Quality Driveway Construction

Quality Driveway Construction

The following are recommendations for creating a quality driveway installation.

1. Planning and Preparation

* Concrete must be cast on a prepared subgrade that is uniform in soil composition and compaction.
* For drainage, the grade must be sloped a minimum of 1/8th inch per foot from all existing structures
* Stake formwork securely providing a minimum slab depth of 4 inches.
* Dampen the subgrade and formwork prior to placement (particularly during summer construction).

2. Mix Design Recommendations

The mix design recommended for driveway construction must meet the following requirements:

* Compressive strength: 4000 psi minimum @ 28 days (refer to local code requirements)
* Air Content: 6.5 +/- 1.5%
* Aggregates: coarse aggregates meeting MDOT 6AA (ASTM C33, 4S) classification
* Slump: 4 +/- 1 inch

3. Placing and Finishing Guidelines

To construct a durable wearing surface, the sequence for placing and finishing is as follows:

* Screeding or strike-off
* Floating, followed by a waiting period for the water sheen (bleed water) to dissipate
* Edging and jointing
* Brooming (to provide a non-slip surface)
* Do not finish the surface while bleed water is present.
* Do not ‘bless” the surface with water to facilitate finishing.
* Do not steel trowel the surface…wood/magnesium floats are recommended.
* Steel trowelling can entrap bleedwater resulting in a non-durable surface
* Discharge from the mixer must be completed within 90 minutes of batching of concrete.
* Prolonged mixing or delayed placement will adversely affect the quality of the concrete with regards to air content and compressive strength.
* Control joints must be spaced at intervals not exceeding 10 feet with a minimum depth of cut equal to ¼ the slab thickness. A centerline control joint is required for driveways greater than 12 feet in width.
* Where new construction abuts existing structures (i.e. garage floors, brick veneer walls, fence posts, etc.) an isolation joint extending the full depth of the concrete slab is required.

4. Curing Requirements

* Following placement, the driveway must be cured to attain the strength and durability potential of the concrete.
* From mid-April to mid-September, cure the concrete incorporating one of the following methods:
* Apply a membrane curing compound according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
* 7 day continuous water soaking
* Saturated burlap with polyethylene cover (secured in place)
* From mid-September to mid-April, employ a waterproof cover (i.e. insulating blankets) maintaining the curing temperature above 55°F for a minimum of 7 days.
* Cold weather concreting practices must be observed for concrete placed after November 1st.

5. Homeowner Care

* Do not drive on the ‘new’ concrete for at least 7 days.
* Do not allow water to drain beneath the slab ….. settlement cracks may develop.
* Do not allow snow and ice to accumulate the first winter ….. keep the driveway shoveled off.
* Do not apply deicing chemicals for snow and ice removal the first winter. As an alternative, sand can be used for traction.
* WARNING: Never use deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate (i.e. fertilizers). Such products are known to aggressively attack concrete.
* Michigan is classified as a severe weathering region. Therefore, a sealer must be applied approximately 30 days following placement provided that the surface is dry and ambient temperatures are above 55°F.
* Contact your local Ready Mix producer (or building supply store) to purchase a concrete sealer.
* Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sealer application.
* Re-application of the sealer is generally required every 2 years.

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association
www.miconcrete.org

concrete contractor|wall|basement|driveway|patio|slab|garage floor|pole barn floor|michigan|indiana

Jeff Todd Concrete LLC

Quality you can stand on – Free estimates………

Serving Michigan & indiana

Company Address:

Jeff Todd Concrete LLC

19690 S River Rd

Three Rivers, MI 49093

Email: info@concrete-contractor.net

Telephone: 269-278-1910 Cell 269-651-5941

Jeff Todd Concrete LLC located in Three Rivers Michigan has the ability and experience to provide you with the finished concrete product for your projects, that you expect at a very competitive price.

Jeff Todd’s background brings you experience, talent and dedication to quality you expect and demand of your concrete contractor.

We service residential, commercial and industrial concrete construction. Everyone at Jeff Todd Concrete LLc is committed to serving every prospective client and every customer with the highest degree of service, quality and workmanship.

