Concrete is among the most common and most versatile materials that are used in construction. This is where it becomes important to know which concrete type is best for what project.
Choosing the right concrete mix for your construction project, whether it is a residential driveway, or a high performance structure, will be ideal as it will guarantee durability and efficiency.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a man-made material consisting of such ingredients as aggregates: sand, gravel, crushed stone, and water, with the addition of a binder, cement. Hydration is the process were water gets into contact with cement and forms a strong durable structure from the mixture.
Types of Concrete Mix
Choosing between different types of concrete mix can be the difference between a successful and failed project.
Some considerations include how much weight the structure can handle, the climate in which the structure will be located, and how long the structure will be needed. Below, we will explore some of the main types of concrete used in construction:
High-Performance Concrete
High performance concrete (HPC) is a specific type of concrete that is characterized by enhanced mechanical properties and durability as well as better resistance to aggressive conditions.
It is mostly used in constructions such as bridges, tunnels, and buildings that are many storeys high and in which the durability is important.
Strength: Higher strength of concrete is defined as high performance concrete with a compressive strength of more than 6000psi.
Durability:
It is not susceptible to chemical aggression, frost action and has a reduced permeability hence offering long term performance.
High-Strength Concrete
High strength concrete has a minimum compressive strength greater than 8000 psi. It is one of the most commonly used construction products in buildings such as skyscrapers, industries and bridges, where the maximum load bearing is of paramount importance.
Such concrete contains materials like silica fume that improves the strength and characteristics of the concrete.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete contains steel bars (rebar) or mesh for increasing tensile strength of the concrete.
This combination enables concrete to bear both compressive as well as tensile loads thus making it rigid for walls, beams, columns, and slabs in construction.
Common Uses:
Tall structures such as skyscrapers, suspension bridges and other large structures and constructions.
Advantages:
Better structural strength because of reinforcement.
Properties of Concrete
To know the suitable concrete mixture for your construction, you need to understand the properties of concrete.
Here are some of the fundamental properties:
Compressive Strength:
The capacity to bear or support large amounts of weight.
Workability:
The ability of the concrete to be prepared, placed and compacted with relative ease.
Durability:
Weathering, chemical attack, and abrasion in the area of the composite pole.
Density:
In kg/m³ it determines the strength and the heat conductivity of the concrete.
How is Concrete Made?
Concrete is formed by mixing cement, aggregates (sand, gravel or crushed stones) with water.
These components result in a concrete, safety has to be something that is always first and foremost. Some of the components in concrete are also dangerous and the risks are high during the mixing and transportation processes. Here are some essential safety tips to consider:
Wear Protective Gear:
It is recommended that you wear safety glasses, gloves, and work boots to avoid getting cement and other additives in contact with your skin and eyes.
Ventilation:
Always make sure there is adequate ventilation when using directives enclosed spaces in order to prevent inhalation of dust and smoke.
Avoid Prolonged Skin Contact:
Cement has a very bad effect on the skin and can lead to burns if left for a long time in contact with the skin.
Handle Tools with Care:
Avoid accidents by taking care when using tools such as shovels and wheelbarrows while working.
For more safety tips, please check out the following safety guidelines.
Concretes Aggregates & Admixtures
One of the most important factors which have a direct impact on the strength, durability and workability of the concrete is the type of aggregates and additives used during the concrete mix.
Whereas aggregates form the major component of the concrete, additives alter some characteristics of the concrete to fit a particular application.
Types of Concrete Aggregates
Fine Aggregates:
The particles of sand or crushed stone with a size not exceeding 5mm.
Coarse Aggregates:
Coarse aggregate or the crushed stones bigger than 5mm in size.
Common Concrete Additives
Fly Ash:
Improves the properties of strength and ductility.
Silica Fume:
It enhances the compressive strength and the life span of the structure.
Air-Entraining Agents:
Increase the resistance to freeze and thaw cycles.
They all alter some or many of the characteristics of concrete so as to make it more appropriate for specific conditions.
Masonry & Mortar Mix
It is therefore compared to other construction materials such as masonry and mortar. While concrete offers strength, masonry mix is used for building walls, and mortar holds the masonry units such as bricks together.
Masonry Mix:
Applied in block or brick construction.
Mortar Mix:
A mixture of cement, sand and water applied between bricks or stones to join them together.
Both are used in construction but have some characteristics and uses that distinguish them from concrete.
Concrete Handling and Positioning Equipment and Tools
To produce the best results when working with concrete, it is necessary to use the right tools and equipment. Here are some of the most commonly used tools:
Shovels
Shovels are used in dispatching of concrete and in mixing and transporting of small quantities of concrete. Choose those that are made of steel for better and lasting durability.
Wheelbarrows
A good quality wheelbarrow should be used for transporting wet concrete within the construction site. Select the ones with strong wheels and handle to wheel the big load around with much ease.
Safety Glasses & Sunglasses
Ensure you shield your eyes from the particles that fly around in the air when working with concrete in outdoor areas by wearing safety glasses or sunglasses.
Work Boots
It is important to wear work boots when working on construction sites because concrete surfaces can be slippery.
Knee Pads
Some of the most common problems associated with concrete work include kneeling for long hours. Knee pads are used to cover the knees and provide comfort whenever one is working on rocky or uneven surfaces.
Ready-Mix Concrete
The ready mix concrete is one of the most popular types of concrete used in construction and other related projects.
This is produced in a central factory and transported to the construction site in trucks with rotating drums in order to prevent it from hardening during transportation.
Benefits:
It helps in maintaining quality standard, save time and also decreases cost of labor.
Applications:
Residential and commercial building foundations, driveways, and sidewalks as well as industrial projects.
Some of the benefits of ready mix concrete include; It can be prepared in accordance with the specifications of your project, strength, workability and durability inclusive.
Concrete vs. Asphalt
Concrete and asphalt are two of the most popular materials in use for constructing roads.
Each of the two has its strengths and weakness, but one is suitable for one type of project while the other is for another.
Concrete
Durability:
It has a longer lifespan and needs less maintenance than the asphalt.
Cost:
At the same time, the higher price at the initial stage means lower expenses on its maintenance in the future.
Applications:
Roods and bridges, as well as other highly loaded pavement structures.
Asphalt
Flexibility:
Easier to install and repair.
Cost:
Less expensive to install than concrete due to it having a lower initial cost.
Applications:
Roads, car parking area and lighter pavements.
For projects where the structure needs to have a longer service life and higher strength, such as highways and airports, concrete is the most commonly used material.
Conclusion
In this article, we will look at the various forms of concrete to help you identify the most appropriate one for the project you are working on.
High-performance concrete, ready-mix, and reinforced concrete are some of the types of concrete that are used in construction.
Concrete work is also a safety concern, as well as the selection of tools and additives to produce the highest quality outcome.
No matter whether it is a simple driveway you are constructing or a large scale infrastructure project, the choice of concrete has a significant impact on the overall strength, price and environmental impact of the structure.
To know more about our services and consultation in Las Vegas, please visit Expert Concrete Contractors Las Vegas.