E-News

Paver Project Contest

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:00:00 GMT

For the last two and a half years StoneBilt Concepts has been supplying high quality paving slabs to the hardscape market in Colorado and New Mexico. It is time to celebrate all the great projects that have been installed over that time. There are numerous projects out there that we've never had the opportunity to visit. We really want to see those projects and give our contractors an opportunity to show off their work; so we are pleased to announce the first StoneBilt Concepts Project Contest.

Any project featuring StoneBilt Concepts paving slabs, installed between May of 2009 and Sept. 15th of 2011, is eligible for entry. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries. Judging will be performed by an independent panel of design professionals.

The prizes are:

Grand prize is a Napoleon Prestige I-P450 gas BBQ Grill, with a retail value of $799.
Second prize is a Napoleon Freestyle Portable Gas Grill, with a retail value of $299.
Third prize is a Venturi Flame by the Outdoor GreatRoom Company, with a retail value of $199.

Thank you to our prize sponsor, Home and Hearth Outfitters, for teaming up with StoneBilt Concepts to help make these prizes possible.

Grand Prize Napoleon Prestige Grill

Please submit your photos via e-mail to dion@stonebiltconcepts.com, or send them to us at: 9455 Boston Ct. Henderson, CO 80640, attn: Dion DeMeyer. Entries can be received any time between now and Thursday Sept. 15th 2011. Please include a brief description of the project including date of installation, location, square footage, paver style and the name of the installer. Winning projects will be featured in a future issue of StoneBilt Concepts E-News. StoneBilt Concepts reserves the right to use any submitted photograph in future advertising and promotional literature.

Project Spotlight: Stapleton Denver and StoneBilt Concepts

The Nation's largest urban infill project, Stapleton Denver, has residences from both Infinity Homes and Parkwood Homes in the Central Park West neighborhood. StoneBilt Concepts is proud to have been chosen as the hardscape material to be installed at some of the model homes for each builder in this area.

CoCal Landscaping's Stacy Parcell included StoneBilt's Bluestone series at Parkwood Homes' model homes at 8166 East 35th Ave. and 8176 East 35th Ave. "We wanted to compliment the New England feel on these homes," Stacy said, explaining the use of the Bluestone series. "And we wanted something that would hold up to our climate as well."

StoneBilt Concepts 24"x24" slate bluestone paving slabs

CoCal chose to lay the 24" x 24" slabs in a turf field in one area, achieving a natural and attractive look.

All Seasons Landscaping designed and installed the landscaping for Infinity's model homes at 3439 North Uinta Street and 3409 North Uinta Street. The two addresses share an area together, and All Seasons chose StoneBilt's Bluestone. All Seasons Landscaping used a field of different sized Bluestone slabs as well as Bluestone steps.

StoneBilt Concepts slate bluestone step units and paving slabs

Both projects took advantage of StoneBilt Concepts' natural stone look while providing easy installation and significant savings in material cost. Our products meet and exceed all applicable ASTM standards and are available in a number of different sizes. For more information on our Architectural Paver slabs, including Sandstone, Slate, Travertine and Limestone, please click here.

Choosing the Correct Paver Sealer

The question is often asked, "Should I seal my paver project?" Unfortunately the answer to that question is usually "It depends…" The following information will hopefully help to answer some common sealer questions.

StoneBilt Concepts paving slabs are manufactured using a minimum 8000 psi concrete with five percent or less water absorption, and in most situations a sealer is not necessary. However, sealers can bring many benefits to a project. The most obvious benefit of a sealer is that it provides protection to the concrete to which it is applied. For example, grease or chemicals may possibly be exposed to the concrete surface and a sealer can provide protection against those elements. Although StoneBilt Concepts recommends never using de-icing chemicals or salt on a concrete surface, there are times when it is a necessity and sealers can provide some protection in those situations as well (even sealers will not totally protect against the damage caused by de-icing salt). Other reasons to use sealer are purely aesthetic. Many sealers help to enhance the integrated color in concrete pavers.

So which sealer is appropriate for a project? Again the answer is "It depends…" The appropriate question is "What are you trying to accomplish with a sealer?"

If pure protection is the goal then a penetrating sealer is a good choice. Penetrating sealers contain chemicals such as silanes, siloxanes or silicates. These chemicals react within the capillaries of the concrete to protect against moisture penetration. This type of sealer tends to be invisible and does not have an aesthetic affect on the concrete.

If aesthetics are the main concern then film forming sealers may be the way to go. Various finishes are available which provide different levels of a glossy surface on top of the concrete. Wet look, high gloss and medium gloss are some examples of the types of finishes that are available.

High gloss sealer applied to StoneBilt Concepts rustic red sandstone steps and pavers

Arguments can be made in favor of sealer and against them. The arguments for the use of sealers are obvious and have been stated above. One common argument against sealers is that it can add maintenance to your project. Film forming sealers in particular tend to show wear patterns in high traffic areas and have to be re-applied over time. Some sealers also serve as a joint stabilizer for the sand between the pavers. While this can be a benefit it can also be difficult to remover a paver that might need to be replaced when the sand has been stabilized by a sealer.

