The Panama Canal Expansion Project

Concrete Contractor magazine Editor, Ryan Olson, visited the Panama Canal Expansion Project in May 2014. Take a look at even more photos of the project.

August 25, 2014

As of the date of my visit, more than 5 million cubic meters of low slump concrete had been placed to create the canal walls.

As of the date of my visit, more than 5 million cubic meters of low slump concrete had been placed to create the canal walls.

In May 2014, Concrete Contractor magazine was given the opportunity to visit Panama and take a tour of the on-going Panama Canal Expansion Project. For 100 years, the Panama Canal has stood as a testament to the ingenuity and engineering marvels of the 20^th century. However, the time has come for the Panama Canal to undergo an expansion by adding a third shipping lane to accommodate larger shipping vessels. Construction on the third set of locks has been ongoing since September 2007.

Here is the story in pictures. Enjoy!

Drone Deploy Const Use

Construction Drone Use Accelerates Toward LiDAR Capabilities

DroneDeploy survey finds demand for aerial laser scanning highest of all industries among contractors; more than half of construction users plan use drones for more than aerial maps

Screen Shot 2021 01 15 At 8 11 18 Am

Biden Announces Plan for Economic Recovery, Promises Infrastructure Next Month

Biden's two-step plan for rescue and recovery in our nation includes presenting his "Build Back Better" plan to Congress in February. The plan includes $2 trillion in spending over four years for infrastructure.

A Concrete Overlay Design to Include in Your Project

A Concrete Overlay Design to Include in Your Project

Rockett’s Glass & Concrete Overlay has a long-standing relationship in the concrete industry. Learn from Rockett’s, schedule a session today.

“Guide to the Code for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures' is published as a companion to ACI 562-19.

2021 Update to Concrete Assessment, Repair and Rehab Guide

The American Concrete Institute and International Concrete Repair Institute updated the “Guide to the Code for Assessment, Repair, and Rehabilitation of Existing Concrete Structures" providing information on how to properly use the ACI 562.

Andrew Buchanan 1508867 Unsplash 5cd98e11518fe[1]

University Looks to Improve Concrete, Cement with Pryolyzed Ash

Technique by Rice University chemist James Tour produces turbostratic graphene flakes that can be added to substances like films of polyvinyl alcohol that better resist water in cement paste and concrete, increasing compressive strength.

Adobe Stock 332576856

What is Concrete Testing Software & How Can It Help?

Four ways concrete testing software - or a construction materials testing platform - can make the concrete testing process easier and more accurate for concrete contractors.

The Sakrete Pro-Mix family: Concrete Repair, Accelerated Concrete Mix, All-Purpose Cement Mix

Sakrete Pro-Mix Family

The Sakrete Pro-Mix™ Line offers speed and jobsite flexibility for commercial and DOT projects.

The Huangqing Bridge, in China

Case Study: Reconstructing a Historical 500-Year Old Bridge

After the Shanghai Huanqing Bridge, China, collapsed, Cintec was asked to aid with repairs

Panels of Form A Tube interlock together to take the intended shape. The more panels you use, the larger the circumference. Panels slide into place easily.

Form-A-Tube Forms - Build Forms of Any Size, Anywhere

Form-A-Tube allows contractors to instantly construct forms for shoring up pilings with cement. The system builds forms of any size on site, making it easy to use even in remote locations.

Floor Grinders

Husqvarna Consolidates Surface Preparation Brand Portfolio

HTC products, services and solutions will be rebranded as Husqvarna and integrated into the global Husqvarna offering — consolidating its brand portfolio in the surface preparation segment.

Controlling the Frequency of your Concrete Vibrator

This Digging Deeper Podcast episode talks about concrete vibration, what it does, why it’s important – and why you want to control the frequency.

Blue Planet’s limestone-coated light weight aggregate specified in Interim Boarding Area B at San Francisco International Airport was included in concrete poured in 2016 by Central Concrete. Testing showed that it met all necessary specifications.

Investment to Create Synthetic Limestone Aggregate

Using sequestered carbon dioxide, Blue Planet Systems Corp. is developing a construction-grade rock, and ultimately concrete, that would have net-zero or net-negative carbon footprint.

Polished concrete slabs are popular in offices, residential, retail and big box stores, such as this Floor and Décor. The new ACI 310.1 specification available provides a guideline for normal industry practice.

Bringing Polished Concrete up to Spec

Explaining the new ACI Polished Concrete Slab Finishes Specifications. But first, why is a specification needed?

Gccm Cortex Canal

Cortex Composites Receives New U.S. Patent for GCCM Cortex

Cortex Composites Inc. was granted a new patent for its geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM) product, Cortex.

The Aquajet Extension Kit brings additional versatility to hydrodemolition.

Aquajet Extension Kit - Helping You Work Those Hard to Reach Areas

Aquajet's Extension Kit for the AquaCutter 410, Aqua Cutter 710 and Aqua Spine provides an additional 5 to 8 feet of reach for concrete contractors.

The WCA Appoints New Directors

The World Cement Association appointed Roland van Wijnen, CEO of PPC Ltd, and Mehendra Singhi, Managing Director & CEO of Dalmia Cement.

Giatec Ml381 Reduced 5f60c2f75ff2c[1]

The Role Wireless Concrete Sensors Can Play During the Pandemic

Using IoT-based concrete testing sensors can keep construction workers safe, encourage remote work on jobsites, and position construction companies well for recovery.

Examples of ravelling in concrete.

Why Does My Blade Dull When Cutting Concrete in the Cold?

Concrete doesn't act the same in cold temperatures - causing premature dulling and a potential waste of money. There's something you can do to be a bit more successful in cutting in the cold.

Adobe Stock 269212483

Mission: Carbon Zero

The players driving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions within the cement and concrete industries.

Self-leveling resurfacer can repair uneven or worn interior floors.

Repair or Replace?

Technology is changing our options when it comes to deciding whether to repair or replace damaged, cracked concrete.

Routine maintenance and daily cleaning will keep your trowels productive and safe.

Concrete trowel maintenance

Routine maintenance and daily cleaning will keep your trowels productive and safe.

Techlevel Wsf Underlayment Tlwsf50 T Wsf Cropped

CustomTech TechLevel WSF Fiber Reinforced Self-Leveling Underlayment for Wood Subfloors

Civil engineering professor Luna Lu (left) helps install a sensor that her lab developed into the third floor of what will be a Purdue building complex.

Can Sensors Speed Construction? Purdue Researches Test Concrete Strength Sensors

Technology designed by Perdue engineers looks to verify concrete's maturity onsite, without extensive offsite testing.

The Right Tool in the Right Hands -- Jobsite Health & Safety

This Ground Breakers Podcast episode talks about rebar tying and how the ergonomic design of your tools affects health and safety of workers – as well as the bottom line.

Cutting Concrete In The Cold Video Esch Supply

Cutting Concrete in the Cold: Use the Right Blade

If you have ever run your blade dull way too quickly, you might be using the wrong blade for the job. Save money and use the right concrete saw blade for the season.

Single Disc Grinder M Kdiamond Sdg 11

The SDG-11 Single Disc Grinder

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have used geometry-based structural optimization techniques to create human-scale structures out of concrete. The researchers will mimic evolution’s approach toward minimizing the use of material while maximizing its performance as part of their NSF “Future Manufacturing” project.

Spiders, Caterpillars, Dragonflies Inspire Construction Material Research

The National Science Foundation awarded grants to three universities to develop new technologies and materials to be used in biomanufacturing, cyber manufacturing and eco-manufacturing.