Concrete
Latest Trends in Construction
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November 02, 2025
Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials globally. It provides strength, durability, and versatility, but only when it is mixed, poured, and cured correctly. Even minor errors during construction can lead to cracking, scaling, or long-term structural problems. Understanding the most common mistakes in concrete construction can help prevent costly repairs and ensure long-lasting results.
Below, we break down ten frequent mistakes contractors and builders encounter, how to avoid them, and what to do if they happen. We also cover practical solutions, tools, and resources that can help improve your next project.
1. Incorrect Water-to-Cement Ratio
Adding too much water is one of the most frequent mistakes in concrete construction. While excess water makes concrete easier to work with, it significantly weakens the mix, leading to reduced durability, cracking, and scaling over time. A weak mix may not meet design strength and can cause early surface deterioration.
How to Avoid
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March 26, 2025
At first glance, concrete testing scoops look easy to use. As is often said, looks are deceiving. Get to work with your scooper and you'll find it is more complicated than it appears on the surface. Moreover, if you use your concrete testing scoop with regularity and problems will inevitably arise.
Most such problems result from user error as opposed to product design. The weather and other factors also play a role. This is your inside look at the top mistakes to avoid when using a concrete test scoop.
Concrete Testing Scoop Mistake #1: Inadequate Preparation
The efficiency and success of your project largely hinges on preparation. Take your time, beginning with a cleaning of the cone and baseplate prior to testing the interior and exterior. A light shaking of the scooper to loosen particle remnants will not suffice.
The best way to perform the scooper cleaning is with water from a hose. If there is any excess remaining, remove it with a damp cloth, wiping the
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February 02, 2025
Concrete slump testing sounds intimidating, yet it becomes quite easy with practice. Construction site managers, quality control technicians and engineers alike are encouraged to master concrete slump testing before beginning projects.
This is your step-by-step guide from Deslauriers’ concrete testing experts on how to perform a concrete slump test the right way.
How to Perform a Concrete Slump Test: A Quick Explanation of Concrete Slump
The slump analysis requires a consolidation of the concrete sample in a highly precise manner. A cone frustrum serves as the mold for concrete testing. The “slump” of concrete refers to the subsiding of the concrete as the mold is raised up after losing support.
The slump value refers to the height distance from the original surface and the displaced surface. The value is typically measured in either inches or millimeters.
The slump value ideal for one concrete application is not necessarily optimal for the next. A concrete slump that is particularly stiff
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May 19, 2024
Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world due to its ease of installation and ability to bear extremely heavy loads. It is one of the few materials that can stand constant exposure to water without deterioration. But, the proper concrete placement in construction is crucial for structural integrity, safety, and aesthetics.
Here, we explore the nuances of efficient concrete placement that uses modern concrete equipment, such as the Deslauriers Tremie Hopper, to overcome concrete placement challenges. When it comes to construction material handling, concrete placement demands efficiency because extended delays between batching and discharge can lead to a significant loss of concrete workability and project quality.The Importance of Concrete Placement in Construction Projects
It is both time and the chemical reaction between water and cement that starts the curing process, or concrete hardening. While a number of different physical and environmental
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December 17, 2023
Determining the Ideal Concrete Strength Test
In a construction project, strength analysis is critical, but is there a best concrete strength test for construction? To better understand how you can determine which concrete strength test suits your project, let's explore some of the steps you might take and some standard concrete strength assessment techniques. We'll also explore why you need to identify your project goals and how those goals can help determine the best approach.
Importance of Concrete Strength Testing
Testing the strength of concrete is a critical process. Selecting accurate strength testing methods is crucial to safety and your project materials optimization processes.
Durability and safety in construction tests are two critical considerations. Using concrete of inadequate strength can put people in harm's way and risk widespread costs associated with unfit buildings. As such, determining the most viable means of testing concrete for strength can be a weighty decision -
December 03, 2023
Are you considering pouring fresh concrete, but Mother Nature has other plans? The good news is you can pour it. Before you get started, consider taking a few precautionary steps.
Whether you're a new contractor or a seasoned pro, we've got you covered. Discover how to protect your fresh concrete investment and ensure a successful project even when the raindrops start falling.What Happens If It Rains on Fresh Concrete?
If you're preparing to pour concrete, one critical factor to consider is current weather conditions. Rain, in particular, can affect the outcome of your concrete project. Rain intensity is key. Here's how light, moderate, and heavy rain can impact fresh concrete:
Light Drizzle
Light rain or drizzle typically poses minimal risk to fresh concrete. A little drizzle can sometimes be beneficial as it helps support a moist curing environment, which aids in concrete strength development.
Moderate Rain
Moderate rain can cause concern. Raindrops can displace the surface
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November 19, 2023
Accurate Results In Concrete Moisture Testing
One of the worst hazards for concrete is moisture or excess water. Understanding a concrete moisture test can help ensure your flooring installations are top-notch.
Modern concrete can last about 50 years before needing repairs or replacement. Before starting your next project, you should know how to get the most out of your concrete. If you're curious about learning the proper test method, Deslauriers is here to offer our guidance.
Dangers of Moisture in ConcreteTo begin, what are the dangers of moisture in concrete? Concrete is a wet substance before it sets, making it difficult to see why water is bad for concrete. However, moisture levels can prove caustic if your concrete has too much water.
Using too much water can render your concrete floor slabs useless. Will moisture affect your concrete floor cost or cause water damage? Here are some of the most important hazards of moist concrete.
Humid RoomsOne issue with moist concrete
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November 05, 2023
Strategies for Concrete Curing Temperature
Historic findings show that humans have used concrete since at least 6500 BC. Despite being around for so long, it's still one of the most helpful construction materials in the world.
Over the years, our understanding of concrete has improved, so we can now use it more effectively. Within any project, it's essential to know how concrete works, and one of the critical factors is concrete curing time. Pouring concrete in cold temperatures can cause issues, as can pouring concrete in hot temperatures.
This guide covers everything you need to know about finding the ideal concrete curing temperature. Keep reading for more.A Quick Look at How Concrete Works
Concrete is typically made of an aggregate of sand and gravel (mixed in precise amounts) along with a paste of water and cement. It's poured and formed into different shapes or custom molds. Many companies use Portland cement as it's the most common type in the world, but other options
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September 17, 2023
Advantages of Self-Consolidating Concrete in Construction
From intricate architectural designs to large-scale infrastructure projects, self-consolidating concrete (SCC) promises superior aesthetics and durability in various applications.
SCC is a revolutionary construction material that effortlessly flows into the tightest spaces, largely eliminating the need for manual compaction. Read on to explore the limitless possibilities of self-consolidating concrete.What is self-consolidating concrete
For starters, let’s answer some basic questions about self-consolidating concrete. It is an ingenious construction material with an exceptional ability to flow. It can fill intricate molds and tight spaces without mechanical consolidation such as vibration or compaction. Its unique blend of high fluidity and stability ensures uniform distribution, reducing the risk of air pockets and enhancing structural integrity.
Self-consolidating concrete improves work efficiency by simplifying complex casting,