Whatever sealer you choose, it is important to research the appropriate sealer for a given situation. Acrylic sealers are a good option for paver applications because they are breathable. They block moisture from penetrating into the surface of the concrete while allowing moisture vapors to escape. This is important because trapped moisture can sometimes cause efflorescence which will result in a whitish film appearing on the paver's surface. Breathable sealers allow cleaning if efflorescence were to occur, while non breathable sealers such as urethane or epoxy based sealers will trap efflorescence in the paver forever.

For information on sealers available from StoneBilt Concepts please click click here.

Laying Pavers on Existing Concrete Pavement

Sun, 24 Apr 2011 06:00:00 GMT

We are frequently asked if our wet-cast concrete pavers can be laid over an existing concrete slab. Yes, our pavers can be used in either mortar or sand setting beds over a concrete surface. At 8,000 to 10,000 psi (two to three times the strength of cast-in-place "sidewalk" concrete), they make for a durable and long-lasting wearing surface, one of the best in the industry.

However, as with any pavement, from an Interstate Highway to a backyard patio, the performance of that hardscape surface depends on a number of factors. One of the most important dynamic of a well-functioning pavement is the quality of the base course. Problems in a pavement's base course will always show on the surface of the system. In the case of a concrete overlay, we need to be confident of the existing concrete slab's integrity before laying pavers on the slab surface. Any issue with the concrete will cause problems to the paver system and may compromise the durability and weight-load capability of the pavement.

Damaged existing concrete surface

For example, if we have a concrete slab in a backyard patio that was poured over ten years ago and shows no damage, we can be sure that the slab will be a reliable base to lay pavers on. However, if we see a concrete slab, poured only a year ago, that has many cracks, cracks with elevation changes, cracks where the pavement is "pulling apart" or significant spalling, we should remove that slab before laying any pavers to its surface. Otherwise, we might see pavers sinking, rolling, heaving or cracking due to an unreliable base course.

As mentioned, StoneBilt Concepts' slabs can be laid in either mortar or sand setting beds. With any vehicular application (driveway), our slabs must be mortar set. For a detail on a mortar set system, please click here. Note that a mortar system may be laid in pedestrian-only areas as well. Many people enjoy the look of grouted joints that accompany mortar set paving.

Sandstone Light Buff in a mortar set overlay

When laying pavers in a sand setting bed on an existing concrete slab, special attention must be directed to retaining the system. Without a proper edge restraint to maintain both the pavers and the sand, the system will most certainly show problems quickly. The most common edge restraint in this scenario is to mortar set the pavers along the perimeter of the slab. The "field" can then be filled in on a sand bed. A detail for this system can be found here.

If we are confident in a concrete slabs' integrity in that it shows only a low amount of small cracks after several years, we may want to lay geotextile fabric of the cracks if laying a sand set system. The fabric will stop any sand from falling into the cracks, thereby preventing any paver sinking or rolling. The same patio, in a mortar set application, does not merit any attention to the cracks as the mortar will not migrate down the cavity when cured.

StoneBilt Concepts' wet-cast concrete pavers have the look and feel of natural stone at significant price savings. We offer Slate, Sandstone, Limestone, Travertine and Bluestone pavers as well as custom colors, sizes and shapes. For more information, please click here.

Product Spotlight: Circle Packs

Innovation is an important component of how we do business at StoneBilt Concepts. We have several ideas for new products we are continually testing. This summer will see the release of one of those new products in our new paving slab circle pack.

New StoneBilt Concepts Circle Pack , Sandstone Dark Buff

Our circle pack will initially be available in our sandstone texture and our three sandstone colors. The new shapes are very versatile, allowing for various diameter circles ranging from 60" (5") to 132" (11'.) in diameter. The circle packs will be created using center pieces and three different size wedge units. The wedge shaped pieces can also be used to make partial circles and to create 3' wide curvy walkways.

New circle pack used in a curvy walkway

These new paving slabs will continue to provide the high quality, high strength natural stone alternative that our customers have come to expect from StoneBilt Concepts. Initial runs are coming off our production line as we speak. Look for these new circle packs to be widely available some time in June. For information on various size circle pack application please click here.

Project Spotlight: Jackson Street Corridor - Golden, CO

Today's best practices dictate that municipal jurisdictions safely integrate their transportations systems to accommodate vehicular, cycling and pedestrian traffic. The City of Golden, Colorado is no exception. Recently the city embarked on a project to improve the Jackson Street corridor.

From Left to Right; Vehicular Traffic, Cycling Traffic, Pedestrian Traffic, Commercial Parking Area

Jackson Street is a major corridor within the city of Golden for all types of traffic. The Jackson Street Corridor project encompassed ten city blocks with the Golden High School located near the south end of the project and downtown near the north end of the project. The City staff and its task forces were intent upon improving the corridor to accommodate all travelers.

