EDITORIAL COMMENT

  • The One-Stop Shop

    The WOC is the one-stop shop that involves everything relative to concrete.

     

NEWS

Construction Joint Challenges

  • Image

    2009 Construction Joint Challenge Winner

    Among the 60 entries to CC's Construction Joint Challenge, Richard Albright, owner, Richard O. Albright Inc., Carmel, Ind., won first place with his detailed layout of isolation joints.

     

FEATURES

Other Articles

  • Image

    Polycarboxylate Ether and Slabs

    Modern concrete technology has uncoupled workability with water content through the use of surface active dispersants that interfere with the natural flocculation process of unhydrated cement in water.

     
  • Image

    Levelness of Slabs

    Achieving a flat and level elevated slab is a challenge, but one that has been met by many concrete contractors.

     
  • Image

    State of the Concrete Industry

    Here are five reasons we feel the concrete business will come back strong—and before you know it.

     

DECORATIVE CONCRETE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Winners

  • Flor De Vida

    This year's Decorative Concrete Project of the Year is Flor De Vida, which means “the flower of life” in Spanish.

     

Entries

  • Woodland Elementary School, Alexandria, MN

    Woodland Elementary School will open fall 2009 for kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as Head Start and district offices.

     
  • Waves of Wheat and Wine, Half Moon Bay, CA

    The homeowners of this project, Tracy and Mark Halbersleben, live on the California coast and spend most of their summers in Hawaii.

     
  • First Team Realtors

    A welcoming round table awaits your arrival as a reception desk at First Team Real Estate in Newport Beach, Calif.

     
  • Surfer Bath

    The homeowners for this project live on the California coast, and spend most of their summers in Hawaii.

     
  • Hudson YMCA

    The Hudson YMCA's carpets were worn out and had visible stains and water damage, which hurt the building's overall appeal.

     
  • Raising Cane's, Las Vegas, NV

     
  • Ranch House, La Grange, TX

    Here is one of our latest retroplate diamond-polished, acid-stain jobs.

     
  • Reustle-Prayer Rock Vineyard, Roseburg, OR

    The building was constructed in a hillside with concrete masonry block and 832 yards of concrete as its starting point.

     
  • San Elijo Nature Center, Carlsbad, CA

    Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects, San Diego, designed the San Elijo Nature Center with the goal of increasing awareness and education of both the nature preserve and the environment.

     
  • The Simpsons Ride (Universal Studios), Universal City, CA

    Universal Studios' The Simpsons Ride's decorative concrete surface began to crack and peel just two weeks after the attraction opened in May 2008.

     
  • Sea World Manta "Ride the Flying Ray"

    Edwards Concrete Company, Winter Garden, Fla., started the "Ride the Flying Ray" roller coaster at Sea World in Orlando, Fla., in January 2009 and completed work April 30, 2009.

     
  • Hitchcock Residence

    The concept for this project was to paint the ocean floor, including sand, shoreline, coral, and sea life, on the floors of this residence.

     
  • Taylor Residence

    When the Taylors of Upland, Calif., decided to remodel their kitchen, they wanted a project that reflected their personal and professional commitments to the green movement.

     
  • Poolside Pergola

    Rick Barba, the homeowner and owner of Barba Concrete, Frankfort, Ill., called Vertical Artisans, New Lenox, Ill., because he had some pillars he wanted to have decorated around his pool, and wanted Vertical Artisans to train his crew in vertical handcarved concrete.

     
  • All Star Resorts

    At a popular theme park resort in Florida, vacationers are treated to an all-star experience of their choice.

     
  • Green Envy

    This project by CounterCrete, Van Wert, Ohio, was completed November 20, 2008.

     
  • Highway 275

    This project started about three years ago, and may continue in the future, but is complete for now.

     
  • Crossroads Community Church

    Crossroads Community Church in Kearney, Mo., was an initially minor job that became a challenge for Lodder Concrete, Kansas City, Mo., due to an unlevel floor.

