When R.S. Elliott in Plant City needed a heavy-duty concrete slab for their supply storage, our team at A.O. Wagner Construction was ready to pour. We thrive on projects that demand precision and durability, and this was no exception.
Through our partnership with the experts at J&G Concrete, we delivered a robust foundation designed to support their operations for years. The entire project, from breaking ground to the final touches, was completed in just one week.
Preparing the Site
The new slab is a substantial 60 feet by 130 feet, 8 inches thick, engineered to handle the constant traffic and weight of commercial supplies. A project of this scale (also, not our first for R.S. Elliot) requires careful planning and execution, so our first step was to clear the designated area of all grass and prepare the site for a seamless installation.
To create a unified, crack-resistant surface, we began by drilling and doweling rebar directly into the existing concrete foundation. This process mechanically joins the old and new slabs, preventing shifting and breaking later on down the line. We then constructed wood forms around the other three sides and laid a grid of heavy-gauge wire mesh to reinforce the entire structure before the big pour.
Pouring and Finishing the Slab
Pouring 208 yards of concrete is a race against the clock, so we scheduled it for the coolest part of the day. A boom truck arrived and began pumping concrete at 1 a.m. The team worked tirelessly through the night, and by 7 a.m., the entire slab was successfully poured.
With the concrete in place, we used gas-powered trowels, or “whirlybirds,” to create a perfectly smooth and level surface. This finishing step is what gives the slab its professional look and functional quality.
After the surface was just right, we applied a sealant to protect it from moisture and wear. The final step was cutting control joints, which are shallow grooves that guide any potential cracking in a clean line and help maintain the slab’s structural integrity.
The finished product was a flawless, industrial-grade slab that R.S. Elliott can rely on for years to come. It’s another example of how we combine smart engineering with efficient teamwork to get the job done right.
What Can We Do for You?
If you have a commercial or residential project on the horizon, we’re here to help you build it on a solid foundation. With over 20 years of experience, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life. Let’s discuss what A.O. Wagner Construction can do for you.
A.O. Wagner Construction provides full-service general contracting, management services, and design/build construction throughout Central Florida. We love serving Winter Haven, Lakeland, Davenport, Haines City, Auburndale, Avon Park, and neighboring areas! Follow our Project Build Blog to see more of our past projects. For more information, please email us at info@aowagnerfl.com or call 863-299-4444.