StoneBilt Concepts' ADA Detectable Warning Slabs (DWS) were utilized in the pedestrian traffic areas of the Jackson Street Corridor Project. Detectable Warnings are utilized on walking surfaces to warn of hazards on a circulation path, such as street crossings. Approximately 70 pedestrian street crossings exist on the Jackson Street Corridor project. Since the project is an improvement project, in contrast to a brand new job, a number of retrofit applications needed to take place to accommodate existing conditions.

Radius Detectable Warning Slabs

StoneBilt Concepts' design staff worked in conjunction with City of Golden officials, the consulting engineer and the contractor to efficiently design the placement of the DWS. Many detectable warning surface products are typically cut on-site by the contractor in efforts to retrofit the pieces into place. This is not the case with StoneBilt Concepts' DWS. Instead, the StoneBilt Concepts radius pieces are fabricated at the plant to eliminate that step for the contractor. Furthermore, StoneBilt Concepts will furnish drawings to the city inspectors and contractors to aide the contractor with their installation. "We are very pleased with the project and have received very positive feedback from the community - including the ADA advocates," said Anne Beierle of the City of Golden Public Works Department.

Multiple ADA Accessible Ramps near Golden High School

No matter what the application, if it be standard square pieces, full radius intersections or retrofit spiral radius intersections, StoneBilt Concepts can accommodate all. For more information on StoneBilt Concepts ADA Detectable Warning Slabs please click here.

Join StoneBilt Concepts

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 07:00:00 GMT

Please help StoneBilt Concepts kick off the 2011 landscape season at this year's Colorado Garden and Home Show. Experts from StoneBilt Concepts, as well as our local dealer network, will be available to answer all of your hardscape questions. This is also a great time to see the newest products available this season. We're looking forward to helping you make your outdoor living dreams come true.

Click here to go to the Colorado Garden & Home Show website

Download a coupon to receive $2 off your ticket purchase

Colorado College Cutler Hall

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Recently officials at Colorado College in Colorado Springs were looking for options to replace aging driveways and pathways in front of the oldest building on campus, Cutler Hall. After considering several materials, StoneBilt Concepts Rustic Red Sandstone paving slabs were chosen for the project.

Completed project

Several factors were considered when designing the project. One of the priorities was a natural stone look that would compliment the rhyolite stone that was used in the original construction of the building. Natural sandstone was considered, however StoneBilt Concepts lower material and construction costs were an attractive option. Durability was also a major concern as parts of the project see regular traffic from maintenance vehicles as well as the occasional heavy traffic such as fire trucks. Again StoneBilt Concepts provided a great alternative to natural stone as its 8000+ p.s.i. concrete will hold up to these traffic demands.

Due to the traffic requirements the project required a poured concrete slab and a mortar set installation of the StoneBilt paving slabs. The paving slab installation was performed by Strong Enterprises from Colorado Springs. "The product was easy to install," said contractor Aaron Strong. "It's consistently the same thickness, so it was a lot easier than it would have been using natural sandstone."

Concrete slab poured during construction

After setting the stones in a mortar bed, polymeric sand was used to finish the joints. This sort of hybrid setting method provided the more rugged look of sand set flagstone, but the durability of a mortar installation.

The bulk of StoneBilt Concepts slab installation took place in a 3500 square foot area directly in front of Cutler Hall. In addition, the StoneBilt slabs were used as accents on several walkways in the area. Ribbons of 12" square StoneBilt slabs provide a pleasing aesthetic and help denote ADA compliant pathways in the area around Cutler Hall.

StoneBilt 12'x12" ribbons

The finished project has been received well by the college. "We have submitted budget numbers for additional projects next year," said Strong. "If everything is approved we'll be continuing this project in other parts of the campus."

For more information on StoneBilt Concepts concrete paving slabs please click here.

Product Spotlight: Custom Precast Concrete;
City of Thornton Gateway Entry Sign

StoneBilt Concepts recently had the opportunity to demonstrate their custom precast concrete capabilities on a project for the City of Thornton when a new gateway entry sign was constructed on 128th Ave. on the east side of I-25.

Completed Sign

StoneBilt Concepts manufactured the main sign panel as well as the wall caps. StoneBilt's large casting bed allows them to create various sized custom precast concrete projects. The sign panel is seven feet tall at its highest point, 18 feet wide and weighs over 7700 pounds.

To create the desired finish, the sign was poured with integrated colored concrete and then treated with an acid etch. The same process was used for the wall caps to maintain a consistent look for the entire project.

Urban Farmer performed the sign installation and the surrounding landscaping. A crane was brought to the site to perform the installation, which went off without a hitch.

Crane installing the sign panel

For more information on StoneBilt Concepts custom precast concrete products please click click here.

