We offer concrete ramps that are strong enough to bear the weight of heavy equipment and vehicles.
Step-by-step: Concrete ramps
Like every customer and their needs are different, every project can be unique with its own demands and challenges that would require customized solutions. However, constructing a concrete ramp usually includes the following stages:
Selecting a Design
Our team will book a meeting to survey the site and requirements. We will also help to advise the processes and a plan for the construction of the concrete ramp.
Digging and removal
A combination of manual labour and specialized machinery is used to clear the work area and remove the excavated material from the site.
Formwork
The next process is formwork. As per the selected design, a temporary mould is created into which fresh concrete is poured and set.
Compacting the subgrade
The next step is adding clear gravel. This will provide the proper base for drainage under the concrete. The gravel is then graded and compacted.
Providing reinforcement
Reinforcing steel and/or fibre mesh are imbedded into the freshly poured concrete to add strength and eliminate any concrete separation.
Pouring the concrete
Depending on the project, concrete is poured into the prepared area with the help of wheelbarrow or concrete truck. The fresh concrete is simultaneously leveled and then screeded by drawing a straight-edged tool in a back and forth motion across the surface of the wet concrete.
Removing the formwork
The next step is to remove and clear away all the formwork.
Cutting the control joints
After the concrete has started to harden and cure, cuts are made using a saw to create control joints or they can be hand tooled. These joints act as guides to help cracking follow along the joints and relieve further stresses. This aids in minimizing cracking from developing by compensating for the changes that concrete may go through because of temperature fluctuations and the shrinkage during the curing process, and /or any substrate movements.
Cleaning and tidying
Once all the major construction steps are complete, our team will properly clear the site of any debris and also wash the required areas.
Sealing the concrete
It is important to choose the correct type of sealer based on the concrete finish. Durable concrete sealer coatings build a protective film on the concrete surface and aids in protecting from the elements.
Not every sealer looks or performs the same. There are two general paths to concrete sealers. Penetrating sealers include both repellants and hardeners. Both are products that penetrate into the concrete, thus making the surface less porous. The benefits of penetrating treatments are that these products soak into the concrete. This provides protection to exterior concrete from the freeze and thaw cycles (environmental elements) and from certain chemicals. The other path to protection is topical sealers. Unlike penetrating sealers, they do not penetrate deeply into the capillary pores of concrete. Proper sealing methods are required for successful results.