What is concrete?

What is Concrete?

Concrete is one of the most used construction materials in the world. Concrete is a mixture of Cement (usually Ordinary Portland Cement), Aggregates (Fine and Coarse Aggregates) and Water. In simply you can say fine aggregates is Sand and Coarse Aggregates is Graves.

Aggregates, Cement, and Water 

When Cement is mixed with water and aggregates (as per required quantity), it becomes fluid and it is placed in forms (molds) to create a shaper as per building requirements.            

Hydration, a reaction between the dry components of the cement and water cause the concrete to set up, or harden into durable material (concrete). 

Concrete Placement of Slab On Grade and Harden Concrete showing sideWall. 

Concrete Types

Basically, the main two types of concrete: -

1.      StructuralConcrete

a.      All reinforced concrete including concrete with minimum reinforcement for temperature and shrinkage control. The minimum 28-day design compressive strength (ASTM C39). Water retaining structures shall have a minimum 28-day design compressive strength of 35 MPa (5,000 psi). 

Structural Concrete / Building Foundation 

 

2.      Non-StructuralConcrete:

a.      Unreinforced concrete of no significant structural value such as lean concrete for sub-slabs. The minimum 28-day design compressive strength (ASTM C39) shall be 14 MPa (2,000 psi).

Non-Structural Concrete / Lean Concrete