De-Icing Salts and Concrete

Winter brings with it ice and snow. Many of us enjoy the beauty of the snow capped peaks and the thrill of skiing and snowboarding. However, any paved (or unpaved) surface becomes, to varying degrees, risky to travel by vehicle or by foot. In addition to plows, shovels and sub-surface snow-melting systems, many of us turn to de-icing salts to remove ice and snow.

Within the concrete industry there are various opinions, sometimes conflicting, regarding the use of de-icing salts and its effect on an unsealed concrete surface. There are opinions stating de-icing salts are entirely safe to use on a concrete surface and, conversely, that it might guarantee sizeable areas on concrete's surface to spall and scale. It seems every person asked may provide a conflicting opinion. However, armed with the proper information, it can safely be said that there is potential for damage to any unsealed concrete surface when chemical de-icing products are applied.

All de-icing salts (sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate) work the same way in that they lower the temperature at which water freezes. There is a by-product of this process – more water is allowed to absorb into the surface of concrete. If that moisture is allowed to freeze again, the result may be spalled and scaled concrete. Obviously, a number of factors come into play during this process, which is why there are so many conflicting stories in the industry.

Some of the factors that can affect the amount of spalling or scaling are strength, water absorption rate and overall integrity of the concrete. There are a large variety of concrete mix designs, and some mix designs are more susceptible to damage than others. Cast in place (CIP) concrete is often more susceptible to damage because it has a relatively low strength and high water absorption rate.

Spalling in a CIP sidewalk caused by de-icing salts

Concrete pavers and paving slabs are manufactured in a controlled environment with a PSI rate at two to three times that of CIP concrete and have a correspondingly low water absorption rate. StoneBilt Paving Slabs in particular are manufactured with the finished side down. This allows the larger aggregates to settle to the face of the Paving Slab and results in a stronger finished surface than typical CIP concrete. As a result these products tend to exhibit significantly less damage than typical CIP concrete surfaces. However, like any concrete, they can be prone to damaged by the application of chemical de-icing salts.

The best way to protect the beauty of your investment in your concrete products is to avoid the use of de-icing salts. If using these products is necessary, it is best to only apply in moderation and then to remove the residue when their use is no longer necessary. There are also a variety of concrete sealers available that will limit water absorption and help to fight the effects of the damage caused by de-icing salts.

StoneBilt Concepts manufactures concrete paver slabs, some of the most durable in the industry. Our slabs emulate the look of natural stone at savings in material and labor. We offer Slate, Travertine, Sandstone and Limestone with custom molds and colors, too. For more information, please click here.

Architectural Paving Slabs

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:00:00 GMT

When the idea of StoneBilt Concepts® came into focus, it began with what we now call our architectural paving slabs. The high quality concrete slabs emulate four different natural stone textures in a variety of dimensionally cut sizes and colors, including sandstone, slate, travertine and old world (limestone).

StoneBilt Concepts paving slabs are produced with the highest quality materials and equipment available. Our polyurethane molds (which are cast from natural stone) and wet cast concrete combine to provide the most natural looking reproductions available in the industry. Integrated color blends add the final details, making it difficult to distinguish StoneBilt Concepts from the real thing.

Natural stone rests atop StoneBilt Concepts Paving Slabs

StoneBilt Concepts concrete paving slabs have several advantages over natural stone, all of which lead to overall cost savings on any project. Material cost is an obvious immediate advantage, with our paving slabs ranging in cost savings from 8%-50% over their natural equivalent. Installation costs can also be cut substantially using StoneBilt Concepts products. Because they are man made, our paving slabs have consistent size and depth, a feature seriously lacking in natural stone. Contractors (or homeowners) can create a level base, set and compact the pavers and have a completed job in a short period of time. Natural stone, on the other hand, often has irregular sizes and depths requiring a substantial amount of time to level and set in a regular pattern. The time saved in installation with StoneBilt Concepts result in money saved at the end of the project.

Uneven natural stone (left) vs. uniform StoneBilt Concepts paving slabs (right).

While StoneBilt Concepts paving slabs stack up well to natural stone, they also have advantages against other forms of flatwork. Stamped concrete for example can provide an inexpensive alternative to natural stone. However, at a similar cost savings, StoneBilt provides excellent benefits. Because there are joints inherent in the StoneBilt design, there will be no possibility of a large crack spreading across an entire slab like a poured in place surface. Also, StoneBilt Concepts colors are fully integrated into the product. If a chip were to appear in stone, the color would remain constant throughout the concrete and not expose a different color below the surface. Maintenance can also be an issue with any poured slab. If damage were to occur, or access were needed below the finished flat work, the repaired stamped concrete will likely not match the original job. StoneBilt paving slabs on the other hand can simply be pulled up, the repair can be made and the same pavers can go back in place.

The list of advantages can go on and on. In the end, StoneBilt Concepts has introduced a high quality locally manufactured alternative to natural stone to the Rocky Mountain Region. The product quality is suitable for commercial as well as residential work and is an exciting alternative to other products that have been available in the past.

For more information on StoneBilt Concepts architectural paving slabs please click here.

