While concrete is extremely strong, it can also be very brittle if it’s not properly mixed and cured. Concrete failure can occur in a variety of ways because of the versatility of this material and all of its applications.

Each type of failure is different and has its own causes and solutions. It’s important to understand how these common types of failures occur so that your project is not negatively affected.

Keep reading to learn 5 tips for preventing concrete failure.

1. Avoid trapped air 

Trapped air bubbles in concrete can cause it to fail. Concrete is a mixture of gravel, sand, and cement (among other ingredients), and when this mix gets poured into forms or molds, trapped air bubbles can form. 

These bubbles result in weak spots that aren’t able to handle pressure.

To avoid trapped air when mixing concrete, ideally, you should hire a professional with a mixer truck rather than attempting to mix and pour on your own. 

When mixing on your own, you risk adding too much water to the mix or mixing it for too long. This can cause small cracks and fissures which will leave your concrete vulnerable as well. 

2. Don’t overload concrete forms

Overloading concrete is another common cause of concrete failure. While concrete is one of the strongest materials on the planet, different types have different limits. For example, reinforced concrete should be used if you anticipate supporting a large weight or structure.

Unfortunately, some cheap contractors like to cut corners here by using the wrong type of concrete to complete the job faster. Then, once heavy loads are placed on the concrete, it cracks.

3. Always use good quality raw materials

Using good quality raw materials is another way to avoid concrete failure. This goes for both the sand and gravel used in your mix as well as the cement itself.

If you’re not using a reputable supplier, there’s no telling what sorts of additives they may be including in their products (or if any at all). 

For example, recycled or fly ash cement can sometimes be used in place of traditional Portland cement. While this is cheaper, it also has a shorter lifespan and may not meet the standards you’re looking for.

The same goes for sand or gravel that doesn’t measure up to your specifications. If it’s too coarse, the concrete mix won’t have enough cohesion between particles which can cause the material to crumble.

If you want strong, durable, and long-lasting concrete, always make sure to use a reputable contractor and supplier for raw materials.

4. Use water treated with low levels of dissolved sulphate

Using water with low levels of dissolved sulphate is another way to avoid concrete failure. You see, metal ions (especially iron or steel) can lead to the formation of rust within your concrete mix which will make it vulnerable and prone to cracking.

The easiest thing you can do here is use deionized water in place of tap water. If this isn’t available, try to use water with low levels of dissolved sulphate. This will prevent the metal ions from being deposited into your concrete mix which will result in a stronger material overall.

5. Don’t use high-silica aggregates in areas with high humidity

If you’re using high-silica aggregates in areas with high humidity, you may run into concrete failure. This is because the aggregates will absorb moisture from the air, leading to cracks within your material over time.

For example, if you’re creating a sidewalk or patio in a high-humidity area like Louisiana, and you use this sort of aggregate without a waterproof coating, you may be in for a rude awakening.

6. Hire the professionals

Concrete failure is expensive. The best way to avoid it is by hiring the professionals at Port Aggregates.

At PAI, our professional concrete contractors are skilled in creating bubble-free, high-quality pours in high-humidity areas like Louisiana.  We use only the best quality materials for our mixes and never cut corners to save money or time. 

Contact us today to request a quote for your next residential or commercial project!

The post How to Avoid Concrete Failure appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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A retaining wall is necessary for any landscape project. 

Without them, shorelines will quickly erode or flood, and gardens become overgrown with weeds.

The most popular type of retaining wall is the traditional concrete block style that has been around since the 1950s.

However, plenty of other options are available. One such option is a type of limestone called rip rap.

This bulky stone offers an array of benefits. When used as a retaining wall, it’s:

1. Aesthetically pleasing

A rip rap retaining wall is an attractive way to add some interest and excitement to your yard or city shoreline. The irregular shapes of the stones give it a more natural, rustic look that complements a variety of styles.

2. Eco-friendly

Because limestone can be obtained from quarries, it has less environmental impact than other materials like concrete and steel. It is also a sedimentary rock, which means that it’s formed over time from the weathering of other rocks.

The process of obtaining limestone does not involve chemical treatments or strong acids like some materials do. It helps to protect the environment and human health during and after its creation.

In addition, limestone is a natural sponge that absorbs water. This makes it an especially good choice for areas like the South that experience heavy rainfall and hurricanes.

3. Great for protection against the elements and erosion

Thanks to its irregular shape, rip rap can be useful in more urban areas to protect buildings from heavy rains and flooding. It also prevents soil at construction sites from getting washed away by rainfall or runoff water that carries mud and silt into nearby waterways.

4. Long-lasting

Rip rap is a long-lasting material that can remain in your landscape for many years. Since it’s made from limestone, you can also rely on this material for its strength and durability. Unlike certain materials like cinder blocks, rip rap will not break down over time.

In addition, the limestone itself has been around since prehistoric times and will likely be here until another type of rock comes along to replace it. This provides an excellent return on investment compared with materials like wood or plastic which need replacing every few decades.

