Volume Concrete – READY MIX CONCRETE PRODUCTS

Category: ldcc, underground, decommission

  • Volume Concrete: Leading Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Volume Concrete: Leading Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Volume Concrete: Experts in Cellular Grout and Concrete Solutions in the Pacific Northwest
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    Volume Concrete: Pioneering Cellular Grout and Concrete in the Pacific Northwest

    Introduction to Volume Concrete

    Based in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Volume Concrete (volumeconcrete.com) is your trusted partner for innovative concrete solutions. Specializing in cellular grout and cellular concrete, we deliver high-quality materials and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of construction projects across the region. As a locally owned business, we’re committed to excellence, sustainability, and community-focused operations.

    Our Expertise and Services

    With years of hands-on experience in handling cellular concrete, grout, Controlled Density Fill (CDF), Controlled Low Strength Material (CLSM), and traditional concrete, Volume Concrete stands out for its versatility and reliability. We offer a full spectrum of densities, from lightweight 27 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) all the way up to high-strength concrete formulations—and everything in between.

    • Cellular Grout and Concrete: Ideal for applications requiring lightweight, flowable materials with excellent insulation and load-bearing properties.
    • CLSM Solutions: We provide CLSM that meets stringent state specifications, including ODOT standards, ensuring compliance and performance for your projects.
    • Specialized Applications: Our team has successfully completed numerous jobs, including underground decommissioning and tank abandonment, where precision and safety are paramount.

    Advanced Equipment for Safer, Efficient Jobsites

    At Volume Concrete, we prioritize health, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our clean fleet of equipment is all Tier 4 compliant, minimizing emissions and supporting sustainable practices. We maintain a robust fleet of pumps that allow us to deliver materials directly via hose, reducing the need for heavy equipment on-site. This approach not only enhances jobsite safety but also streamlines operations, making your project more efficient and cost-effective.

    Commitment to Quality and Compliance

    As a locally owned company, we understand the unique demands of the Pacific Northwest’s construction landscape. Our certified payroll ensures seamless handling of prevailing wage jobs, providing transparency and reliability for public and private sector clients alike. Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for delivering successful outcomes on complex projects, backed by our deep expertise and customer-centric approach.

    Why Choose Volume Concrete?

    Whether you’re tackling infrastructure upgrades, environmental remediation, or new builds, Volume Concrete is equipped to handle it all. Our dedication to innovation, quality, and local service makes us the go-to choice for cellular grout and concrete needs in the Pacific Northwest. Contact us today at volumeconcrete.com to discuss how we can support your next project.

    © 2026 Volume Concrete. All rights reserved. | Proudly Locally Owned in the Pacific Northwest, USA

  • Permeable vs. Non-Permeable Low Density Cellular Concrete LDCC

    Permeable and non-permeable Low-Density Cellular Concrete (LDCC) differ primarily in their ability to allow water to pass through, which is determined by the mix design and intended application. Here’s a breakdown of the two:

    Permeable LDCC

    • Definition: Permeable LDCC is engineered with a higher void content, allowing water to flow through it. The foam and aggregate structure creates interconnected air pockets or pathways.
    • Properties:
      • Permeability: High, typically designed to drain water at rates similar to coarse gravel (e.g., 100-300 inches per hour, depending on the mix).
      • Density: Still lightweight (20-90 pounds per cubic foot), but slightly denser than ultra-low-density non-permeable mixes due to adjustments in foam and cement content.
      • Strength: Lower compressive strength (e.g., 50-200 psi) compared to non-permeable LDCC, as the open structure sacrifices some load-bearing capacity for drainage.
    • Advantages:
      • Excellent for managing stormwater or groundwater around foundations, retaining walls, or pavements.
      • Reduces hydrostatic pressure by allowing water to dissipate quickly.
      • Can act as a drainage layer, eliminating the need for separate gravel or pipe systems in some cases.
    • Applications:
      • Backfill in areas with high water tables or heavy rainfall.
      • Subbase for permeable pavements or green infrastructure projects.
      • Situations where drainage is a priority over maximum strength.
    • Trade-offs: Reduced strength and insulation properties compared to non-permeable LDCC; may not be ideal where water infiltration needs to be minimized.