Project Spotlight: Preserve Residence

When a homeowner at the beautiful Preserve community in Greenwood Village wanted a professional, quality and durable outdoor living space that included patio, outdoor kitchen, firepit and reading area, they called on the team of T2 Construction and Jump Design. The product they selected for the paver flatwork was StoneBilt Concepts®' precast concrete sandstone slabs.

T2 Construction, an experienced and well-respected landscape contractor, and Jump Design Company, a leading landscape architecture firm and expert in both commercial and residential design, presented the Owner a combination of both natural stone and StoneBilt Concepts' Light Buff sandstone. After seeing how well the wet-cast concrete pavers matched the natural stone, and in hearing the price savings over natural stone, the owner selected StoneBilt Concepts' manufactured stone.

"It also tied together well with the sandstone used on the seatwall, both the veneer and wallcap," said Stuart Cameron of T2 Construction. "I've used it before, I really like it. It's easy to work with and uniform in its size."

With the use of StoneBilt Concepts' material comes price savings both in material and labor. Our precast concrete slabs come in Slate, Travertine, Limestone and sandstone and have significant cost savings over the natural stones they emulate. Additionally, there are savings in labor due to the standard thickness in our concrete pavers, rather than the variance found in natural stone; therefore the pavers are placed much faster.

The Light Buff sandstone was specified and installed according to industry standards: compacted road base, sand bed and vibrated pavers. Pattern Six was chosen (from StoneBilt Concepts' Sixteen Patterns) with 12" x 12", 12" x 18", 12" x 24" and 18" x 24" sized pavers, using nearly all the standard sandstone sizes.

"For the existing condition, there was brick on the house and natural stone used in other areas," said Tom Jump of Jump Design. "The design complemented the house by using brick on the outdoor kitchen element and StoneBilt Concepts' pavers throughout the rest of the patio area. What really struck me about the Light Buff slabs was how it complimented the natural stone and brick. Its look and feel was beautiful and just the feel that we wanted."

"The Owner couldn't be happier," says Stuart Cameron.

For more information on StoneBilt Concepts' line of Architectural Slabs, please click here.

Efflorescence, the scourge of the concrete industry

"What is that white stuff on my project?" No one in the concrete/construction industry ever likes to hear those words, particularly when they come from an upset owner. The "white stuff" is efflorescence, and unfortunately as much as anyone and everyone in the concrete industry attempt to prevent it, sometimes it just happens.

Efflorescence is caused when soluble salts and other water dispersible materials come to the surface of concrete and mortars. (Concrete Construction Magazine 12-05) Salts can come from cements, aggregate and water, which are the three major ingredients in concrete. During the mixing process some of the salts are left behind and don't become part of the paste that eventually cures and becomes concrete. Water from rain, snow, condensation, etc. may find its way into the pours of the concrete and mix with these salts. As that water makes it's way back to the surface of the concrete, it brings the salts with it. When the water evaporates the salts are left behind, leaving efflorescence or "white stuff."

Efflorescence does not have a negative effect on the structure of concrete. However, cosmetically there is an obvious drawback to the "white stuff", particularly on colored concrete such as pavers or paving slabs.

There are methods available to help prevent efflorescence. Additives can be mixed in your concrete mix; additional mix time helps to promote full hydration, which helps eliminate salts in your mix. Controlled curing conditions can also help prevent the dreaded "white stuff." StoneBilt Concepts® employs all of these preventative steps in our manufacturing process.

As stated above, even though major efforts are made to prevent efflorescence, sometime it just happens. The raw materials that make up concrete come from the earth, and from time to time those materials may be more or less "salty," and therefore more prone to efflorescence.

The good news is that the process will eventually stop when the residual salts have been eliminated from the finished concrete. In the mean time the efflorescence can be removed. If it is a light case, efflorescence may be able to be removed with just plain water. The salts will become solution again when water is added, and thorough rinsing is important (if the salts are left to dry on the surface over and over again they can begin to bond with the concrete and become much more difficult to remove). If thorough rinsing does not do the job there are several companies that make efflorescence removers. These products all contain some sort of acid that will help break down the crystals and remove them from the surface. It is important to try these products in a discreet area to test their reaction with your concrete before applying to the entire job.

After the efflorescence is removed there are several sealers available that can reduce the risk of the "white stuff" making a return. There are penetrating sealers that will not add a glossy finish, but will prevent water from penetrating the concrete. There are also high and low gloss sealers available, which can give the concrete a shiny wet look. If a sealer is used care should be taken to choose a breathable version. Some sealers can actually trap efflorescence below the surface of the sealer and make the stain permanent, but breathable sealers will allow water vapor to escape, taking the salts with it where it can be easily removed.

Efflorescence is an annoyance. However, some basic education and some easy maintenance can keep efflorescence from being a long term problem on your project.

