Why Select Charger
For starters we're ethical, experienced, thoroughly organized and dedicated to our clients.
See what others are saying about us in this article from Better Roads entitled “How to Manage Concrete Road Life Cycles”.
Another reason is our expertise and knowledge about concrete. As an example of our background review this brief history of concrete complied by the Charger Team.
History of Concrete
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Concrete in modern times was created in 1824 by a British stone mason, Joseph Aspdin. He first created and patented it as hydraulic cement. By adding water and mixing, this cement first turns into a workable paste then hardens when water is mixed with it. It was named Portland Cement, after a quarry on the isle of Portland, off the English Coast. This is a strong binding ingredient in concrete. Structural concrete is a mixture of Portland Cement, with aggregates (crushed stone), sand, water and perhaps, a variety of admixtures. For additional information please review the links below. |
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Installing Concrete
New entrance for Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.
When the concrete mixture is blended in a mixing device it becomes what could be likened to a workable thermoset plastic mixture. The curing process takes about 28 days during which the chemical process known as hydration takes place. This is a process during which atoms from the silicates in the cement react with the atoms in water to form calcium silicate+calcium silicate, hydrate+calcium hydroxide and additional compounds while releasing heat. Most of the heat will be released within the first 36 hours after placement. If the concrete is kept moist it will reach it's maximum strength at 28 days. (Without sufficient moisture the concrete will lack designed strength.) By then the conversion of water and cement to hydrated silicates will have been virtually completed. If the water is allowed to evaporate, strength will be lost.
Knowing how to work with concrete is only part of the success formula. Having the right tools, including steel forms, power trowels, power screed machines and a host of additional equipment is what enables us to place it right the first time. |
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Charger crew installing concrete access road in Tampa, Florida |
Charger crew installing pervious concrete in Indian Shores, Florida |