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The Role of Concrete Paving in Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD)

As urban populations grow, cities face increasing pressure to create efficient, accessible, and sustainable spaces that meet the needs of residents, businesses, and commuters. Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD) are emerging as a solution, blending residential, commercial, and recreational areas around transit hubs. Concrete paving plays a crucial role in shaping these developments, offering durability, functionality, and sustainability. For commercial concrete and asphalt companies, the demand for infrastructure supporting TOD projects is a key growth area.

What Are Transit-Oriented Developments (TOD)?

Transit-Oriented Developments are mixed-use communities designed to maximize access to public transportation. Typically located near bus, subway, or train stations, TODs promote walkability, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize reliance on personal vehicles. The concept prioritizes high-density housing, retail, and office spaces, all within walking distance of major transit hubs. As TODs expand, there is an increasing need for infrastructure solutions that can withstand heavy foot traffic, regular transit vehicle use, and harsh weather conditions.

Concrete paving has emerged as the ideal solution for the critical infrastructure in TOD projects due to its strength, longevity, and ability to adapt to sustainable and innovative designs.

Why Concrete Paving?

  1. Durability and Longevity

Concrete is renowned for its durability, especially in commercial applications like TODs. It withstands high foot traffic, public transportation vehicles, and varying weather conditions, making it an excellent choice for transit-oriented spaces. Unlike asphalt, which may require more frequent maintenance, concrete’s lifespan is significantly longer, resulting in lower long-term costs.

For example, the commercial concrete used in parking lots, walkways, and transit routes within TODs remains durable even under heavy loads from buses and trains. In urban environments, where development is continuous and the budget is often tight, opting for concrete reduces maintenance disruptions and costs for businesses and city planners alike.

  1. Sustainability

Sustainability is a priority in modern urban planning, especially for transit-oriented developments aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Concrete, when sourced responsibly, is a sustainable option because it can incorporate recycled materials and offers excellent energy efficiency. It also improves the heat island effect by reflecting sunlight, rather than absorbing it like asphalt, helping to regulate the microclimate in densely populated areas.

Additionally, permeable concrete options are available, which help manage stormwater runoff by allowing water to filter through the pavement and return to the soil. This feature is particularly important in TODs, where green infrastructure is often a key component of the design.

  1. Enhanced Walkability and Safety

One of the goals of TODs is to create walkable environments that encourage pedestrian movement and public transit usage. Concrete paving is ideal for these applications because it offers a smooth, even surface that improves walkability and safety. Sloped walkways, curbs, and ramps can be easily integrated into concrete pavements, making the entire area accessible to all, including those with mobility challenges.

Moreover, commercial concrete near me options provide customizable features, such as slip-resistant finishes or colored and textured pavements, which can enhance the visual appeal and functionality of sidewalks, crosswalks, and plazas within TODs.

  1. Adaptability for Mixed-Use Spaces

Transit-oriented developments typically feature a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Concrete paving is highly adaptable to this mixed-use environment. Whether it’s being used for public plazas, parking areas, or even outdoor dining spaces, concrete can be designed to meet various aesthetic and functional requirements.

For instance, stamped or decorative concrete can create vibrant public spaces that align with the community’s architectural theme while remaining functional and durable. Additionally, commercial asphalt companies are often turning to concrete for more decorative and long-lasting projects within these developments.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: The Better Option for TODs

While asphalt has been a go-to option for many urban areas, concrete is rapidly becoming the material of choice in transit-oriented developments for several reasons:

  • Maintenance: Asphalt requires more frequent repairs and resurfacing, especially in high-traffic areas, increasing long-term maintenance costs. Concrete, on the other hand, is low-maintenance and can last for decades without significant repairs.
  • Load-Bearing Capacity: Asphalt can deteriorate faster under the constant weight of buses, trucks, and trains. In contrast, concrete’s high load-bearing capacity makes it more resilient in TODs where public transportation vehicles frequently pass through.
  • Environmental Impact: Asphalt is a petroleum-based product, contributing more to the carbon footprint than concrete. Sustainable concrete options, such as recycled and permeable concrete, align with the eco-friendly goals of TODs.

For city planners and commercial asphalt companies looking to balance cost, durability, and environmental impact, concrete is often the more practical solution for transit-oriented projects.

Impact on Commercial and Local Communities

The role of concrete paving in transit-oriented developments extends beyond its functional benefits—it significantly impacts the local community. Well-paved, attractive, and accessible areas around transit hubs make it easier for residents to commute, shop, and socialize. This, in turn, attracts businesses and boosts the local economy.

Moreover, local commercial concrete providers play an essential role in these projects by offering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of the development and community. Whether it’s through sustainable concrete options, innovative design solutions, or simple cost-effective paving, the industry’s involvement in TODs shapes urban growth.

Cornerstone for Urban Development

Transit-Oriented Developments represent the future of urban living, and concrete paving is an integral part of their success. Its durability, sustainability, and versatility make it the perfect material for building resilient and attractive spaces that support public transit and pedestrian activity. As TODs continue to expand across cities, the demand for reliable commercial concrete near me services will grow, offering opportunities for businesses and improving urban environments for all.

Whether it’s creating sustainable, eco-friendly transit hubs or ensuring safe, walkable spaces, concrete paving is poised to be a cornerstone of urban development for years to come.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • 0 Comments

6 Common Myths About Concrete

Concrete is that all-important material so critical to large-scale industrial, commercial, and residential construction projects. In fact, aside from water, no other material is used more than concrete. Its wide range of uses means it’s the preferred material for concrete companies when erecting standing structures like bridges and buildings.