Revised SPECIAL PROVISIONS for CDOT MSE Walls

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has recently revised their specifications for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls. On July 1, 2010, Special Provision 504 for both Block AND Panel MSE Walls were released. Both Special Provisions now include a section on Hybrid MSE Wall Systems. Per the documents,

"Hybrid MSE wall systems shall have a facing area of 3.5 square feet and be stabilized by a counterfort."

StoneBilt Concepts®' LOCK+LOAD™ Retaining Wall System meets CDOT's revised specifications for Hybrid MSE Wall Systems.

In addition, Block MSE Walls are now subject to a lengthy freeze and thaw durability test that could impact construction schedule. Due to StoneBilt Concepts' air-entrained, wet-cast concrete, LOCK+LOAD is waived from this test.

For more information on LOCK+LOAD, please click here.

Product Spotlight

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:00:00 GMT

In early 2010 StoneBilt Concepts® introduced the Lock+Load retaining wall to their growing lineup of architectural precast concrete products. Lock+Load’s innovative design and quarried stone appearance are a natural compliment to StoneBilt’s line of concrete paving slabs.

“We already had a great line of easy to install paving slabs that emulate various natural stone textures. The Lock+Load wall also has a great natural stone appearance, and the engineering behind it is different than many other wall systems. This system will provide a very attractive and technically sound alternative to other options in our market,” said Dion DeMeyer, Sales and Marketing Manager for StoneBilt Concepts.

Lock+Load is not new to the retaining wall industry. It was developed in Vancouver B.C. and has been used successfully across the world in a variety of applications, including large commercial developments, DOT applications, grade separations for rail roads, residential development and many others.

Lock+Load is a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall system. The wall module contains two parts; a 3.5 square foot face panel, and a 27-inch deep soil interactive counterfort. The wall modules provide many advantages to other systems available today. The panels do not stack on one another like typical segmental block systems. Instead the panels are independently anchored into the compacted soil by the counterfort. This system is a unique when compared to modular block systems in that it actually requires complete soil compaction all the way to back of the face panel, thus eliminating the differential settlement that often occurs in many other retaining walls.

Lock+Load is a wet cast concrete retaining wall system. Wet casting provides the manufacturer the opportunity to create a highly detailed architectural finish (in standard gray or a variety of colors) and impressive durability. With a minimum 5500 psi compressive strength and air entrainment, Lock+Load resists deterioration due to freeze thaw cycles that are prevalent in the mountain region.

“We are excited to bring this technology to our area,” DeMeyer said. “This wall has been used successfully in a number of areas, and we see a lot of great potential for it here in our part of the world.”

For more information, please click here.

Project Spotlight: City of Denver Roadway Median

Recently StoneBilt Concepts® architectural paving slabs were chosen as the material to cover a median near the intersection of East 1st Avenue and Lafayette Street near the Denver Country Club, just west of the Cherry Creek North Shopping District.

The 12”x12” Rustic Red Sandstone paving slabs were wet set on a bed of concrete by Fasick Concrete, Inc. Fasick used a basic stacked stone pattern with 1” joints between the stones. Typically these joints would be filled with mortar. In this case polymeric sand was swept between the joints after concrete bed had cured. Water was applied to the polymeric sand and allowed to set up to form a solid joint. This method allows the installer to complete the job efficiently and does not require specialized labor.

When making a choice of material to use in a roadway median, a city has many factors to consider. Aesthetics, cost, ease of installation, durability and maintenance are all very high on that list. StoneBilt Concepts provides products that are a natural fit when addressing all of these factors.

The realistic appearance of the rustic red sandstone paving slabs makes them hard to distinguish from natural stone at a fraction of the cost. However, because they are man made these slabs are consistent in their dimensions and easy to install. The wet cast concrete tests at 9,000 psi or better, and is resistant to repeated freeze thaw cycles inherent to the local climate. While this material provides a median that will be relatively maintenance free, the easy availability and consistent dimensions and colors of the slabs make any necessary maintenance easy to perform.

For more information about StoneBilt Concepts hardscape products please click here.

USGBC’s LEED Points and StoneBilt Concepts

Since its inception in 1998, the USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) has grown to encompass over fourteen thousand projects in the US and thirty other countries. It is used widely in the building and development world as a “green” accreditation program and is gradually becoming a household name. Many folks see LEED emblems hung in buildings, declaring that development as “Certified,” “Silver,” “Gold” or even “Platinum.”

StoneBilt Concepts®’ hardscaping products can help a project reach these LEED statuses in three areas: (1) Sustainable Sites, Stormwater Design, (2) Sustainable Sites, Heat Island Effect and (3) Materials and Resources, Regional Materials.

Sustainable Sites, Stormwater Design
Water use across the country is receiving a great amount of consideration and much of that attention is in the interrelated area of clean water and stormwater management. The USGBC addresses this issue in its Sustainable Sites Stormwater Design Quantity Control (SS 6.1) and Stormwater Design Quality Control (SS 6.2). Both sections speak to “pervious pavement” as a strategy for resolving the concern of disrupted natural hydrology and pollution of natural water flows. Of the available types of pervious pavements, permeable concrete and permeable asphalt have issues with integrity and longevity. However, a permeable paver system is gaining ground as the number one pervious pavement. It is durable, reliable and even aesthetically pleasing. Many consider it to be the best choice and value. Indeed, municipalities like Chicago are paving miles of alleyways and acres of parking lots with a permeable paver system.