Company Services

driveway, sidewalk, patio, curbs & gutters, retaining walls, handicap ramps, foundations, machine slabs, loading docks and ramps, parking lots, porch, pool decks, sea wall, decorative concrete, exposed aggregate, colored concrete, garage floor, pole barn floor, mobile home slab & more………..

Concrete contractor serving three rivers, schoolcraft, vicksburg, marcellus, michigan, indiana and more.....

Get Stone, Sand, Topsoil Delivered Economically

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The Stone Slinger is the most cost effective way to accurately place material on your job site. No more dumping and handling the material a second time. The Stone Slinger virtually eliminates the need for skid steers, excavator, and wheelbarrows. It's unique double conveying system "slings" the material right in place off the truck.

The Stone Slinger allows you to utilize its all wheel drive and remote control functions. Now STONE|SAND|TOP SOIL|MULCH can be placed right where you want it, the first time!

The Stone Slinger can get into the most difficult job sites. You can minimize your work and spend your time in some other demanding aspects of the project saving you time and money! For your project, big or small - give us a call!

One operator can unload and spread tons of STONE|SAND|TOP SOIL|MULCH in minutes - up to 100 feet from the truck. Difficult access areas are no challenge for the Stone Slinger.

Cost Savings:

Depending on the specific situation, the Stone Slinger can save you 40% to 50% when placing materials. No longer will you have the added costs of machines and extra men on location to move it manually. All it generally takes is one man only minutes to finish grade the material.



Bogen Concrete has been serving the construction industry since 1983. We are a locally owned and operated business delivering redi-mix concrete and now STONE|SAND|TOP SOIL|MULCH, commited to provide prompt and reliable service, at competitive prices. Even though we are able to tackle large commercial and residential projects, we still pride ourselves in being able to give personal and courteous service to customers needing less than a truck load.

Driveway Construction Tips for a Quality Driveway

Quality Driveway Construction

The following are recommendations for creating a quality driveway installation.

1. Planning and Preparation

* Concrete must be cast on a prepared subgrade that is uniform in soil composition and compaction.
* For drainage, the grade must be sloped a minimum of 1/8th inch per foot from all existing structures
* Stake formwork securely providing a minimum slab depth of 4 inches.
* Dampen the subgrade and formwork prior to placement (particularly during summer construction).

2. Mix Design Recommendations

The mix design recommended for driveway construction must meet the following requirements:

* Compressive strength: 4000 psi minimum @ 28 days (refer to local code requirements)
* Air Content: 6.5 +/- 1.5%
* Aggregates: coarse aggregates meeting MDOT 6AA (ASTM C33, 4S) classification
* Slump: 4 +/- 1 inch

3. Placing and Finishing Guidelines

To construct a durable wearing surface, the sequence for placing and finishing is as follows:

* Screeding or strike-off
* Floating, followed by a waiting period for the water sheen (bleed water) to dissipate
* Edging and jointing
* Brooming (to provide a non-slip surface)
* Do not finish the surface while bleed water is present.
* Do not 'bless" the surface with water to facilitate finishing.
* Do not steel trowel the surface…wood/magnesium floats are recommended.
* Steel trowelling can entrap bleedwater resulting in a non-durable surface
* Discharge from the mixer must be completed within 90 minutes of batching of concrete.
* Prolonged mixing or delayed placement will adversely affect the quality of the concrete with regards to air content and compressive strength.
* Control joints must be spaced at intervals not exceeding 10 feet with a minimum depth of cut equal to ¼ the slab thickness. A centerline control joint is required for driveways greater than 12 feet in width.
* Where new construction abuts existing structures (i.e. garage floors, brick veneer walls, fence posts, etc.) an isolation joint extending the full depth of the concrete slab is required.

4. Curing Requirements

* Following placement, the driveway must be cured to attain the strength and durability potential of the concrete.
* From mid-April to mid-September, cure the concrete incorporating one of the following methods:
* Apply a membrane curing compound according to the manufacturer's instructions.
* 7 day continuous water soaking
* Saturated burlap with polyethylene cover (secured in place)
* From mid-September to mid-April, employ a waterproof cover (i.e. insulating blankets) maintaining the curing temperature above 55°F for a minimum of 7 days.
* Cold weather concreting practices must be observed for concrete placed after November 1st.

