Today was the last day working concrete at the site on Morgan Avenue. The mixture of cement, sand, aggregate and other secret-recipe ingredients comes down the chute from the mixer truck as thick sludge, like lumpy chocolate pudding. The men stand in the wood sidewalk frame “floating the concrete” with long flat blades. One worker on his knees wears pads as he smoothes around the edges with a trowel. As they push and pull the floaters, the bumpy material miraculously comes together and regulates itself.
There is not much arborist work today.
All my root preservation is finished, the behemoth roots I found are safely tucked away in plastic under the concrete slabs. I can’t help here in any way, even picking up a leaf from the surface of the poured concrete – that would be an infraction of union rules. All I can do is take note, learn, and monitor.
On the other hand if I leave the leaf there, the contractor will get in trouble with the city. Sidewalks have to be perfect. Or as perfect as anything can be.
Once in a while the contractor himself picks up a floater and sweeps it across the wet concrete to settle it. Then the workers score the squares, measuring with a floss of a string and employing another long-handled tool. These scorings I think are not necessary in any practical sense but only aesthetic.
“Art always opts for the individual, the concrete,” said Jorge Luis Borges. “Art is not platonic.” But sometimes concrete is simply concrete.
Jean Zimmerman 
The author’s philosophical reflection on the pursuit of perfection in a common material is highly engaging, especially when contrasted with the technical realities of construction. The dilemma over the single leaf perfectly illustrates the tension between nature’s imperfection and the exacting demands of urban building codes. For more details, check out with Augusta fencing contractor.
The way the author ties the mundane, meticulous process of sidewalk construction to a philosophical quote about art is truly engaging. It makes one pause and consider the blend of practical construction needs and aesthetic choices present in everyday infrastructure. Get more from Wendell Concrete Company
The blog post details the final day of a concrete pouring job, where the author observes workers transforming the “thick sludge” into a smooth surface using floating blades and trowels, all while monitoring her previous arborist work of root preservation. The piece also includes a philosophical layer, contrasting the practical labor with the nature of the material, questioning the necessity of sidewalk scoring, and reflecting on a quote by Jorge Luis Borges about art and the concrete. Click here for more details about Stamped Concrete Rocky Mount
The article “Something Concrete” by Jean Zimmerman is a personal meditation on observing the final day of a concrete pouring job at a construction site, blending a precise description of the modern installation process with philosophical reflections on the material’s aesthetic nature. Perfect for Wooden Fence Cedar City
I never thought about how scoring concrete sidewalks is more for aesthetics sometimes—not just practicality. Privacy Fence Johnson City
This article presents a thoughtful and engaging reflection on concrete’s role in architecture and daily life, blending history with personal observations. It’s an interesting read for those who appreciate the artistic and functional aspects of this versatile material. Click here for more details about Augusta Fencing.
Jean Zimmerman’s blog post “Something Concrete” reflects on her experience observing workers pouring and finishing concrete on a job site. The piece poetically describes the process, blending the technical aspects of concrete work with a philosophical reflection on art and craftsmanship. Get more details with Concrete Company Goodyear.
The blog post on Jean Zimmerman’s site titled “Something Concrete” might delve into various topics related to concrete, such as its applications, aesthetic possibilities, or recent trends in concrete design and construction. It might also share personal insights or reflections on the material.
The blog post explores various concrete projects, showcasing creative and practical uses of concrete in design and construction. View more from Concrete Contractor Lawrenceville.
Nice! The article “Something Concrete” beautifully captures the enduring strength and versatility of concrete, weaving its practical applications with an appreciation for its aesthetic potential in modern design.
“Something Concrete” provides an engaging perspective on the versatility and aesthetic potential of concrete in various applications, highlighting its unique attributes in design and construction. Get more info from Concrete Company Clearwater.
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This is a very interesting blog post about the history and significance of concrete in architecture and art. I enjoyed reading about the different examples of concrete structures and sculptures, such as the Pantheon, the Hoover Dam, and the works of Rachel Whiteread. I agree that concrete is a versatile and durable material that can create beautiful and functional forms.
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Your’re absolutely right. I tend to romanticize these things.
I wonder how they get them?
Here in Arizona, the tiles (made in Mexico) often have coyote footprints, on purpose!
So interesting, Jean, and I love the Borges quote.
But isn’t there a concrete reason for the scoring on a concrete sidewalk? I thought it was to allow for the contraction and expansion in the cold and the heat. Or is that an urban legend? Those myth-making concrete mixers!!