All You Need to Know About Concrete: Facts and Applications

Concrete remains one of today’s most popular construction materials because it is suitable for a wide range of applications. It’s also known for its cost-effectiveness, durability, flexibility, and strength. You can see it almost everywhere, from different residential structures and offices to sidewalks and bridges.

Keep on reading to learn what the components of concrete are and why it is a great construction material.

What Is Concrete?

Concrete is a composite material made from mixing a binding material, aggregate, water, and admixtures, if necessary. When mixed in the right proportions, these materials should create concrete that is easy to transport, place, and finish. Once it sets and hardens, it should have a strong and durable surface. Moreover, the relative amount of each of the components of concrete affects its properties.

What Is in It?

Portland Cement
The cement and water create a paste that covers the aggregate and sand in the mix. The paste hardens and holds together the aggregates.

Water
Water is required for hydration to occur and to make concrete workable. The water-cement (w/c) ratio pertains to the amount of water in the mix in pounds relative to the amount of cement. Concrete with a lower w/c ratio is stronger and less permeable.

Aggregates
There are two types of aggregates: fine and coarse. Sand is the fine aggregate while gravel or crushed stone is the coarse aggregate.

Cement vs. Concrete

Concrete is a mix of aggregates and paste. Aggregates are usually sand and gravel or crushed stone while the paste is water and Portland Cement. Portland Cement is the generic term for the kind of cement used in nearly all concrete. It means that there isn’t really such a thing as a cement mixer or sidewalks, but the right terms are concrete sidewalks and mixers.

Around 10% to 15% of the concrete mix is cement by volume. Cement, in its powder form, acts as a binding agent when combined with water and aggregates. The cement and water harden and hold together aggregates, which turn into a stone-like mass. As concrete gets older, the hardening process continues, which means the material grows stronger as it ages.

Three Basic Categories of Concrete Mix

Lime Concrete
Lime is the binding material of Lime concrete. Lime is typically mixed with surki and khoa or stones in a 1:2:5 proportion. Before mixing, the khoa or stone is soaked in water. Builders usually use this kind of concrete in foundations and terrace roofing.

Cement Concrete
The main building material in most engineering constructions is cement concrete composites. It contains cement, sand, brick chips or stone chips of the necessary style, with a proportion of 1:2:4 or 1:3:6. After combining the materials, the concrete mix is allowed to cure with water for 28 days to give it enough strength building.

Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC)
Steel reinforcements are added to concrete for added tensile strength. In some cases, RCC is prestressed under compression to get rid of tensile stresses. This brings life to Prestressed Concrete.

Popular Concrete Applications

Sidewalks, Patios, and Homes
Homes made of concrete are not only energy-efficient but also highly resistant to strong winds. This material prevents sound transmission as well so you can enjoy a more peaceful home. With concrete, you don’t need to worry about rust or rot. It’s one reason it’s among the most popular housing materials in the world. Moreover, your builder can easily use concrete along with other materials in your home, such as brick, stone, and other kinds of masonry. Wood and vinyl siding also work well with concrete. Concrete and polystyrene foam are inert and can be recycled, meaning they are better for the environment.

Driveways
A concrete driveway will significantly improve your home’s value and curb appeal. Many homeowners prefer this material due to its durability and longevity. It usually lasts for more than three decades, making it a good long-term investment. Another reason people love it is that you can have this material stamped, colored, or stenciled in various textures and decorative finishes. You can make a first good impression on guests and potential buyers with stamped and decorative concrete.

Parking Areas
What makes concrete an ideal material for newly built parking lots or ones that need reconstruction? Well, for one, it doesn’t require as much maintenance as other materials, which mean fewer repairs and more savings. You can add colors and patterns to the concrete to make your parking lot and business stand out from the crowd.

Curbs and Streets
More than half of the U.S. Interstate Highway System is built with concrete. This material is preferred due to its excellent durability, safety, higher light reflectivity at night, and better traction. Asphalt only lasts for around 8 to 12 years while concrete has a service life of up to 30 years or more. To make the most of your investment, make sure to hire a reputable contractor for your concrete repair or application like NAV Construction.

At NAV Construction, you can rely on us for your superior residential and commercial concrete construction needs. We specialize in concrete repair, sidewalks and pathways, stamped concrete, and more. Call us at (540) 812-2277, or fill out our contact form to learn more about our services.