5. Homeowner Care

* Do not drive on the 'new' concrete for at least 7 days.
* Do not allow water to drain beneath the slab ….. settlement cracks may develop.
* Do not allow snow and ice to accumulate the first winter ….. keep the driveway shoveled off.
* Do not apply deicing chemicals for snow and ice removal the first winter. As an alternative, sand can be used for traction.
* WARNING: Never use deicers containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate (i.e. fertilizers). Such products are known to aggressively attack concrete.
* Michigan is classified as a severe weathering region. Therefore, a sealer must be applied approximately 30 days following placement provided that the surface is dry and ambient temperatures are above 55°F.
* Contact your local Ready Mix producer (or building supply store) to purchase a concrete sealer.
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions for sealer application.
* Re-application of the sealer is generally required every 2 years.

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association
www.miconcrete.org

Concrete Care Tips For Homeowners

Homeowner Care of Concrete

Although concrete is one of the most durable construction products, it endures the harshest elements of our climate. Other wearing surfaces such as carpets and wood floors often have protective products applied (i.e. stain resistors and sealers) to extend their service life and durability while facilitating easier maintenance. To provide the same protection to your concrete driveway, it is recommended that it be treated with a protective sealer. By following the guidelines outlined in this brochure, your driveway will be durable and serviceable for many years to come.

Curing
Prior to applying a protective sealer, your driveway must be cured to attain the strength and durability potential of the concrete. Curing maintains the concrete at satisfactory moisture and temperature conditions to allow hydration to continue. Curing should commence following placement and extend a minimum of 7 days.

Any one of the following methods can be used:

* Spray on curing compound (according ASTM C309).
* Polyethylene cover.
* Seven day continuous water cure.
* Saturated burlap with polyethylene cover.

Of the methods mentioned, the spray on curing compound provides the most cost effective approach towards curing particularly during summer concrete construction.

Sealing
Once your driveway is cured and given an opportunity to air dry (approximately 1 month), it is now ready to be sealed. A protective sealer minimizes moisture and deicing salt penetration into the surface of the concrete. Concrete surfaces must be sealed when ambient temperatures are favorable and certainly before the onset of winter. Depending on the type of sealer, regular maintenance may be required. Contact you local ready mix producer for sealing products available in you area.

Care and Maintenance
Although concrete is an extremely durable product, the following care and maintenance guidelines will add to the value of your investment:

1. Do not apply deicing chemicals for snow and ice removal during the first winter. To provide traction, sand is recommended.
2. Never apply deicers containing ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate. These products may be packaged and sold as deicers, but aggressively attack and deteriorate concrete surfaces.
3. For stain removal, do not use harsh acids. Use a product specifically designed for the stain in question and for use on concrete.
4. Keep concrete clean of snow and ice at all times.


This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association
www.miconcrete.org

ICF Insulating Concrete Forms For Houses

Insulating Concrete Form Homes

Homes constructed with Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) walls are quiet, high quality, safe, energy efficient, durable, and cost efficient. But what exactly is an Insulating Concrete Form?

In a Nutshell

ICFs are forms into which concrete is poured to create the wall construction in a concrete structure. The forms stay in place as a permanent part of the wall and provide insulation, hinder sound, air and moisture transmission, and serve as the backer for any interior and exterior finishes imaginable.
How are ICFs Made?

ICFs are plastic foams filled with thousands of tiny holes. The foams are produced by “frothing-up” plastics while molten, then cooling them. There are many different types and brands of these forms, each created by varying ingredients and manufacturing methods. The ICFs sold in North America are made either of expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) or a cement-foam composite.