However, despite how much it’s used, there are some common misconceptions about this universally-adopted material. To clear the air, here are 6 common myths about concrete debunked.

1. Concrete is always a gray color.

While concrete initially has a gray color, it doesn’t necessarily mean that gray will be the final color. There are multiple additives and mineral colors that can be blended into the concrete mixture long before it’s dried. These additives can change the color of the concrete once hardened. This is ideal for residential and commercial projects where maintaining an aesthetic is critical.

2. You can use acid to strip a concrete sealant.

This is perhaps the most common misconception and it’s a dangerous one. Acid should never be used to strip concrete sealant, no matter what the reason. Acid’s corrosive properties can seriously damage the concrete’s integrity and allow water to permeate throughout the concrete. The best solution is to avoid acid altogether and use a solvent or sealant remover.

3. Concrete and cement are the same thing.

No, concrete and cement are not the same. Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Cement is mixed with water, sand, gravel, and other aggregates and additives when making concrete. There are very few applications where cement is used on its own. Cement is a dry powder that acts as a binder for all the additives, water, and aggregates in order to make concrete harden.

4. The higher the compressive strength, the more durable the concrete.

Strength and durability are not the same. Concrete’s compressive strength can vary from a low of 2,500 psi to a high of 10,000 psi. However, strength refers to how much load/weight the concrete can withstand. Durability refers to how long the concrete can maintain that load/weight without degradation (breaking down).

Several conditions can affect the concrete’s durability such as freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion, cracking, and sulfate or chemical reactions. The best way to maintain concrete’s durability is by using a top-notch sealant that helps to keep water and other substances from seeping inside and degrading the concrete.

5. Concrete is impermeable.

Actually, concrete is not impermeable. Concrete is actually porous, which means water, fumes and noxious liquids can pass through the top layer of the concrete relatively easily. This can take anywhere from a day, to a month, or even several years. This is why using a high-quality sealant is so important to protect the concrete from the outside elements.

6. You can lay concrete any time of year.

Unfortunately, you simply cannot lay concrete any time of the year or under all conditions. Extreme weather conditions affect how concrete hardens. Below freezing or excessively hot temperatures will prevent the concrete mixture from properly drying.

Concrete installation shouldn’t be done in the extremely cold winter months or the high heat of summer. Instead, spring and fall are the best seasons for mixing and hardening concrete.

Interested in a proactive, customer-centric partner for your next construction project? If so, contact us now.

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What Temperature Should You Pour Concrete?

Concrete can be poured at any time when the temperatures have been above 40 F for over 72 hours. Moderate temperatures make the placement crew’s job easier as it sets up at a good pace, allowing ample time for edging, jointing, troweling and curing. In some instances, it can be placed when temperatures are lower but special additives are used, and heating may also be required. The other factors that can affect concrete pouring include wind speed, humidity levels, and the temperature of the sub-base which is the surface you will be pouring your concrete on.

Pouring your concrete in cold weather

In regards to concrete, cold weather is anything below 40ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in cold weather;
  • Should the sub-base be frozen thaw it with heaters. Alternatively, you could pour the concrete on Styrofoam material as it helps sustain the temperature in the concrete.
  • Order for concrete products that are designed to cure promptly. Cold weather concrete is capable of resisting thawing and freezing effects as they have air entrained voids.
  • Ascertain that the concrete you order for has a low slump also known as a drier mix to minimize bleed water. You can use a vacuum or squeegees to rid the concrete of bleed water. This will help decrease the setting time.
  • You could use hot water to mix the concrete or use extra cement, that is, 100 lbs per cubic yard of concrete to create a heated reaction.
  • Once you have successfully poured your concrete, maintain its temperatures at 50ºF for a minimum of 3 days to a maximum of 7 days. This can be achieved through the use of heated enclosures or an insulating blanket.
  • If you are going to make use of a heated enclosure, ascertain that it is weatherproof and windproof.
  • Once you determine that the concrete is well set, you can remove the insulating blanket or the heated enclosure to allow the concrete to air dry.

Pouring your concrete in hot weather

  • Hot temperature in regards to concrete pouring is anything above 77ºF. Here are some tips for pouring concrete in hot weather;
  • Avoid pouring the concrete when it’s too hot to avoid temperature-related issues. You can do so either early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • You can erect shades along with wind barriers to protect the poured concrete from crusting or stiffening. Crusted concrete is highly susceptible to plastic shrinkage, crazing, and cracking.
  • Have a few people help you with the mixing process. Prolonged mixing only results in increased temperatures. You can add ice to the water mix to cool the temperature of the mixture.
  • You can dampen the sub-base to help minimize its temperature before pouring your concrete.
  • You can control the evaporation after pouring through the use of wet burlap, polyethylene sheets, waterproof paper, and windbreaks.
  • Should the weather be extremely hot, you will need to observe continuous moist curing for the next couple of days until the concrete is dry.

Finally, note that it is not advisable to place concrete when temperatures exceed 100 F, as it can flash set and there won’t be enough time for proper finishing.

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Why Choose Superior? For Your Asphalt or Concrete Project

With over 31 years of expertise, Superior Aggregates provides you with dependable, quality service. We are Superior because we:

  1. Are confident;
  2. Work with you in defining your project needs;
  3. Perform in a timely manner;
  4. Get the job done right;
  5. Charge a reasonable amount;

Established in 1986, we serve the Boulder-Longmont and surrounding communities specializing in all aspects of asphalt installations and repairs along with concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveway, and flatwork services for private and commercial projects.  Our management and staff are reputable people with an abundance of expertise and confidence providing reliable, knowledgeable, and top-notch workmanship; completing your project in the most efficient and timely manner.

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