Concrete

Adding a Ramp to an Existing Parking Deck: Structural Retrofit Methods and Field Lessons

Converting a rooftop pedestrian plaza into functional parking requires more than laying down pavement. Adding a vehicle ramp to an existing parking deck involves structural analysis, selective demolition, shoring, column reinforcement, concrete placement, and careful sequencing to keep the facility operational throughout construction. The One E Pratt Street Garage in Baltimore is a real example. […]

Polishable Overlays Transform Worn Concrete Floors into Durable, Lustrous Surfaces

Polishable concrete overlays are transforming the way building owners and contractors approach worn, damaged concrete floors. These advanced cementitious systems allow aging slabs to be resurfaced and polished to a high-gloss finish without the cost of complete replacement. To understand the full picture of sustainable concrete innovations, see our Comprehensive Guide to Can Carrots Make

Placing Concrete Smarter: Strategies for Higher Productivity and Quality in Slab Construction

In the concrete construction industry, the difference between a profitable, high-quality project and a costly, problem-plagued one often comes down to how well the placement is planned and executed. As industry professionals have observed across millions of square feet of installed slabs, success depends on understanding your capabilities, recognizing the realities of each placement, and

Inside the Construction of Chicago’s Vista Tower: Concrete Engineering at Super-Tall Scale

Chicago’s skyline tells the story of American structural engineering, and few recent chapters are as remarkable as the Vista Tower. Now known as the St. Regis Chicago, this 93-story, approximately 1,200-foot supertall building represents a masterclass in concrete construction by Magellan Development, Studio Gang Architecture, and Magnusson Klemencsic Associates (MKA). McHugh served as general contractor

Concrete Floor Coating Success: A Systematic Approach from Surface Prep to Final Finish

Delivering a concrete floor that meets both functional and aesthetic expectations requires more than simply applying a coating and waiting for it to dry. Every project brings unique demands, from the type of traffic the floor will endure to the environmental conditions during application. Understanding the full process from start to finish is what separates

Updated ASTM F2170 Standard Cuts Concrete Moisture RH Testing from 72 Hours to 24

For contractors and flooring professionals, few factors derail a project schedule faster than waiting on concrete moisture test results. The in situ relative humidity (RH) test has long been recognized as the most reliable method for measuring the moisture condition of concrete slabs. With the updated ASTM F2170 standard reducing the required waiting period from

Remote Controlled Demolition Machines Revolutionize Arena Renovation Projects

The Growing Role of Remote Controlled Demolition in Major Venue Upgrades Large-scale renovation projects, particularly in the sports and entertainment sector, present unique challenges that demand innovative solutions. When the Atlanta Hawks embarked on a $192.5 million transformation of Philips Arena, the demolition phase alone required removing nearly 3,000 tons of concrete within a tight

Decorative Concrete Floor Coatings for Commercial Retail Showrooms: A Complete Specification Guide

Decorative concrete floor coatings have become a defining element in commercial retail showrooms across North America. From high-end automotive dealerships to boutique retail spaces and grocery chains, building owners and specifiers are increasingly turning to stained and sealed concrete floors for their combination of durability, aesthetic flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. This guide provides a comprehensive overview