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Properties of Good Concrete
Concrete
The word concrete comes from a Latin word
'concretus' meaning compact or condensed.
Concrete is the most widely used construction
material in the entire world. Rather than existing as
an independent material, concrete is a mix of various
materials. These materials include cement, water,
fine aggregate, and crushed stones or gravel. Sand
and gravel or crushed stones are examples of fine
aggregate and coarse aggregate, respectively.
Concrete is an essential part of any construction
project. It forms a crucial part of any building or
structure. Just take a look at the buildings that
surrounds you, the pavements you walk on, and
other various structures around.
Properties of Good Concrete
Concrete has many incredible attributes that make it excellent for buildings and structures. Some of these properties include:
Strength
Concrete is a very strong material that can withstand great tensile and compressive stresses without yielding. This strength is, of course, a function of the material components of the concrete mix. This variability explains why poorly graded concrete is weaker than a well-graded mix.
Workability
Concrete is an extremely workable material that is great even for large construction projects. The subsequent handling, transportation, placing, and finishing process is also as seamless as the mixing. The consistency of fresh mix concrete must be such that it is workable and can be compacted by the means that are available on site.
Durability
Concrete lasts for ages and can resist weathering action, chemical action, abrasion, and both tensile and compressive stress for long periods without compromising its structural integrity. This attribute makes a concrete structure more stable and suitable for places with rough conditions.
Long-Lasting
The first instances of human-made concrete date back to 500 BC. The fact that we are still able to see this concrete shows just how durable concrete is. The longevity of concrete makes it a great material for permanent buildings and other structures like bridges and even dams.
Economical
Concrete is reasonably cheap and versatile and can be used extensively for a variety of structures including roads, buildings, pavements, pathways, and even bridges, to name a few.