     
  • Hart Project

    This project by Unique Concrete, West Milford, N.J., includes a pool surround, connecting sidewalks, and concrete work on top of an existing elevated wooden deck.

     
  • Cardinale Project

    This project by Unique Concrete, West Milford, N.J., includes a pool area, a set of steps, and a connecting sidewalk.

     
  • Snake Bite

    This project by CounterCrete, Van Wert, Ohio, was completed in March 2009.

     
  • Bouchard Residence

    Joe Bouchard of Las Vegas came to Seasons Inc., North Las Vegas, Nev., after a flood ruined his hardwood flooring.

     
  • Sunroom

    The first step in this project was finding a desirable brick for replication.

     
  • The Design Center

    Cement Elegance, Bend, Ore., used GFRC technology with fiberglass mesh on the surface and back to create the large 3/4-inch-thick facade cladding panels on this fireplace.

     
  • White Beauty

    This project was completed June 4, 2009.

     
  • Coronado Rotary Plaza

    Rotary Park, in Coronado, Calif., is a centrally-located triangular spot along the city's main avenue.

     
  • Salt Man

    The Dri-Rite Company, which packages salt and oil-absorbing products, wanted to remodel the front entrance of its Chicago location.

     
  • Concrete Tile

    This project by Concrete Dream Works Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was completed on an existing driveway pad that was approximately five years old.

     
  • Nazarro Project

    This project by Unique Concrete, West Milford, N.J., was constructed to support a very large motor home.

     
  • Residential Fireplace

    This residential fireplace was made entirely out of concrete.

     
  • Union Hill

    The Union Hill Homes Association contacted Artistic Concrete Surfaces, Olathe, Kan., because it wanted to revive its historic area in concert with the revitalization of the rest of downtown Kansas City.

     
  • Burton Residence

    The pool coping, planters, and wall caps on this project by Ozark Patterned Concrete Inc., Lowell, Ark., were colored using bone color hardener and sand release, then imprinted with slate skins, and jointed to provide a cut stone appearance.

     
  • Campbell's

    This project by Colour, Placerville, Calif., began with an almost 80-year-old floor that was so deteriorated it looked like old exposed aggregate.

     
  • Chateau Victoria - Clive's Lounge

    This project was a major renovation of Clive's Classic Lounge and the public washrooms at the Chateau Victoria Hotel & Suites in Victoria, British Columbia.

     
  • Chino Creek Wetlands and Educational Park Center

    Beeson Masonry and Concrete Inc. had the opportunity to participate installing a pervious parking area for the Chino Creek Wetlands & Educational Park Center in Chino Hills, Ca., in part with the Inland Empire Utilities Agency.

     
  • Cub Foods, Eagan, Minn.

    When a new Cub Foods was being built in Eagan, Minn., the owners decided polishing was a smarter and more cost-effective option than tile or stained flooring due to its durability and ease of maintenance

     
  • Downtown Civic Space, Phoenix. AZ

    Located in the heart of Phoenix, this project was designed by the architectural team at EDAW.

     
  • The Fallout Art Co-op, Studio 3

    This project is located at The Fallout's art co-op building in Studio 3, which is used for performing arts.

     
  • The Fallout

    This project was done at the The Fallout's urban art center building, in a room off the art gallery.

     
  • Horton Farms

    A Running Bond Cobblestone imprinted concrete drive between natural stone walls leading to a board-imprinted covered bridge provide the entry to Horton Farms.

     
  • Johnny McGuire's, Las Vegas, NV

    Johnny McGuire's is a deli in Las Vegas that Floor Season Inc., North Las Vegas, Nev., was contracted to do in Las Vegas in May 2009.

     
  • Marriott Camelback Inn, Paradise Valley, AZ

    The Marriott Camelback Inn is located along the prestigious Lincoln Drive in Paradise Valley, Ariz., which is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the southwestern United States.

     
  • Mavarkis Custom Water Structure, Perryopolis, PA

    This custom structure was built for a client ON-CRETE concepts did previous overlay work for.