5. Easy to maintain

One of the final benefits of rip rap is that it’s easy to maintain. Unlike traditional concrete block walls, you don’t need to replace these stones since they’re not attached together with mortar or cement.

Instead, each stone rests on top of the other and can be removed when necessary (if repairs are needed or if you want to create a new design).

In addition, the irregular shapes and sizes of rip rap makes it easy to find just what you need for your project, whether that’s one large piece or several smaller ones. This is unlike many other types of retaining wall stone which are sold in pre-cut pieces.

Port Aggregates offers three types of rip rap: 10lb rip rap (6-10”), 30lb rip rap, and 55lb rip rap. Whether your goal is to prevent erosion or simply create a garden, we’ve got just what you need. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in numerous sizes to suit your special needs. Contact us today to request a quote

The post 5 Reasons to Choose a Rip Rap Retaining Wall appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Around the world, concrete is one of the most commonly used materials in construction.

From concrete patios and walls, to intricate fountains and fireplaces, this versatile material is perfect for any project in your home or business.

In this blog post, we will discuss four reasons why concrete should be the building material you choose for your next project.

1. Strength and Resilience

The secret to concrete’s durability is all in the science. When cement is mixed with water, a chemical reaction called hydration occurs. This reaction bonds the two substances together rather than just holding them together. The resulting chemical bond prevents concrete from crumbling, breaking apart, or pitting. 

Concrete’s strength and durability allow it to withstand even the most extreme conditions, such as underwater environments, deserts, and extremely cold climates. It’s one of the most fire-resistant materials, and doesn’t burn like wood or other organic fixtures.

Not only is concrete strong, but it also gets stronger as it ages–unlike other construction materials that erode over time. This process is called hardening, and it occurs as a result of the formation of calcium silicate hydrate as the cement continues to hydrate. The integrity of concrete can last for decades. On average, you can expect concrete to last three times longer than most building materials.

2. Low Maintenance

Once concrete is poured and set, the job is pretty much complete. Unlike other building materials, concrete requires little to no maintenance; there’s no need to worry about discoloration or laborious upkeep. 

3. Versatility

Concrete can be applied in numerous ways — hand-applied, sprayed, pumped, poured, and more. When freshly mixed, it is malleable enough to be poured and molded into anything. Builders can even replicate the appearance of wood or bricks by stamping the concrete.

You’re really only limited by your own imagination when you pour concrete. From stamping designs to creating elaborate patterns, there are endless design possibilities, making it a first choice for many builders.

4. Affordability

One of the greatest benefits of concrete is its affordability. Because concrete can be poured into just about any shape or size, it does not require extra materials to maintain its form. As a result, the overall cost of your project will be significantly less than if you were trying to work with other building materials such as tile or stone.

On top of that, concrete’s low maintenance combined with its durability reduce the overall operating costs and insurance. Even after disasters, rebuilds are a lot less cost exhaustive than they are with other materials.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, versatile, and long-term solution, concrete is the best material for the job, and our dedicated experts here at Port Aggregates have you covered. Contact us today to start your next concrete project!

The post 4 Reasons Why You Should Use Concrete in Your Next Project appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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For the majority of south and east coast residents, the fear of hurricane season is at the forefront of their minds.

As global warming continues to worsen, we can anticipate these storms to get progressively stronger over time.

Understandably, this creates a great amount of fear for everyone and likely leaves you wondering what you can do to prevent damage the next time around.

When building a house in these hurricane-prone areas, you should always talk to your contractor about your options. They will likely present to you two choices: wood and precast concrete

The benefits of both materials are endless, but there are also disadvantages to consider.

Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the pros and cons of each material, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

Wood

Pros

One of the biggest benefits of wood is that it’s a relatively cheap material compared to precast concrete. It can be made from a variety of resources, such as bamboo or cedar, which will make it more eco-friendly in the long term. Wood is also easier to alter and transport if you’re not happy with the structure of your home once it’s built.

Cons

Wood does not stand up well against high winds in a storm. Not to mention, it will only add fuel to the fire if you live in an area where forest fires are common. Wood structures may also have to be replaced more often than precast concrete and other building materials, thanks to decay from termites or other natural occurrences.

Precast Concrete

Pros

Precast concrete is stronger, heavier, and more durable than wood when it comes to withstanding bad storms or hurricanes. There are also a variety of precast concrete materials to choose from, which can allow you to get creative with your architectural design.

Concrete lasts for decades against all forces of nature, is a better insulator than wood, and is resistant to termites.

Cons

Unfortunately, concrete isn’t technically environmentally-friendly, but this is the sacrifice you’ll have to make to save your house during a hurricane.

Precast concrete is also more expensive and time-consuming than wood structures during the building process, but you truly get what you pay for in this industry.

If you’re looking for a material that will withstand a hurricane, then precast concrete is your best bet. At Port Aggregates, we offer the highest quality concrete in the state, which is why we’ve been a trusted industry professional for over 40 years. Contact us today to request a quote

The post Building a Home in a Hurricane-Prone Area: What You Need to Know appeared first on Port Aggregates.

