Middle Georgia Concrete Constructors and CSolutions CEO Scott Truax was recently interviewed by Sherry Boyd of Concrete Decor about implementing sustainable building practices into the company’s business philosophy. The interview was used in an article that can be found at http://www.concretedecor.net/All_Access/808/Green_Matters.cfm.

From the article:

For example, Scott Truax of Middle Georgia Concrete Constructors Inc. and CSolutions says: “We

Concrete Decor January 2009

do two to three lunchtime presentations per month promoting architectural concrete solutions, specifically surface-seeded concrete flooring. I have just recently been seeking out projects where terrazzo is specified and reached out to the designers to introduce them to our product line and educate them on the value it offers. We have taken it a step further and branded our finishes: Seascapes, Prism, Elements, and Reflections.”

The surface-seeded concrete flooring systems are 100 percent custom to each project. “We spend a considerable amount of time and money on sampling,” Truax says. “Our new office building that is currently under construction will include a 1,000-square-foot laboratory to accommodate the demand for samples.” Clients can see numerous examples of combinations of colored aggregates and glass on display in the CSolutions showroom. The company also produces samples specific to each job.

When CSolutions was offered the chance to contribute to the renewal of the Koi Pond at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite location, it was the perfect opportunity to show how Lithocrete®

structural paving can help create an environment that will lift the spirits of those who need it most.

The previous pond was in a serious state of decay when the project was undertaken. Over a decade old, and built of materials that were temporary in nature, the pond was long overdue for a makeover. Enter the International Professional Pond Contractors Association and their Ponditat for Humanity project. Children’s was chosen earlier this year and work on the new pond began in the summer. CSolutions became aware of the project thanks to Mr. Chris Holden of the architectural firm of Reece, Hoopes and Fincher in Atlanta.

“This really was just the perfect opportunity to help children and create a great visual environment with Lithocrete products and CSolutions expertise. We couldn’t have found a better project to donate our labor and materials,” says Andrew Hess, Marketing Coordinator for CSolutions.

The new koi pond will be the center piece of an entire landscape redesign, which will include a sports play court, a lawn for relaxation and picnics, a putting green, a kids’ slide, and multiple benches for seating. The pond will create a spiritual and meditative aspect to the surroundings.

The pond is expected to serve as a great vehicle for creating a sense of well-being and peace for the patients of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and their parents. The calming effect of the natural environment that will serve as an escape from the medical environment will be a welcome change for many visitors.

Below, you can view a time-lapse of the Lithocrete paving system installation process.

We all want the things we want as soon as we can get them. But there are some times in life when we just have to be patient. Decorative concrete work, especially when it comes to grinding and polishing,  is a prime example.

The following pictures demonstrate why it is important to allow concrete to properly cure before grinding. Both photos are from concrete that was poured on the same project and on the same day.

Concrete ground after 14 days

The first picture (above) is a section that was ground 14 days after the pour. The second photo (below) is a section that was allowed to cure for the full recommended period of 28 days.

Concrete ground after 28 days

The difference is quite clear. Grinding after 14 days not only exposed weaker concrete, it also exposed aggregate that was not meant to show.

Middle Georgia Concrete Constructors, Inc. was honored this week with the W. Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence for 2008. This marks the fourth consecutive year that MGCC and CSolutions have been recognized for safety.

“Middle Georgia Concrete Constructors, Inc. and CSolutions have recently ramped up our safety program be becoming certified as a Georgia Drug-free Workplace, which includes both drug testing for pre-hire, post-accident and reasonable suspicion, as well as ongoing safety training for supervisors and employees,” said Noelle Davis, Human Resources director.

Middle Georgia Concrete Constructors continues to find ways to improve safety while maintaining the high level of output and efficiency our clients have come to expect.

CSolutions was awarded second place in the residential category of the Concrete Pavement Awards presented by Concrete Products magazine in January of this year. To simulate an antique patina requested by the owner, stained concrete was selected for its versatility in color and effect. L.M. Scofield’s Lithochrome Ash White color hardener provided an overall tint, while multiple colors were achieved using L.M. Scofield Tintura Stain and Select Seal-W protective coat. The 1,200-sq.-ft. pavement displays a 26-in. diagonal grid pattern with 6-in. diamonds scored by hand using a 4-in. diamond grinder.

June 22, 2007 - CSolutions has partnered with T.B. Penick to provide expert installation of Lithocrete®, a patented architectural concrete paving system that utilizes the structural properties of reinforced concrete, combined with the aesthetic quality of surface-seeded select aggregates such as granite, glass, marble and shells.

CSolutions team members trained for three days in San Diego, CA to become certified Lithocrete® installers. Their most recent Lithocrete work can be seen at The Far Coast™, an open air outdoor café at Pemberton Place, the 20-acre complex home to the World of Coca­Cola and the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

March 28, 2008 - CSolutions had the privilege of host a seminar for
the International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI). The purpose of the
seminar was to educate attendees on the process and benefits of
concrete polishing, along with using dyes and stains.

Turnout
for the luncheon was very good, and attendees got to see the process
first hand, along with a grilled lunch and informative presentation by
Scott Truax and Tim Blankenship. Special thanks to Matt Lawler and Mike
Portwood for helping to make this event a success.