We make the pieces fit | | The Shilstone
CompaniesMaterials Technology for Design and Construction |
Concrete Consulting Services
The concrete industry is typically a fragmented industry. Each company looks only at its own little area of expertise. The Shilstone Companies, Inc. is a concrete consulting firm that looks at the big picture of the concrete construction process. We are not an engineering firm. We look at the practical aspects of specifying concrete materials and methods, concrete production, putting concrete into place and getting the most out of concrete on a long-term basis. Our primary areas of expertise are:
- Concrete mixture proportioning
- Concrete quality control
- Architectural concrete
- The concrete construction process
- Troubleshooting and problem prevention
- Concrete research
- Marketing to the concrete industry
We work with all phases of the design and construction process, including:
Materials services
Concrete has come a long way since it was composed solely of rock, sand, cement and water. New admixtures and additives, EPA restrictions, increased durability requirements and other factors have created a whole new world.
Based on world-wide experience on construction projects totalling more the $45 billion, The Shilstone Companies has developed expertise in:
- Concrete mixture proportioning
- Concrete production
- Quality control
- Applied research
- Technical marketing
If concrete has to be stronger, more durable, work better or look better, the Shilstones are the people to talk to.
Design services
The concrete construction process has become exceedingly complex. Architectural and engineering schools can no longer afford to cover all the practical aspects of concrete production and use, and the effect the design has on construction. The Shilstone Companies can help designers by providing:
- Constructability reviews of design documents. A study by the Batelle Institute discovered that over 70% of construction-related problems originated in the documents. The American Concrete Institute has created a committee just to investigate how its codes and standards impact constructability. Details and specifications can make or break the constructed project. The Shilstone Companies can help determine, during the design phase, the effects of the design on the construction process and vice versa.
- Architectural concrete assistance. Architectural concrete can be an extremely cost efficient element of the overall project. Combining beauty, flexibility and low long-term maintenance costs, architectural concrete is not a difficult thing to achieve - as long as it is approached properly during design and construction. Our founder, James M. Shilstone, Sr., has been a leading force in architectural concrete for over 30 years and has helped produce hundreds of beautiful structures all over the world.
- Quality management consulting. Concrete construction has become a world of brokers and sub-contractors. Each group looks primarily at it's own niche. A proper quality management system defined up-front in the contract documents can improve coordination and overall quality. The Shilstone Companies can help define quality objectives and translate those objectives into quality specifications.
- Pre-bid and pre-construction services. The time to clarify design objectives is before the project begins construction. Our consulting services bridge the gap between design and construction and help translate design objectives into construction practices.
Construction Services
Concrete construction is not the same in the 1990's as it was in the 1960's. The industry is more fragmented, utilizing a system of brokers and sub-contractors. The forming contractor may not understand how his work affects the placing contractor. The concrete producer may not recognize his impact on the finisher. A savings of a few cents in one area may result in an increase of several dollars in cost to another. The cheapest price may not result in the lowest overall cost. It takes a company with an eye to the overall system to minimize problems, maintain the construction objective and keep costs down. The Shilstone Companies can provide help to:
- The concrete producer to aid in the production of a cost effective concrete that will perform per the specifications and field requirements.
- The contractor, to help in evaluating equipment and techniques. Selecting the right vibrators, pumps, and finishing techniques is a tremendous task. We also provide training in proper placing and consolidation procedures.
- Precast producers, who can benefit from improved quality control programs, aid in selection of architectural materials and finishes and training in the latest techologies, materials and techniques.
- Testing laboratories. Shilstone Software provides computer software for:
- Mixture proportioning
- Concrete statistical analysis
- Aggregate statistical analysis and blending
Troubleshooting
Even the best prepared project can run into problems. When that happens, it may take special expertise to determine the cause of the problem and develop ways to prevent future occurences. The Shilstone Companies can provide:
- Non-destructive testing to evaluate the condition of the structure,
- Anaylsis of test results to determine the cause of the problem,
- Team building and coordination for problems that cross wide ranges of expertise
- Expert witness capabilities.
The Shilstone Companies can help with your concrete technical needs. For more information, contact:
Jay Shilstone jay.shilstone@shilstone.com
Shilstone Companies (214) 361-9681
9400 N. Central Expy., #105 FAX: (214) 361-7925
Dallas, TX, 75231 BBS: (214) 361-8873
U.S.A. (Concrete Consultant)
http://www.shilstone.com