Crafting with Concrete

Introduction Form ties are the hardware that holds concrete forms in place while the concrete cures. Snap ties, loop ties, and threaded rods are common types you’ll see on a DIY job site. Each type has its own way of behaving during and after the pour, so know what you’re using before you start. Each […]

Introduction A concrete form blowout is a formwork failure during placement: a panel bows, a joint opens, a tie or anchor moves, or the form collapses and releases fresh concrete. Treat visible movement or rapidly increasing leakage as a stop-work condition, not a cosmetic problem. Do not use generic brace dimensions as a design. Formwork

Introduction An infrared thermometer measures surface temperature without touching the concrete. Use it to spot cold spots, thawing edges, or rapid surface changes during curing, but it won’t reveal internal conditions. Check the device emissivity settings and read the manufacturer instructions for how to use it on concrete. For winter pours, take quick surface readings