     
  • MedAmerica Billing Services Inc., Modesto, CA

    Renovations of the MedAmerica Billing Services office in Modesto, Calif., by Concrete by Hallack, Turlock, Calif., began with the removal of the tile and carpet flooring.

     
  • Mexico Bath, Half Moon Bay, CA

    The clients for this project once lived in Mexico.

     
  • Pacific Wok, St. Cloud, MN

    Pacific Wok is a Japanese-style dine-in or takeout restaurant with a unique look and feel.

     

Other Articles

CONCRETE SURFACES

Problem Clinic

  • Image

    Proper Prep Before Work Starts

    I'm relatively new to the concrete polishing business. My company has been involved in treating stone and tile floors for years, and recently began to polish more concrete surfaces. Recently, we were asked to bid on a project that featured a concrete floo

     

Product Selection Guide

  • Product Selection Guide — Hardeners & Densifiers

    Hardeners and densifiers increase the life of a plain or decorative concrete slab. They are an ideal finishing touch for colored concrete, manufacturing environments, and even outdoor pedestrian and swimming areas.

     

Products

Showcase

  • Image

    To Seal or Not

    Pavement design engineers specify joint sealants in pavements and slabs to minimize surface water from infiltrating the pavement slab's joint.

     

Features

  • Image

    Seeking Consensus

    Last October, I moderated a seminar in which I first offered insights on the status of specifications found in concrete polishing contracts. Held at the International Concrete Polishing and Staining Conference in Atlanta, I ended my session by asking, “What should be the model specification for...

     

A Closer Look

  • Image

    Sealing the Deal

    Engineers with the City of Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, took a bold step and used high-performance concrete (HPC) for the deck of the new Provencher Bridge.

     

Other Articles

  • Evaluating Concrete Surfaces

    A review of the as-found condition of the surfaces of hardened, concrete slab-on-grades, polishing contractors should be aware of prior to bidding a project. As well as resources from which contractors can learn more.

     
  • World of Concrete on Tap: Feb. 2-5, Las Vegas

    World of Concrete, the world's largest trade show devoted to concrete construction is just weeks away!

     

RESIDENTIAL CONCRETE

Other Articles

  • Image

    Concrete for Sustainable Housing

    When you consider that residential structures contribute 21% of all the CO2 produced in the U.S. and commercial structures add another 18%, it stands to reason the construction industry and its products play a critical role in sustainability.

     

NEWS & EVENTS

ERLIN & HIME ON CONCRETE

  • Image

    Excess Leads to Standardization

    The complex bases for the cracks are resolved in this month's finale, which includes the key factor that changes speculation into reality.

     

SLABS ON GRADE

  • Image

    Dog Work

    There's a good reason why World of Concrete draws best in Las Vegas: contractors are inveterate optimists who are ever-confident in their abilities to improvise, adapt, and overcome.

     

DECORATIVE CONCRETE

Other Articles

  • Image

    Using Acid Stains

    Acid stain technology is at least 120 years old, exceeded only by integral color as a concrete coloring medium.

     

JOBSITE PRODUCTS

  • Image

    Portable Power

    Two compressor/generator combination models provide portable air and power in one machine.

     
  • Image

    Portable Power

    The company's line of mobile generators includes 10 recently upgraded models ranging from 25 to 570 kVA that meet current EPA emissions regulations in North America.

     
  • Image

    Portable Power

    The EB Series of industrial generators are powered by a Honda GX commercial-grade OHV engine.

     
  • Image

    Portable Power

    The M200 Mobilair is powered by a 186-hp Caterpillar diesel engine and provides 750 cfm at 100 psig.

     
  • Image

    Bid DOT Jobs Faster

    Make the bidding job easier by automating the process with HeavyBid.

     
  • Image

    Speed Up Estimating

    KeyEst–Trade Specific Estimating Software uses an interactive database for a complete and concise bid.

     
  • Image

    All-In-One Tool

    QuestMX 8.6 combines the company's Estimator, Digital Takeoff, and Earthwork programs into one system.