1. EPS-Cement Composites
Pure Foams
2. Polyurethanes
Polystyrenes
3. Expanded Polystyrenes (EPS)
4. Extruded Polystyrenes (XPS)
Type of ICF How It’s Made Characteristics
1 EPS-Cement Composite Formed from a mixture of portland cement and loose EPS beads - slightly lower insulating value
- very strong
- durable
- heavier, and require slightly more effort to cut and shape
2 Polyurethane Formed when an isocyanate and a polyol are mixed and react with one another. - more expensive than EPS and XPS
- highest insulating value
- comparable strength
- molded form only
3 EPS Made from polystyrene. Begins as small plastic beads that are expanded and fused together (similar to disposable, white foam coffee cups). - least expensive
- insulates well
- resistant to air and moisture infiltration
- moderately strong
- available in molded or sheet form
4 XPS Made from polystyrene. Begins as a continuous mass of molten material (similar to yellow foam trays used in meat department at the grocery store). - more expensive than EPS
- 25% higher insulating value than EPS
- greater resistance to water
- higher strength
- sheet form only

Information courtesy of the Portland Cement Association.

Although each type of ICF has a unique set of properties, all types create excellent houses. ICFs are extremely safe for you and your family; they retard flame, are nontoxic, give off no dangerous emissions, and are highly inert. So for superior quality and safety, build your home of concrete.

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association www.miconcrete.org

Cold Weather Concrete Tips

Cold Weather Concrete

Residential Concreting:"The COLD Facts"

With the arrival of fall and cooler temperatures, the placement of residential flatwork can continue, provided that the principles of "Cold Weather Concreting" are followed. By definition (ACI 306), cold weather conditions exist when "…for more than 3 consecutive days, the average daily temperature is less than 40°F AND the air temperature is not greater than 50°F for more than one-half of any 24 hr. period."

ACCELERATED EARLY STRENGTH GAIN

To overcome delayed strength and initial set development associated with cold weather conditions, one or a combination of the following mix adjustments are recommended:

* Substituting Type I with Type III cement
* Addition of calcium chloride admixtures
* Addition of non-chloride accelerators
* Increasing the Type I cement content by 100-200 lbs.

PLACEMENT GUIDELINES

* Do not place concrete on a frozen subgrade; upon thawing, uneven settlement and cracking are likely to occur.
* The minimum concrete temperature, as placed and maintained, must exceed 55°F. . . however, caution should be exercised with concrete temperatures above 75°F.
* Appropriate curing and cold weather protection must be incorporated to prevent the concrete from freezing.

CURING AND COLD WEATHER PROTECTION

To develop the strength, durability and permeability potential of the concrete, curing and protection during cold weather conditions are essential. The following guidelines are recommended upon placement:

* The curing period must extend a minimum of 7 days (maintaining the 55°F temperature).
* Do not seal freshly placed concrete. Sealing retains water in the concrete thereby keeping it saturated during freeze/thaw conditions.
* Cold weather protection is best provided through insulating blankets or loose straw (minimum 12 inches deep) sandwiched between a waterproof cover e.g. polyethylene.

MIX DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS

A minimum specified compressive strength of 4000 psi at 28 days is required for exterior flatwork exposed to cyclic freezing and thawing. The slump, as placed, should not exceed 5 inches with the exception of those mixes incorporating mid or high range plasticizers. The recommended air content is 6.5 ±1.5%.

OWNER CARE - FIRST WINTER

* Deicing salts must not be applied…for traction, sand is recommended.
* Do not allow snow and ice to accumulate…this maintains the concrete in a saturated condition during freeze-thaw conditions.

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association www.miconcrete.org

Hot Weather Concrete Practices

SUCCESSFUL HOT WEATHER CONCRETING

Throughout summer, difficulties in mixing, placing and curing concrete often arise. High ambient/concrete temperatures, low relative humidity, and moderately high wind velocities contribute to rapid evaporation of moisture from the surface and accelerated set characteristics (hydration). By reviewing the guidelines presented in this bulletin, you will recognize and be prepared for hot weather conditions.

RECOGNIZING HOT WEATHER

The evaporation chart located below can determine when precautions need to be exercised during hot weather conditions. Any combination of air temperature, relative humidity, concrete temperature, and wind velocity that results in an evaporation rate exceeding 0.10 lbs/ft2/hr will increase the probability of plastic shrinkage crack development and related finishing concerns. Precautions to minimize the rate of surface evaporation are recommended at this point. When the evaporation rate exceeds 0.20 lbs/ft2/hr, the recommended precautions become mandatory.

