Pumford Construction is committed to giving our employees as much exposure as possible to job skills to continuously keep up with new technologies and techniques in the construction industry.  One of our most recent trainings was “The Effect of Water on Concrete Properties.” Attendees included PCI superintendents, finisher foremen, project managers, as well as representatives from R&R Ready Mix and SME.

Michelle Wilson, Director of Concrete Knowledge at the Portland Cement Association (PCA) in Illinois, facilitated the training. Pumford President, Matt Pumford, met Wilson at World of Concrete in Las Vegas and found her information so valuable, that she was asked to bring her presentation to the Great Lakes Bay Region. Like our companies, Wilson shares a passion for concrete. She has a background in engineering along with 15 years experience with relation to concrete materials, specifications, performance, troubleshooting and repair.

The discussion started on adding water to concrete and how it changes the chemical make-up of the finished product.  Adding water, in any amount, into the mix changes the chemistry of the concrete altering its properties.   With concrete, the paste is the glue- and the glue is chemistry.

Wilson went on to discuss how each phase of the mixing process can have affects on the final outcome of concrete as water is added. From the aggregate, moisture in the air, the moisture of the aggregate, the temperature, and wash water inside the barrel, each small factor can alter the chemical properties of a batch. R&R’s representatives allowed us to ask many questions specifically regarding the testing of their concrete, aggregate, slump, and water content of their batches. Each attendee at the seminar received a copy of the “Concrete Finisher’s Guide”. If you would like to learn more, Wilson suggests looking at the American Concrete Institute website www.concrete.org, the Canadian Standards Association website www.csa.ca, or find more at the Portland Cement Association website www.cement.org. 

With over 120 skilled Union employees, we are able to self-perform concrete, masonry, earthwork, and carpentry with maximum quality.  Our superintendents and foreman are trained professionals in their field; many having over 30 years experience.