     
  • Image

    Collaborate Online 24/7

    This Web-based collaborative project management service platform simplifies workflow with accessible information and documentation.

     
  • Image

    Easy-to-Use Estimator

    ProEst Estimating 2010 combines an intuitive user interface, easy-to-use screens, and estimations into one program.

     
  • Image

    Lightweight Face Sheets

    Western Forms Alum-A-Ply face sheets are lightweight and require less oiling.

     
  • Image

    Versatile Lightweight Excavator

    The redesigned M-Series E32 conventional tail swing excavator features a re-engineered house that reduces overhang by 45%.

     
  • Image

    Self-Cleaning Cement

    When exposed to sunlight, photocatalytic TX Active cements react to resist common pollutants that can dull, stain, or discolor concrete.

     
  • Image

    Pump Meets Tier 3 Standards

    The iP36-280DS diesel-powered waterjet intensifier pump is ideal for remote and mobile locations where electricity is scarce.

     
  • Image

    Tile and Stone Waterproofing

    Mapelastic AquaDefense liquid-applied waterproofing can be applied under ceramic tile or stone to protect surfaces from water damage.

     
  • Image

    Slipform Paver

    The SF-2700's narrow side clearance and low profile make it great for use in residential street, overlay, and rehab work.

     
  • Image

    Create 3-D Models Without Writing Code

    Simio simulation software is easy to learn-users can create 3-D components without writing code-yet are able to model a wide range of complex systems.

     
  • Image

    Size and Engine Choices

    Stone Smooth Operator power trowels are available in 24-, 36-, 46-, and 48-in. diameters and balanced with a cast-iron spider, rotating stabilizing ring, and variable blade adjustments.

     
  • Image

    All-Hydraulic Operation

    This hydraulic-powered riding trowel includes a 60-hp Cummins Turbo Diesel engine, low weight-to-horsepower ratio, and reliable hydraulic components for peak performance.

     
  • Image

    Three Engine Options

    The three models in the expanded CRT 48 ride-on trowel series feature improved steering, a torsion-assist steering system, and an engineered clutch and belt specifically designed for durability.

     

PRODUCTS SOLVING PROBLEMS

  • Image

    CPR Saves Oklahoma Freeway

    A survey of the Oklahoma City section of I-44 proved to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) that it was in desperate need of repair. Their solution: concrete pavement restoration (CPR).

     

PROBLEM CLINIC

Other Articles

  • Image

    Concrete Technology Today and Beyond

    With lower volumes of work in a slower construction market, companies are challenged to be smarter, better organized, and more productive.

     
  • An Efficient Change of Direction

    Few modern-day structures match the grandeur or complexity of the Hoover Dam. The American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, Va., rates it as one of America's seven modern civil engineering wonders. Standing 724 feet tall and 660 feet at its widest point, the dam draws nearly 1 million tourists...

     
  • China to be world's largest construction market by 2018

    China will overtake the US as the world's largest construction market by 2018, and would be about four times larger than India's at the end of the next decade, according to a report by market analyst Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics.

     
  • Image

    Wayne Brothers Largest Mat Pour

    Wayne Brothers, Inc. made the largest single concrete placement to date in the company's 24-year history.

     
  • ESH's Pervious Parking Lot

    The Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury committed to implementing "Go Green" programs in 2009, adapting recycling processes to reduce or eliminate excess landfill use. The hospital reached even farther in its efforts to positively impact the environment, constructing an entire parking...

     
  • On a Roll

    Ward Pedley Jr. might be the face of polished concrete. The head of Pedley Concrete in Owensboro, Ky., has been a concrete contractor for 28 years and has branched into polished concrete in just the last two years.

     
  • Image

    A New Bridge Deck in 11 Hours

    A bridge leading visitors to a Harley Davidson plant in Milwaukee had seen better days. A combination of heavy traffic and brutal winter weather had taken its toll on the concrete surface.

     
  • Image

    As Sustainable as it is Gorgeous

    For clothing designer/retailer Eileen Fisher, sustainability and authenticity were the winning combination.