Concrete

:This article is about the construction material. For the philosophical term, see Concrete (philosophy). For the comic book, see Concrete (comics). For the film see Concrete (film).

Related Topics:
Concrete (philosophy) - Concrete (comics) - Concrete (film)

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In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and cement binder. The most common form of concrete is Portland cement concrete, which consists of mineral aggregate (generally gravel and sand), Portland cement and water.

Related Topics:
Construction - Composite - Aggregate - Cement - Binder - Gravel - Sand - Portland cement - Water

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It is commonly believed that concrete dries after mixing and placement. Actually, concrete does not solidify because water evaporates, but rather cement hydrates, gluing the other components together and eventually creating a stone-like material. When used in the generic sense, this is the material referred to by the term concrete. Concrete is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, motorways/roads, overpasses, parking structures, bases for gates/fences/poles, and cement in brick or block walls. An old name for concrete is liquid stone. The ultimate strength of concrete is related to water/cement ratio and the size, shape, and strength of the aggregate used. Concrete with lower water/cement ratio (down to 0.35) makes a stronger concrete than a higher ratio. Concrete made with small (1/2" or 12mm) smooth pebbles is much weaker than that made with larger (1" or 25mm) rough-surfaced broken rock pieces for example.

Related Topics:
Evaporates - Hydrates

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