There are many structures made out of concrete in San Diego today, although most people automatically think of sidewalks and foundation slabs when they think of concrete. San Diego concrete contractors mix cement and other cement-like materials such as fly ash and slag cement with coarse aggregates such as gravel limestone and granite, fine aggregates such as sand, water, and chemical admixtures. This mixture is used for a host of projects ranging from parking structures to orchestra pits.
The possibilities are limitless when it comes to concrete in San Diego. This material is so commonly used because it solidifies and hardens after being mixed with water and placed in its mold, due to a chemical process known as hydration, which makes it easy and fast to use. The water reacts with the cement, which bonds the other components together, eventually creating a stone-like material. The material can be used for stamped concrete in decorative situations and it can be smoothed over for roads, bridges, overpasses, parking structures and walls.
So many of the structures in America's Finest City have relied more on San Diego concrete contractors that one might imagine, and not just for the structural support. From Balboa Park to the Hotel Del Coronado, there is concrete in San Diego landmarks from the floor to the ceilings to the grounds. More concrete is used than any other man-made material in the world in cities from San Diego to Istanbul. Approximately seven billion cubic meters of concrete are made each year, which is more than one cubic meter for every human being on Earth.
From decorative stamped concrete to structural concrete, this hardy man made stone material has served cities like San Diego more than most people know. And since it is so durable and resistant to breaking most people never have to think about it.