PLASTIC SHRINKAGE CRACKING

Plastic shrinkage cracks are defined as a network of discontinuous cracks that appear on the surface of a freshly cast concrete slab during or shortly after finishing. The cracks typically form parallel to each other at intervals up to 3 feet apart, penetrating the surface to a depth of 1-2 inches. Plastic shrinkage cracks develop when the rate of evaporation exceeds the rate of bleedwater migration to the surface. During placement, concrete is unable to withstand the tensile force resulting from the rapid evaporation of surface moisture (and associated linear shrinkage) eventually leading to plastic shrinkage crack formation.

CURING

Immediately following placement, cure the concrete with one of the noted techniques: membrane curing compound application, continuous seven day soaking, wet burlap/polyethylene cover, curing paper.

RECOMMENDED CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

To minimize the potential for plastic shrinkage crack development and related finishing concerns, the following recommendations are listed for planning your next hot-weather related construction project:

1. Prior to placement, dampen forms and subgrade materials.
2. Consult your ready mix supplier for hot weather mix design alternatives.
3. Schedule prompt transport, placement, and finishing of concrete. Whenever possible, schedule early morning placements.
4. Erect temporary windbreaks to reduce wind velocity over the concrete surface.
5. Erect temporary sunshades to reduce concrete surface temperatures.
6. To minimize surface evaporation, incorporate fog misting or evaporation retarders. Continue fog misting until curing is initiated. Evaporation retarders (usually polymers) can be spray applied following screeding with little or no affect on finishing or adhesion of membrane curing compounds.
7. Incorporate synthetic fibers (polypropylene) to resist shrinkage cracking.

Figure. 1 - Effect of concrete and air temperatures, relative humidity, and wind velocity on the rate of evaporation of surface moisture from concrete. This chart provides a graphic method of estimating the loss of surface moisture for various weather conditions. To use the chart follow the four steps outlined above. If the rate of evaporation approaches 0.2 lb/ft2/hr (1kg/m2/hr), precautions against plastic shrinkage cracking are necessary (Lerch 1957).

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association www.miconcrete.org

Concrete Parking Lot Construction Tips

Concrete Parking Area Construction

Suggested Specifications

General
Concrete parking lot pavements should be plain un-reinforced concrete built in accordance with the specifications.

Pavement Thickness
Slab depth for parking lots should be as shown on the plans.

Recommended parking area slab depths, based on use, are as follows:

* Light Use: 4" concrete - Parking for passenger cars, light trucks and occasional use by heavier trucks.
* Medium Use: 5" concrete - Driveways and parking areas for light to medium trucks plus occasional use by heavier trucks.
* Heavy Use: 6" or thicker concrete - Driveways and parking areas for heavier commercial and industrial trucks. (Pavements for heavy industrial trucks should be designed on an individual basis.)

Concrete Quality
In general, concrete should be mixed and delivered according to the requirements of ASTM C94, "Standard Specifications for Ready Mixed Concrete". Concrete specifications are as follows:

* Minimum compressive strength of 4000 psi at 28 days.
* Air content of 6½ ± 1½%
* Maximum five (5) inch slump. When mixes containing high range water reducers (superplasticizers) or combination of type A and type E admixtures (flowing concrete) are used, the slump as placed should not exceed eight (8) inches.
* Aggregates meeting ASTM C33 for severe exposure conditions.

Subgrade Preparation
The subgrade under all pavement should be brought to the required lines and grades and compacted to a uniform density. Any pockets of soft material that cannot be compacted should be removed and replaced with suitable material. Ready mixed concrete trucks and other equipment can operate on the prepared subgrade providing the subgrade is kept smooth and compacted prior to placing concrete. At the time of concrete placement, the subgrade should be in a moist, but not muddy condition. Adding granular sub-base material is not required. More information on subgrade preparation.

Concrete Placing, Finishing and Texturing
A uniform thickness of concrete (according to the design) should be placed on the prepared subgrade, adequately consolidated, and struck off to the proper elevation. All concrete should be placed continuously to prevent the formation of "cold joints". Wherever placement operations stop, a bulkhead will be installed to form a straight joint. Concrete should not be placed on a frozen subgrade. The sequence of finishing operations should be as follows: strike off and consolidation, floating (if necessary), edging, and texturing.
No finishing operations should be performed when there is excess moisture or bleed water on the surface. In general, adding water to the surface of the concrete to assist in finishing operations is not recommended.
Check the pavement surface with a ten foot straight edge.
A uniformly textured surface should be provided.