StoneBilt Concepts’ paving slabs can be arranged in a permeable pavement manner by spacing the joints wider and filling both those joints and the underlying courses with fractured and washed aggregate. This “open graded” system reduces stormwater run–off by promoting on–site infiltration and reducing contaminants, thereby satisfying the above SS sections for a total of two LEED points.

Sustainable Sites, Heat Island Effect
It has been found that urban/suburban areas can be warmer than their surrounding environment. This is partly due to the building materials used in these more densely populated areas and their low heat reflectivity and low heat emittance. Essentially, the sun is warming these areas unnaturally, thereby impacting microclimates and human and wildlife habitats as a whole. This phenomenon is known as the “heat–island effect.”

The USGBC speaks to this matter in two categories: Sustainable Sites Heat Island Effect, Non–Roof (SS 7.1) and Roof (SS 7.2). One strategy offered to aid in diminishing the effect of this heat island event is the use of a permeable pavement system as it has an evaporative, cooling effect. Another approach is the use of high–albedo materials, which are essentially light–colored building products that will reflect the sun’s rays better than darker colored material and will contain less heat (to emit) once that heat source is removed.

Both reflectivity and emittance are scored by the USGBC in their “Solar Reflective Index” (SRI) formula. Anything equal to or greater than twenty–nine may have some LEED points associated with it in this Sustainable Sites category.

StoneBilt Concepts has had its Architectural Paving Slabs tested and measured for this Solar Reflective Index and of the nine standard colors, four passed (Light Travertine, Dark Travertine, Light Buff Sandstone and Old World Limestone). Thus, on any roof application (pedestal) or any non–roof use (sand, permeable or mortar set), StoneBilt Concepts’ wet–cast concrete pavers may aid in the score of two LEED points in the Heat Island Effect category.

Please note that an advantage in the use of StoneBilt Concepts’ slabs is the look–and–feel of natural stone at a more affordable price point; with the use of these slabs comes cost–savings in both material and labor. For example, a roof–top may see a very affordable Travertine surface and score significantly in its SRI value. Additionally, StoneBilt Concepts offers custom sized pavers and custom colors and will be happy to offer consultancy in the design process.

Materials and Resources, Regional Materials
A project may have a good number of materials in its construction. The cumulative environmental impacts of transporting these objects may be great if significant portions are not extracted and manufactured close to the jobsite.

The USGBC aims to address this concern under Materials and Resources Regional Materials (MR 5) which delivers points to any material that is harvested and produced within five hundred miles to a project site.

StoneBilt Concepts’ hardscape products, manufactured in the Denver metro area (Commerce City), have significant portions of these “local materials” if the project is within five hundred miles from our plant. Indeed, over eighty percent of StoneBilt Concepts’ Architectural Slab materials (by weight) are within a five hundred mile radius from our plant.

For more information, including exact percentages of local materials and precise Solar Reflective Index scoring, please click here.

Introduction

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read our first edition of the StoneBilt Concepts® eNews. I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce you to us and tell you a little about who we are and what we are about.

First a quick history – StoneBilt Concepts is a subsidiary of Precast Concepts, a leading manufacturer of concrete pipe and box culvert located in Henderson Colorado. As forward thinking and savvy business people, the company’s owners, Ed and Roxanne Anderson, were looking for an innovative way to diversify their business. After observing the popularity of concrete paving slabs during a trip to Europe, the idea for StoneBilt Concepts was born. Installation of our state of the art German machinery began in 2008, and production of our concrete paving slabs started in the early spring of 2009.

As much as I love our great lineup of wet cast concrete hardscape products, I won’t take up too much of your valuable time spouting out all the great features they have to offer (you will get the chance to read about them in this issue and many issues to come). However, I will tell you that we are very proud of our innovative products and excited to bring them to the Rocky Mountain Region. Our team brings decades of experience in the concrete and hardscape industries. We are very driven to provide each and every one of our customers with the best service in the industry. We want to help you to complete your project. Please feel free to ask us anything and we will do everything we can to help you to find the answers.

Going forward we hope to use this newsletter to bring you information about our products and services, and to keep up with hot topics and innovations in the industry. Please visit our web site at www.StoneBiltConcepts.com. And if you have any questions I can be contacted with the “ask the pro” function on the web site. If you are attending the upcoming Progreen Expo, please stop by and visit our booth, we would love to talk to you.

I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.

