Concrete Thoughts

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The New New Normal
We've gotten used to a new normal ... but the recovery efforts on improving everything seem to indicate something more. Something better and not just a rebound from some tough times.
January 12, 2024
Architectural Concrete Vs Decorative Concrete
Perception, Perspective & Purpose
December 27, 2023
Everything Is Change
Everything Is Change
October 27, 2023
The Language of Embodied Carbon
The Language of Embodied Carbon
August 29, 2023
StarCrete Space Concrete Could Be Made With Potatoes
Martian Masonry: Space Concrete Could Be Made With Potatoes?
June 5, 2023
Concrete Safety
Safety Is A Concrete Idea
May 26, 2023
Recommended
“I’ve been using Bobcat equipment for years on my farm in Waco, and I can’t imagine working without it. My Bobcat machines have empowered me to bring some of my biggest ideas to life,” said Gaines.
Bobcat Hires Magnolia Co-founder Gaines
From tending gardens to managing goats, pigs, and horses, Gaines is already sharing the work he is accomplishing with his Bobcat equipment.
March 11, 2024
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Taking Off On A Runway Revamp at Albert J. Ellis Airport
Strategic planning and teamwork create smooth
landing pad for $10.4 million pavement maintenance job.
March 11, 2024
Building Trades Recovery Week - Breaking Down Stigma and Creating Hope
Recovery Week: Breaking Down Stigma & Creating Hope
Hope, help, and healing come through recovery. The story behind Building Trades Recovery Week, how it started in Boston, and is now spreading throughout the New England construction industry.
March 11, 2024
Latest
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Announcing Concrete Contractor's 2023 Top Products
Watch this video announcement of the Concrete Contractor 2023 Top Products award - recognizing the products, tools, and equipment within the concrete construction, decorative concrete, concrete finishing industries (and everything between).
May 12, 2023
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Welcome Home from World of Concrete
Despite doing as much as we could—we weren't able to see EVERYTHING from World of Concrete 2023. What was the one thing that stood out for you?
February 27, 2023
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You Can Have Two ... But Not All Three
While attending the ACI 2022 Fall Convention, I was introduced to an interesting construction meme based on some commentary of construction projects. Humorous as it was, I think there's a hidden factor encircling the entire concept.
January 25, 2023
Concrete Contractor January/February 2023 Editor's Letter
15 Years of Tradeshows: A Couple of Simple Notes
I've been attending tradeshows (from mind-meltingly packed to the more easy-goingly small) for 15+ years so I've collected a couple of thoughts on attending.
January 16, 2023
Hot Mixing and Lime Key to Roman Concrete Durability
Researchers Crack the Recipe of Roman Concrete Mix
Where once pozzolanic material like volcanic ash was the key, turns out the secret to the durability of Roman concrete was quicklime and hot mixing.
January 9, 2023
Schrodinger’s Covid
Schrodinger’s Covid
In an attempt to attend a concrete convention, I was reminded of the threat of COVID up-front and personally. This is the new world.
November 7, 2022
Concrete Contractor July/August/September 2022 Editor's Log
One Thing At A Time
Despite the challenges; one problem at a time, one solution at a time.
August 25, 2022
A Few Random Concrete Happenings
In Case You Missed It: 7 Random Concrete Happenings
In the interest of spring cleaning, I'd like to share a short collection of some noteworthy happenings of the concrete industry I had collected over the past few months.
May 19, 2022
A Large Industry with a Small Town Mindset
February 25, 2022
Welcome to 2022
January 28, 2022
Ask vs. Need
How do you handle a homeowner that doesn’t know how to get what they want?
December 17, 2021
Concrete Competition Show - Concrete Combat
I Got Paid to Watch a Reality Show About Concrete
Sakrete launched the online competition series "Concrete Combat." So, I watched it. Who will cement their name in history and who will crack under the pressure? Spoiler free.
August 30, 2021
What Will The Next 10 Years Look Like?
August 24, 2021
I Think Some Recognition is in Order
June 25, 2021
Diamond Ground Concrete_Phoenix_5_courtesy Randy Everett
A Good Story is Not One to Waste - The Top 5 Concrete Stories of April 2021
The most popular stories concrete contractors found on ForConstructionPros.com/concrete from April 2021.
May 12, 2021
Conterra Restoration and a suite of Aquajet Hydrodemolition equipment provided an eco-friendly solution during a multi-year, multi-million dollar parking garage renovation in Toronto’s East End.
A Good Story is Not One to Waste - The Top 5 Concrete Stories of March 2021
The most popular stories concrete contractors found on ForConstructionPros.com/concrete from March 2021.
April 21, 2021
Three Things to Expect at WOC 2021
Looking forward, here a few things we anticipate seeing at the first major in-person tradeshow for the state of Nevada. Will we see you there?
April 21, 2021
Is it Polite Behavior, or Just Good Business?
March 31, 2021
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The Top Concrete Stories of February 2021
The most popular stories concrete contractors found on ForConstructionPros.com/concrete from February 2021.
March 11, 2021
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The Top Concrete Stories of January 2021
The most popular stories concrete contractors found on ForConstructionPros.com/concrete from January 2021.
February 17, 2021
The Concrete Contractor Editorial Advisory Board
Members of the Concrete Contractor Editorial Advisory Board
January 27, 2021
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The Top Concrete Stories of December 2020
The most popular stories concrete contractors found on ForConstructionPros.com/concrete from December 2020.
January 13, 2021
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What are Your Critical Issues?
An Open Letter to Concrete Contractors
December 22, 2020
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Lunar Construction & Lunar Concrete
Research papers suggest ideas on how to construct a permanent building on the moon.
November 25, 2020
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Develop a Plan to Avert the Employee Shortage
Market your industry and company to potential employees
September 26, 2019
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Bamboo Helps Make Concrete Both Stronger & More Sustainable
Abundant, sustainable and extremely resilient, bamboo has potential to become an ideal steel replacement for concrete reinforcement.
April 5, 2016
A 175,000 gallon tank for the seals is part of the new exhibit at the Henry Villas Zoo. Contractors used No. 3 rebar and wire mesh to create the structures. The Nassal Company has been subcontracted to perform the theming work.
Revisiting the Arctic Passage Project
In the January 2015 issue of Concrete Contractor, we featured the Arctic Passage renovation project at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin. The project is now complete and scheduled to open to the public on May 23, 2015.
May 21, 2015
Messenger Bag
Company Gives Old Cement Bags a New Life
Concrete Mode turns empty cement bags into useful items like iPad cases, messenger bags, pencil cases and more.
September 27, 2013
Stiffer pavements offer increased fuel efficiency over flexible ones.
How to Communicate Concrete’s Sustainability Message
The industry needs to do a better job of promoting its contributions to sustainable construction practices.
August 28, 2013
Release of OSHA's Proposed Rule on Crystalline Silica Is Nearing
After years of delay in the White House's Office of Management and Budget, the construction industry will likely see OSHA's plans for silica dust exposure very soon
July 12, 2013