Concrete construction material is one of the most utilised construction materials nowadays all over the world.
Given the number of ways that concrete can be formulated and the types, it is possible to use concrete which suits a construction project.
This is so whether you are in the process of creating a high rise building in the middle of the Las Vegas strip or simply paving driveways for homes or complex bridge systems that have to sustain hundreds of thousands of workers on a daily basis: the right type of concrete forms the perfect recipe for durability and strength. Recognizing the variation of types of concrete is important in determining what kind of mix is best suited for a particular use in order to maintain safety, functionality, and structural longevity.
Normal Strength Concrete
Normal strength concrete is the most commonly used type, composed of cement, water, and aggregates in a standard 1:2:4 ratio. Ironically, it provides moderate compressive strength meaning that it is only suitable for general construction.
Well known but not suitable for applications where tensile stress is involved or where buildings will be under stress in extreme environmental conditions.
Uses:
It is used to build Sidewalks, driveway, and residential foundations.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is simply the amplification of concrete with steel bars (rebar) or mesh in it to increase tensile strength.
In this case, both the compressive and tensile forces can be absorbed by this material and that makes it ideal for most construction projects. Reinforced concrete has become so general in the latest structure because it endures more.
Uses:
It is used to build tall structures such as buildings and civil engineering structures such as bridges and other giant structures.
High-Strength Concrete
High strength concrete gives 40 MPa or higher compressive strength by lowering the W/C ratio and by the use of admixtures.
This type of Concrete is created for projects that demand high strength, and ability to work under extreme conditions.
This concrete is especially suitable in the structural members whose performance relies heavily on strength.
Uses:
It is used to build large commercial buildings such as the skyscrapers, factories and other large structures.
Lightweight Concrete
Lightweight concrete has a lighter substance like pumice or expanded clay substitution in the aggregates of concrete ensuring strength but low weight.
Thereby offering excellent thermal insulation making it widely used in construction of high rise buildings and structures with reduced dead load.
This concrete besides being light in weight has good fire resistance and again it can be transported easily.
Uses:
It is used to build construction projects including high rise structures, roofs and floors.
Shotcrete
Shotcrete on the other hand is a form of concrete that is to be sprayed by a hose of high pressure and is ideal for enclosing odd shaped protruding areas.
It can be applied in walls and roof without much reinforcement or support to formworks. Shotcrete is used where speed and versatility of construction is critical.
Uses:
It is used to build swimming pools, tunnel linings and repair of structures.
Ready-Mix Concrete
This type of concrete is produced at the batching plant where all the ingredients are blended together and then transported to the construction site minimising job site blending.
This type of concrete reduces the variation that would be expected while mixing concrete at the site and is ideal for enormous construction projects that require consistency.
The use of equipment makes it a time saving proposed solution for contractors.
Uses:
In the area of heavy construction, civil engineering applications include works such as large scale commercial buildings, construction of foundations and infrastructure.
Prestressed Concrete
Prestressed concrete involves reinforcement of steel tendons that are stretched across the beams before the concrete is poured so that the structure possesses high reinforcing capacity for compression as well as tension.
This kills two birds with one stone, besides adding more strength to the concrete to be used in large spans and heavy loads in general.
Prestressed concrete is vital in reducing cracks and deformations in lengthy structural members.
Uses:
It is used to build crossing links, flyovers and continuity girders.
Polymer Concrete
Polymer concrete uses polymer instead of cement with a higher resistance to corrosion, chemicals as well as water.
This kind of concrete is very strong and sets rapidly, and thus it is appropriate for specific industry uses.
The same features make it easy for polymer concrete to bond with other products, enhancing structures overall functionality.
Uses:
It is used to build industrial floors, drains, chemical and paint resistant areas, and so on.
High-Density Concrete
High-density concrete employs massive aggregates such as barytes and the densities of the resultant material considerably surpass those of regular concrete due to demands of various projects such as radiation shields.
Due to its high compressive strength and density, it may be used under structures which require heavy loads or where buildings are to be protected from toxic substances.
Uses:
It is used to build chemical, nuclear power plants, irradiation structures in medical facilities and health centres, and basements.
Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
Fibre reinforced concrete contains various types of fibres in it including steel, glass or synthetic fibre and this leads to enhancement of crack resistance, and durability. One of the many advantages of this type of concrete is that it shows much more durability and strength when there is mechanical pressure or the construction is prone to increased hardness.
The fibres help to disseminate load stresses, and thus counter crack formation.
Uses:
It is used to build roads and streets, airfields, hard standing surfaces and factory floors.
Pervious Concrete
Pervious concrete enables the passage of water effectively thus has been developed to control stormwater runoff especially in urban areas.
Its characteristics make it usable in sensitive ecosystems hence environmentally friendly because it has considerable filtration rates; essential in areas with very stringent water regimen standards.
This is a kind of concrete which is regularly used in green construction projects where the aim is to enhance the water seepage and soaking.
Uses:
It is used to build parking lots and driveways and sidewalks.
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