RLW: The Mixer Minute

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Myth Buster Monday: Thicker Concrete Is Always Better

Myth Buster Monday: Thicker Concrete Is Always Better When it comes to concrete construction, one of the most common assumptions we hear is: “If it’s thicker, it must be stronger.” It sounds logical, but like many construction myths, it is not the full story. Let’s bust this myth. The Myth Thicker concrete always means better performance, more strength, and longer life. The Reality Concrete thickness is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. In many cases, adding more thickness provides little to no benefit and can even create new problems. What Actually Matters More Than Thickness 1. Proper Design Loads Concrete slabs are designed based on how they will be used. A residential driveway, warehouse floor, and highway pavement all require different thicknesses. Pouring extra concrete without considering load requirements does not automatically improve performance. 2. Subgrade Preparation A well-prepared, properly compacted base often matters more than an extra inch of concrete. Po...

Why It Matters Wednesday: Joint Control

Why It Matters Wednesday: Joint Control in Concrete Construction In concrete construction, joint control plays a critical role in durability, safety, and long-term performance. While joints may look like simple breaks in concrete, they are intentionally designed systems that control how concrete moves, cracks, and responds to stress. What Is Joint Control in Concrete? Concrete naturally shrinks, expands, and moves due to: Temperature changes Moisture loss Load stress Curing conditions Because concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, uncontrolled movement leads to random cracking . Joint control refers to the planned placement of joints to manage where and how cracking occurs. Common joint types include: Control joints – guide cracking to predetermined locations Expansion joints – allow concrete to expand without damage Construction joints – separate pours while maintaining structural integrity Why Joint Control Matters Without p...

FAQs Friday: What Are the Lines Cut Into Concrete?

FAQs Friday: What Are the Lines Cut Into Concrete? If you’ve ever looked at a driveway, sidewalk, or patio and wondered “Why are there lines cut into the concrete?” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get. ❓ What Are Those Lines? Those lines are called control joints (sometimes referred to as expansion or contraction joints). They’re intentionally placed cuts or grooves made in the concrete surface. 🧱 Why Are Control Joints Needed? Concrete naturally: Shrinks as it cures Expands and contracts with temperature changes Because of this movement, concrete is going to crack somewhere . Control joints help guide where that cracking happens. ✅ What Do Control Joints Do? Control joints: Reduce random cracking Help keep cracks straight and less noticeable Allow the concrete to move naturally Improve the overall appearance of the slab Instead of cracks forming unpredictably, the joints create a planned “weak point” where crac...

Why It Matters: Base Prep

Why It Matters: Base Prep When it comes to concrete, what’s under the slab is just as important as what you see on the surface. One of the biggest factors in how long concrete lasts is something many people never notice at all: base preparation . 🧱 What Is Base Prep? Base prep is the process of preparing the ground beneath concrete before it’s poured. This includes: Excavating to the proper depth Installing a solid aggregate base Compacting the material evenly Ensuring proper drainage This step creates a stable foundation for the concrete to sit on. ❌ What Happens Without Proper Base Prep? Skipping or rushing base prep can lead to: Cracking and shifting Uneven or sunken slabs Water pooling under the concrete Premature failure and costly repairs Even the strongest concrete can’t perform well if the ground beneath it isn’t properly prepared. ✅ Why Base Prep Makes a Difference A properly prepared base: Supports the weight of vehicles, equi...

Myth Buster Monday: Concrete Dries in a Day

Myth Buster Monday: Concrete Dries in a Day One of the most common things we hear is, “So… it dries in 24 hours, right?” Not exactly. Let’s bust this myth once and for all. ❌ The Myth Concrete dries in a day. ✅ The Truth Concrete sets quickly — but it does not fully cure in a day. There’s a big difference between drying and curing , and understanding that difference is key to protecting your investment. 🧱 Setting vs. Curing: What’s the Difference? Setting This is when concrete becomes firm enough to walk on. Typically happens within 24–48 hours You can often walk on it carefully after this point Curing This is the chemical process where concrete gains strength over time. Takes about 28 days to reach full design strength Proper curing is critical for long-term durability Concrete doesn’t “dry” like paint — it hardens through a chemical reaction called hydration , which requires time and proper conditions. ⏱️ What Can Affect Cure Time? Se...

FAQs: Why Does Concrete Crack?

FAQs: Why Does Concrete Crack? One of the most common questions we hear at RLW Concrete LLC is: “Why does concrete crack?” The short answer? All concrete cracks. The important part is why it cracks and how it’s managed. Let’s break it down 👇 ❓ Is cracking normal in concrete? Yes. Concrete is extremely strong, but it is not flexible. As it cures, settles, and reacts to its environment, some cracking is completely normal and expected . ❓ What causes concrete to crack? 1. Shrinkage During Curing As concrete dries and hardens, water evaporates. This causes the concrete to shrink slightly , which can lead to surface cracking. This is the most common cause and usually cosmetic. 2. Temperature Changes Concrete expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. In Pennsylvania’s freeze–thaw climate, this constant movement puts stress on the slab, which can cause cracking over time. 3. Ground Movement or Settling If the soil beneath the concrete shifts, settles, or ...