Concrete Contractors of Grapevine
Heavy Duty Site Work

Dock Aprons & Loading Zones

Precision concrete dock aprons and loading zone construction for distribution facilities.

Loading dock areas endure relentless stress from trailer impacts, hydraulic leveler cycling, and the concentrated loads of material handling equipment. The dock apron is where your building meets your supply chain. We build dock areas that perform reliably year after year in the demanding DFW logistics environment.

Dock apron slopes must balance two requirements: positive drainage away from the building to prevent water infiltration, and a slope gentle enough that trailers back in safely and levelers operate properly. The geometry seems simple but requires careful attention to protect your facility while maintaining operational efficiency.

Coordination with dock equipment is essential. Levelers, vehicle restraints, dock shelters, and bumpers all integrate with the concrete work. We work with your dock equipment supplier to ensure proper embedments, blocking, and clearances are in place before concrete placement. This coordination prevents costly retrofits after the fact.

The transition between dock apron and building slab requires special attention. This joint sees both building settlement and thermal movement. We detail this connection with appropriate joint materials and reinforcement to prevent the separation and cracking that plague poorly detailed dock areas.

What's Included

Subgrade preparation and structural base
Precise grading for proper drainage slopes
Thickened concrete placement at dock face
Equipment embedments and blockouts
Transition joints to building slab
Surface finishing for equipment operation
Trench drain and storm connection
Striping and dock numbering

Common Project Scenarios

01

New warehouse construction with multiple loading docks

02

Dock addition or expansion at existing facility

03

Dock apron replacement due to deterioration

04

Building repurposing requiring new dock configuration

Ideal For

Distribution center operatorsThird-party logistics providersManufacturing facilities with shipping needsRetail distribution operations

Frequently Asked Questions

What slope is required for dock aprons?

Typical dock apron slope is 1-2% away from the building for drainage. Steeper slopes can make trailer backing difficult and affect leveler operation. We design slopes that provide positive drainage while maintaining safe and efficient truck operations.

How thick is dock apron concrete?

Dock aprons typically require 10-12 inches of concrete to handle the concentrated loads from trailer tires at the dock face. This thickness extends 50-75 feet from the building before transitioning to standard truck court pavement.

What about dock bumpers and equipment?

We coordinate with your dock equipment supplier on all embedments and blockouts. Bumper anchors, restraint tracks, and leveler pits are all detailed in advance. Proper coordination prevents the concrete patching and equipment alignment issues that occur when this isn't planned.

Can you work around active docks?

Yes, though it requires careful planning. We phase work to maintain access to a minimum number of operational docks, schedule pours to minimize disruption, and coordinate with your operations team on timing. Safety and maintaining your supply chain are both priorities.

How do you handle dock apron drainage?

We typically slope dock aprons to trench drains located at the edge of the apron. These connect to the site storm system. Inlet sizing accounts for the concentrated drainage from the dock face area. Proper drainage prevents the ponding that damages both concrete and equipment.

Request a Bid

Contact us about your dock aprons & loading zones project. We respond to qualified inquiries within one business day.

Get StartedCall (682) 841-5785

We Work With

  • Industrial Developers
  • Property Owners
  • End Users / Occupants
  • Investment Groups

We do not provide subcontracting services. We are the general contractor.

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