Sincerely,

Dion DeMeyer
StoneBilt Concepts
Sales and Marketing Manager

Project Spotlight: Residential Hardscape (Mead, CO)

North of Denver, Colorado, by about thirty five miles is Mead, “a little town with a big future.” At a newly built private residence in this town, we find StoneBilt Concepts®’ wet–cast concrete paving slabs and steps. The homeowners saw our Slate texture at a local distributor, Colorado Materials. They liked the color, high definition and texture of these slabs well enough to replace the specified random natural flagstone. The result is an inviting and attractive outdoor living space complete with StoneBilt Concepts premium paving slabs, coping and steps at significant price savings over natural stone.

Project Manager Mike Boettcher of Rock Solid Landscapes laid the smoke color Slate slabs in the traditional sand set system. He laid Pattern ten, a two piece repeating pattern, from StoneBilt Concepts’ library of laying patterns.

Smoke Slate steps tie the multi tiered project together. These highly textured steps were installed in the traditional way, over compacted jobsite backfill, and do a nice job of lending uniformity and flow through the outdoor living space.

Lastly, we find an interesting use of the paving slabs. In an effort to keep material variation at a minimum, Slate Smoke paving slabs were used in place of natural stone atop the seating wall. The contractor used a diamond blade saw to create radial cuts in the slabs, and the coping winds along the top of the wall. The slabs were set with wide white mortared joints.

“It’s a very good product; I’m impressed by it,” said Mike Boettcher. Rock Solid Landscapes has since gone to use StoneBilt Concepts’ material on other residential projects and plans to offer the product as an alternative to natural stone on future projects.

“We are very happy with it.” said the homeowner. “We were hoping to create this kind of look, but were having a hard time finding an affordable option with natural stone.”

StoneBilt Concepts premium concrete products make use of wet–casting, as oppose to the traditional dry–casting used in other segmental paving products. Our method delivers a great amount of surface definition in our slabs and steps. Indeed, the molds used to make the products are themselves cast directly from natural stone. We have Travertine, Slate, Sandstone and Limestone and work directly with designers and owners for custom products and colors. Because our paving slabs are cast in consistent dimensions they can be installed at a fraction of the cost of natural stone.

For more information, please click here.

Product Spotlight: Detectable Warning Paving Slabs

At most any street corner we find them: “tactile warning surfaces.” These areas, a result of the Department of Justice’s Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, must have “raised truncated domes,” “be an integral part of the walking surface” and “contrast visually with adjoining surfaces.” (Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Justice, 28 CFR Part 36: ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 1994) With these details, a visually impaired individual may better determine the boundary between a sidewalk and a street.

This Federal mandate has gone through some revisions since its initial conception in 1990. Unlike many other manufacturers of detectable warning surfaces, StoneBilt Concepts®’ Detectable Warning Pavers (ADA Slabs) make full use of the newest revision; our slabs have wider domes. We believe this makes for a stronger and more durable detectable warning surface.

Older ADA guidelines specify the base diameter and top diameter of the domes. Newer guidelines allow a range in these dimensions. StoneBilt Concepts’ slabs use the largest of the allowable dome sizes, creating a wider dome with a lower angle of approach. We believe this lower angled approach and overall dome size will result in less damage to the dome by any traffic, including snowplows.

There is more good news. StoneBilt Concepts is able to work with any designer or engineer to create custom colored ADA Slabs. ADA regulations do not actually require the typical red or yellow colors that are seen in most existing products. Instead there are requirements for a color contrast to the surrounding surface. We can cast concrete in almost any color, opening up several options for design professionals. However it is important to ensure your color choice will follow the ADA guidelines for contrast to its surroundings.

Our 8000 p.s.i. concrete ADA Slabs come in stock 2” x 24” x 24” and 2” x 24” x 12”. However, many ramps are radial. That is why, in addition to our stock sizes, we work with engineers, designers, contractors and owners in custom fabricating our slabs for professional clean finished radius applications.

You will find our ADA Slabs in several locations here in Denver, including around the Denver Federal Courthouse and RTD Market Street Station at 17th Street and Market Street. These slabs, in addition to being approved by a number of City agencies, are CDOT and NMDOT approved.

For more information, please click here.

E-News

Paver Project Contest

Project Spotlight: Stapleton Denver and StoneBilt Concepts

Choosing the Correct Paver Sealer

Laying Pavers on Existing Concrete Pavement

Product Spotlight: Circle Packs

Project Spotlight: Jackson Street Corridor - Golden, CO

Join StoneBilt Concepts

Colorado College Cutler Hall

Product Spotlight: Custom Precast Concrete; City of Thornton Gateway Entry Sign

De-Icing Salts and Concrete

Architectural Paving Slabs

Project Spotlight: Preserve Residence

Efflorescence, the scourge of the concrete industry

Revised SPECIAL PROVISIONS for CDOT MSE Walls

Product Spotlight

Project Spotlight: City of Denver Roadway Median

USGBC’s LEED Points and StoneBilt Concepts

Introduction

Project Spotlight: Residential Hardscape (Mead, CO)

Product Spotlight: Detectable Warning Paving Slabs

Product Spotlight: Custom Precast Concrete;
City of Thornton Gateway Entry Sign