    Non-Permeable LDCC

    • Definition: Non-permeable LDCC is designed with a denser, closed-cell structure that prevents water from passing through. The foam cells are encapsulated, and the mix often includes less void space.
    • Properties:
      • Permeability: Very low (essentially waterproof once cured), with water absorption rates often below 10% by volume.
      • Density: Still lightweight (20-90 pounds per cubic foot), adjustable based on strength needs.
      • Strength: Higher compressive strength (e.g., 100-500 psi or more), as the closed-cell structure enhances load-bearing capacity.
    • Advantages:
      • Prevents water infiltration, reducing lateral pressure from water on foundation walls or structures.
      • Offers better insulation due to trapped air cells (thermal conductivity typically 0.1-0.3 W/m·K).
      • Provides a stable, uniform fill with no risk of water weakening the material over time.
    • Applications:
      • Backfill for foundations or retaining walls in wet environments where water resistance is critical.
      • Void filling under slabs or in confined spaces where settlement and water exposure must be avoided.
      • Projects requiring lightweight fill with moderate strength and insulation.
    • Trade-offs: Lacks drainage capability, so additional drainage systems (e.g., weep holes, gravel layers) may be needed in high-water areas.

    Key Differences

    FeaturePermeable LDCCNon-Permeable LDCC
    Water FlowAllows water throughBlocks water
    StrengthLower (50-200 psi)Higher (100-500+ psi)
    DensitySlightly higher voidsAdjustable, often denser
    DrainageExcellentNone
    InsulationModerateBetter
    Best UseDrainage-focusedStability-focused

    Choosing Between Them

    • Permeable LDCC is ideal when managing water flow is a priority, such as in flood-prone areas or where foundations need to “breathe” and drain efficiently.
    • Non-Permeable LDCC shines in scenarios where water resistance, higher strength, or insulation is more critical, like below-grade walls or in areas with poor natural drainage requiring separate water management.

    Volume Concrete LLC tailors the LDCC mix to project specs, so the choice depends on site conditions (e.g., soil type, groundwater), structural demands, and whether drainage or water resistance takes precedence.

    LDCC Pump Video

  • Calculator for Decommissioning Pipes

    Calculator for Decommissioning Pipes

    Concrete Calculator

    Pipe Decommissioning Calculator





    Measuring underground pipes typically involves various techniques and tools depending on the specific requirements such as depth, material, location, and environmental conditions. Here’s a general process:

    1. Preparation and Planning

    • Site Survey: Conduct a thorough site survey to understand the layout, environment, and potential obstacles.
    • Utility Marking: Use utility marking services to identify and mark existing underground utilities to avoid damage.

    2. Choosing the Measurement Method

    • Direct Measurement: For accessible pipes (trenched or exposed), use measuring tapes or laser distance meters.
    • Indirect Measurement: For buried pipes, consider methods like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction, and acoustic methods.

    3. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

    • Equipment Setup: Calibrate the GPR unit based on the soil type and expected depth.
    • Scanning: Move the GPR unit systematically over the area. GPR emits radar waves that reflect off the pipe, creating an image.
    • Data Interpretation: Analyze the radar images to determine the pipe’s depth and position.

    4. Using Electromagnetic Induction

    • Signal Application: Apply an electromagnetic signal to the pipe using a transmitter.
    • Detection: Use a receiver to trace the signal, indicating the pipe’s path and depth.
    • Data Recording: Record the measurements along the detected path.

    5. Using Acoustic Methods

    • Sound Waves: Generate sound waves that travel through the ground and reflect off the pipe.
    • Listening Devices: Use listening devices to capture the reflected sound waves.
    • Analysis: Analyze the sound patterns to locate the pipe and measure its depth.

    6. Verification and Documentation

    • Cross-Verification: Use multiple methods to cross-verify the pipe location and measurements.
    • Documentation: Document all findings, including pipe location, depth, diameter, and any obstacles or anomalies.

    7. Safety Precautions

    • Protective Gear: Ensure all personnel wear appropriate safety gear.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Follow all local regulations and standards for underground work.

    8. Post-Measurement Analysis

    • Data Analysis: Compile and analyze all data collected.
    • Reporting: Prepare a detailed report with diagrams, maps, and measurements.
    • Maintenance Planning: Use the data for maintenance planning or further construction activities.

    This process ensures accurate measurement and location of underground pipes, minimizing the risk of damage during excavation or construction.