Every 100 minutes, the Louisiana coast loses an entire football field’s worth of wetlands to erosion.

If you’ve ever been near the coast, chances are that you’ve seen rip rap in place to prevent this from happening.

Rip rap is a type of large rock that’s often made of crushed granite. Manmade or natural, these rocks are often about a foot in diameter and offer several benefits.

The many advantages of rip rap

Rock rip rap is used to protect streambanks, channels, slopes, shorelines, inlets, outlets, and many other erosion-prone areas. It stabilizes and fills slopes that are unstable due to seepage and helps slow the velocity of concentrated runoff. 

Not to mention, it’s also extremely easy to use and install, requiring virtually no maintenance. When placed over a filler material such as fabric, sand, or gravel, it can prevent soil from seeping through the stone and protect the underlying natural material.

Uniform vs. graded

Rip rap comes in two forms: uniform and graded. Uniform rip rap is delivered in pieces that are similar in size, whereas graded comes in a variety of different sizes. Graded rip rap is cheaper to install and better at withstanding stone movement, which is why it’s often preferred over uniform. 

Port Aggregates offers three types of rip rap: 10lb rip rap (6-10”), 30lb rip rap, and 55lb rip rap. Whether your goal is to prevent erosion or simply create a garden, we’ve got just what you need. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in numerous sizes to suit your special needs. Contact us today to request a quote

The post How Rip Rap Helps With Erosion Prevention appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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If you’ve ever walked along a shoreline or under a bridge, chances are that you’ve seen what’s called rip rap

This rocky material is a form of crushed limestone that comes in a range of sizes. It can be anywhere from 4 inches to over 2 feet in width, depending on how fast the surrounding water moves and the steepness of the slope that it will be placed upon.

What Does Rip Rap Do?

The main purpose of rip rap is to prevent erosion on a pond bank, hill, or slope. Without this protection, roadways wash out, bridges become compromised, and property gets lost.

However, erosion prevention is not its only benefit. 

Contractors prefer rip rap because of its extreme durability and natural appearance. The reliability and affordability of this material make it the ideal choice for protecting bridges, pilings, shorelines, and streambeds from damage caused by water and ice.

Rip rap also buffers the impact of waves crashing against the shore and the force of water against the bank. In these cases, a larger grade (like our #1x4G) is installed over a textile for ultimate protection.

Where Can Rip Rap be Used?

Rip rap is most useful to structures or shorelines that are continuously exposed to rushing water. For example: near a bridge that’s located alongside an embankment, adjacent to waterway supports, and along a lake shoreline or the outer bank of a river bend.

It can also be used to build low-lying dividing walls or planting areas. In really steep slopes or high drainage areas, wire mesh or chain link is needed at the base of the decline to hold the rip rap in place.

At Port Aggregates, we offer three types of rip rap:

10lb rip rap (6-10”)30lb rip rap55lb rip rap

Regardless of whether you’re looking to prevent bridge erosion or simply trying to build a garden, we’ve got you covered. Our high-quality crushed limestone is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet your unique needs. Contact Port Aggregates today to request a quote

The post Rip Rap: The Original Rock Wall appeared first on Port Aggregates.

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After last year, we can all use a little extra fun this summer.

Not ready to go out yet? No worries!

By adding a patio to your backyard or enhancing your current one, you can bring the party straight to your house.

A stamped concrete patio is one of the best investments you can make this summer for a few reasons:

1. The material is unmatched

Compared to other popular choices like wood or pavers, stamped concrete is substantially more durable, easier to install, and requires a lot less maintenance. Not to mention, it can mimic the appearance of any other material at the most budget-friendly price on the market.

2. It can be made to match any style

The stamped concrete process is pretty self-explanatory. It gets its appearance through specially-designed rubber roller stamps that are pressed into the wet material. Whether you want your slab to look like tile, wood, brick, or precious stone, it’s all possible.

The options are truly endless with this type of concrete. Using stains, dyes, colored epoxy finishes, engravings, and overlays, your patio can be made to match any color scheme and incorporate any special logos, designs, patterns, or other features.

3.  It opens up the door to so many possibilities

A stamped concrete patio can transform your yard into the ultimate summer fun space. Have you always wanted an outdoor kitchen? Are your kids fantasizing about roasting marshmallows over an open fire this summer?

All of this is possible when you have a beautiful outdoor space to gather. No matter what your style or taste is, you can make your dreams come true with a stamped concrete patio.

Don’t let COVID steal another summer. Turn your home into the ultimate staycation resort with decorative concrete! At Port Aggregates, we’re here to help you create the perfect concrete patio to match your unique taste.

With more than 40 years in business and 24 locations across Louisiana, our contractors are well-versed in decorative concrete installation and design. Contact Port Aggregates today to request a quote

The post 3 Benefits of a Stamped Concrete Patio appeared first on Port Aggregates.