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5 Types of Spring Road Hazards

Did you know that many people believe that during the spring season is the safest period to venture into the roads, unaware of the concrete problems that await them? Research undertaken by the US department of transport shows that drivers are cautious during winter when its ice snowy as compared to the warmer spring season.

As winter fades away and ushers in longer days and intense sunshine, more drivers in the country will be hitting the concrete roadways with overconfidence attitude because the ice has started to thaw. This assumption is not the case because, with the melting ice, new hazards crop up, creating real problems which end up disastrous.

During this anticipated and exhilarating moment of the spring season, hazards range from wet parking lot pavers, a proliferation of motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and animals emerging from their hibernation to constant rainfall and hailstorms.

If you are a business owner, you should be aware of the following spring road hazards before embarking on a business trip or mission on the roads.

Active animals

Many animals hibernate during winter. When spring season starts, these animals initiate their nature and start migrating, mating, and looking for food. These animals can cross the roads abruptly without signaling, especially at dusk or dawn, when its harder to spot them.resulting to an accident.

Potholes

After the snow and ice vanishes through the thawing process in winter, it leaves dents on concrete roadways.plowa are deployed to tend the road during winter boring out chunks of the way leaving behind enormous potholes. Consequently, during the cold season, potholes are filled with ice and snow; hence their impact on automobiles and drivers is greatly minimized. When spring sprouts, ice, and snow thaws leave deep potholes that damage vehicles, they lead to accidents. Hitting potholes culminates in concrete problems like bent rims, malignment of your car, popping tires, and damaging suspension. Freezing and thawing lead to contracting and disintegration of concrete on pavements and parking lot pavers, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs.

Frequent rainstorms

According to a survey released by the federal highway administration, the rain was responsible for 46%of all weather-related accidents from 2005-2014. Storm proves to be the most treacherous weather-related driving hazard, especially when it mixes oil residue on wet pavement inducing hydroplaning. Heavy rainfall laden with wind can impede visibility and flood out roads quickly, making the paths slippery. These slippery roads reduce your vehicle handling ability leading to concrete problems like swerving, hydroplaning, and reduced tire traction caused by big puddles

Increased Motorcyclists and Bicyclist

During the warmer spring season, many motorcyclists and bicyclists will be hitting the road, this means that there will be increased traffic culminating into increased accidents. Due to the small sizes of motorcycles and bicycles, it becomes difficult to see them at a distance. This invisibility can result in an increased risk of accidents/deaths if the drivers don’t exercise extra caution since there are many distractions within his/her visibility. Drivers are encouraged to share the roads with them cautiously when nearing them to mitigate the chances of accidents.

Floods

The emergence of spring brings warm weather and longer days. However, it supersedes a variety of conditions that could be hazardous. These include heavy rains and rapid snowmelt, which aggravates the risk of flooding. This peril becomes a nightmare for drivers because fast-flowing water exerts pressure to contact areas like concrete pavements, hence reducing your vehicle’s handling ability.
Road trips during lovely spring weather can be the most breathtaking expedition as a driver. However, it’s of paramount importance to remember this can abruptly turn into a catastrophe. Being aware of spring road hazards can help you to navigate safely hence reducing chances of probable accidents.

By admin Asphalt Paving • • • • 0 Comments

How to Maintain Concrete: Everything You Need to Know

For centuries, concrete has been the prime choice building material for all sorts of projects, including sidewalks, parking lots, bridges, and roads, among others. This widely used building material is basically a highly refined mixture of coarse aggregate and meticulously formulated additives that enhance strength and durability. Nevertheless, that doesn’t necessarily mean that concrete is maintenance-free. The following are some helpful tips on how you can achieve concrete minatenance in the sidewalks and parking lot:

1. Clean concrete surfaces annually

The commonest stains that you’ll find on your concrete parking lot are grease, oil, and anti-freeze stains. These stains are usually caused by radiator fluid and oil drizzling from the cars that drive into your facility on a daily basis. Anything from automotive leaks to birds’ droppings and fallen leaves can ruin the aesthetic appeal of your concrete parking lot.

For a business that caters to a discerning clientele, it is imperative that the stains be washed out from time to time. The Florida Concrete & Products Association recommends that stains on concrete surfaces be cleaned off at least once per year. An annual cleaning will not only rejuvenate your facility’s appearance, but it will also extend the life of the top layer.

