows the formwork to be removed with relative ease, leaving the hardened concrete in place, ready for finishing operations. Safety in Formwork The skilled teams at Conco recognize it is paramount that formwork is arranged with safety in mind. The construction of formwork often includes building scaffolding first, followed by the framework molds themselves. This often means working at heights with heavy machinery. OSHA requires strict standards around the design, fabrication, and inspection of formwork throughout the concrete placement process to ensure formwork can safely hold the concrete while it hardens. Reduced Formwork in Shotcrete For certain applications, shotcrete can be an alternative to traditional concrete placement. Shotcrete is pneumatically applied concrete and according to U.S. Green Building Council, shotcrete uses 50-100% less formwork than traditional placement. Shotcrete Magazine illustrates the benefits of shotcrete through a comparison of the formwork design requirements. The formwork of a 4 x 8 ft. cast of concrete needs to withstand 10 times the pressure concrete absorbs when a car is driven over it. Unlike poured concrete, shotcrete is pneumatically applied at the target site and acts to support itself. This reduces its tendency to spread out, meaning there is less formwork required to maintain the desired shape. At The Conco Companies, we are one of the leading concrete contractors in the Western U.S. and offer a wide range of quality services and products. Our experience includes providing services for commercial, educational, parking and other construction development as well as public works projects. Please contact us for more information about our full range of premium Portland area concrete services including shotcrete.
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