Curbs
Curbs should be constructed at the location shown on the plans. Curb and gutter can be constructed separately from the slab, or the curb may be cast integrally with the slab. The curbs should be textured to match the pavements.

Curing
Immediately after texturing, cover the surface with a white pigmented curing compound complying with ASTM Specification C309 (at the rate of one gallon per 200 square feet) or by 7-day coverage with white polyethylene or waterproof paper.
Mid-April to mid-September: Use a sprayed on curing compound applied according to the manufacturers recommendations. Mid-September to mid-April: Use waterproof covers and maintain curing for at least 7 days at temperatures above 40°F. If concrete sealers are to be used, allow a 30 day air drying period before applying the sealer.

Joints
The pavement should be jointed to control cracking. The joint lay out, compatible with the contractors paving method and equipment, must be submitted to the architect or engineer for approval prior to construction.
Longitudinal and transverse spacing should be at regular intervals. Individual spacing may vary slightly to meet catch basin and manhole castings. (The suggested transverse joint spacing is: 10 feet for 4" slabs, 12 feet for 5" slabs, and 15 feet for slabs 6". The suggested longitudinal joint spacing is 12 feet.)
Contraction joints may be made by sawing, tooling, or installing an approved insert to a minimum depth of 25% of the slab thickness. Sawed joints shall be cut as soon as possible without ravelling the concrete.
Joints should be continuous across the slab and must extend completely through the curb.
Install full depth expansion (isolation) joints, ½" thick, to isolate fixed objects abutting or within the paved area. These fixed objects include existing pavements, sidewalks, castings and structures.
Joints do not require sealing.

Opening to Traffic
Pavement under construction should be protected with barricades and all traffic (with the exception of joint sawing equipment) for seven (7) days.

Pavement Protection
The contractor is responsible for concrete placed during rain or cold weather and any concrete damaged by rain or low temperature should be removed and replaced at the contractor's expense.
When concrete is placed late in the year the contractor should submit a plan of his procedures for protection to the architect or engineer for approval prior to construction.

This information used by permission of the Michigan Concrete Association www.miconcrete.org

Concrete Tools, Blades, for Concrete Industry

Bogen Concrete is the place to purchase quality concrete tools, blades for the professional contractor and home owner as well.

From edgers to bullfloats we carry a variety of tools and supplies to fit our customers needs.

We are a supplier of tools for Kraft Tools and also Marshalltown. If there is a tool you need you can find it in there catalog. Give tool time dennis a call and he will place the order for you if we don't have it in stock.

From bullfloats to mag floats
chances are we have what you need in stock.

Using A Concrete Pump In Difficult Areas

Before going to the trouble of placing concrete in difficult areas, you must consider the perfect machine for placing concrete especially in tough to reach areas.

First Thing To Consider

To determine if a concrete pump is the proper equipment to use on your jobsite, you should look at several factors. Pumping is a very effeciant and reliable means of placing concrete, which makes it a very economical. Contacting your concrete pump provider will give you personal and courteous service to determine if a concrete pump is right for you.

Proper Concrete Pump Positioning

The primary concern when using a concrete pump truck during a pour is safely positioning the truck where the boom can reach the concrete. Make sure that there are no obstacles and inform your concrete pump provider if there are any obstacles before you place your order. Proper evaluation, prior to the pour are essential to providing an efficient experience.

Ordering Procedures

To maximize the effeciency of the concrete pump provider, it is important to schedule ahead of the pour and give the provider as much time as possible. This will allow the provider the ability to schedule the concrete pump to arrive prior to the concrete and allow the operator plenty of set up time.

Bogen Concrete has been serving the Michigan and Indiana area since 1983. Locally owned and operated business delivering redi-mix concrete along with stone, sand, topsoil and mulch with our Stone Slinger. Bogen Concrete also offers a 36 meter concrete pump for those hard to reach areas.