2. Seal concrete joints annually

Concrete joints, also known as control/contraction/expansion joints, are usually placed in concrete slabs to prevent random cracking when concrete shrinks or expands due to changes in temperature. To ensure that the joints keep your parking lot structurally sound, they have to be sealed.

Most experts recommend that concrete joints be sealed at least once per year. This can help to keep fluids, water and debris from infiltrating and damaging the sub layers of your concrete sidewalks or parking lot. Ensure that the sealer used for joint sealing allows vapor to escape from within the concrete.

3. Repair cracks and potholes Instantly

Even when you keep up with annual cleaning and joint sealing, some cracking is inevitable in due course. Age and regular use will ultimately wear down concrete, letting grime and water inside. The more debris and moisture, the flimsier the concrete sidewalks or parking lot will become, leading to more cracking and deeper potholes.

Besides being aesthetically unappealing, big cracks and potholes can also affect the performance and reduce the lifespan of your concrete. It’s therefore advisable that you have concrete repairs and resurfacing done as soon as you notice signs of wear and tear. You can also have a paving contractor perform structural inspections periodically to determine the condition of the structural elements. Doing so will enable you to know whether your concrete surfaces need repair or repaving.

4. Repaint concrete periodically

After some years, the striping in your parking lot will wear away and make traffic markings and spot divisions hard to see. Repainting the stripping will make the traffic patterns visible for both pedestrian and drivers. This will not only ensure that everyone that visits your property gets to move safely, but it will also give your sidewalks or parking lot a fresh look. In fact, repainting your concrete is the simplest and inexpensive way to add the wow factor to your business premises.

When you are a business owner, your parking is an extension of your business. Therefore, its state will say a lot about your business. Keeping your parking lot and the sidewalks in good shape will not only boost the curb appeal of your facility, but it will also enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles traveling across it.

By admin Construction • • • • • • 0 Comments

Hot Weather Concreting: How to Avoid the Problems that it Presents

The Perils of Concreting During
Hot Weather And How To Avoid Them

Hot weather concrete pouring can cause a myriad of problems. Many people think it is just about the heat itself but there is more to it than that. Many factors affect the quality and success of concreting during hot weather conditions. Hot weather, as defined by ACI 305R is any combination of the following:

  • High ambient temperature above 90 degrees
  • High concrete temperature
  • Low relative humidity
  • High wind speed
  • Solar radiation

The heat is not the problem as concrete cures through hydration and not temperature. However, when the concrete becomes hotter than 77 degrees, it speeds up the hydration timing. If the concrete isn’t hydrated properly, it will be weak, crack easily and be more susceptible to damage from freezing and thawing. Construction crews must prepare for hot weather concrete placement.

Ways to Prepare for Pouring Concrete in “Hot Weather”

  • Crews should avoid pouring the concrete during the hottest part of the day. Tracking hour by hour temps can assist with this determination. It is also wise to avoid extreme temperature changes. Pouring concrete on a hot day when followed by a cool night can cause thermal cracking to ensue.
  • A team of workers should be available to ensure that the work is finished quickly and efficiently. Truck delivery should occur early in the day and a group of laborers ready to start immediately. Check for any potential delays so that the task will be completed in a timely manner.
  • Sunshades, windbreaks or mist fogging can be used to protect and slow down the process of the concrete curing too quickly.
  • Extended set additive, moderate heat cement and blended cements can provide solutions to pouring concrete in difficult conditions.
  • Keeping concrete in the shade before pouring or using an evaporative retarder may help as well.
  • Once the water is added to the mix, reduce the mixing time.
  • Ice or cold water can be added to the mixture to cool down the concrete. Cold water can reduce the heat of the concrete by about 10 degrees and ice by approximately 20 degrees.
  • If a slab is being poured, putting cool water on the sub-grade is another neat trick.
  • Control-joints can be spaced closer together to aid in strengthening.
  • Steel Fiber Concrete can be used to make slabs to add after walls and roofs are built out. Adding steel fiber to concrete has advantages and disadvantages so do your homework before choosing this method.
  • Extreme weather conditions may require the infusion of liquid nitrogen into the mixers. This solution can be costly as there are concerns about damage to blades and precautions must be taken.
  • There are several curing methods that can be used. Understanding these methods directly impacts how successful your curing process is.  Concrete companies will want to have a plan ahead of time as to the correct method for each individual situation and to follow through with recommended procedures.

Setting concrete in difficult situations is a complicated process. However, with a little research and a lot of preparation, a concrete job can have favorable results.

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By admin Construction • Uncategorized • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

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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