What Exactly is Concrete?

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Concrete is a material that is commonly used all over society. This substance is used to make roads and as a foundation for railroads and houses. Concrete is also used in warehouses and is often employed for making columns in buildings. When manufacturers make concrete they form this substance by combining specific ingredients such as water, aggregate and cement.

How is Concrete Created?

The cement that is used within concrete is created from powdered limestone and powered clay. Both of these substances are heated together inside of a rotary kiln until they produce a fine gray colored powder. Manufacturers then mix this powder with aggregate and water to make concrete. Aggregate material could consist of materials such as:

  • sand
  • crushed stone
  • gravel
  • slag

Old crushed concrete could also be used as an aggregate material within newly formed concrete.

After concrete is formed and molded it sets like stone. This substance creates a strong bond that provides strength and durability to different objects that it was used to create. Concrete is also resistant to the elements. Weather elements such as heat, snow, ice and cold can damage concrete. However, it will usually takes many years before this happens.

The Importance of Reinforcing Concrete

Concrete is a strong substance but it also prone to crack. The material has a weak tension quality. One way that construction workers and builders overcome this problem is by reinforcing the material with steel. Tension is the pulling force that is exerted onto an object. Builders typically use rods, bars and mesh. When concrete is reinforced it is given the ability to hold up under tensile and shear stresses caused by wind, vibrations, and earthquakes. This is extremely important for building construction. Especially in locations where earthquakes and extreme weather conditions are present.

cracked-concrete-wall

How do Cracks form in Concrete

While concrete is a strong and durable substance it is also prone to cracking. Concrete cracks for many different reasons. When concrete is poured when it is too wet it will cause the substance to shrink once it has set. Sometimes contractors add too much water to the concrete mix. Lack of crack control joints or they are improperly installed. Concrete will usually crack over a period of time but once again this material is strong enough to be used as a foundation over time.

Mixing Concrete

When builders mix concrete they have to combine the ingredients in such a way to ensure that there is enough paste to fill the spaces between the aggregates. Concrete that is not properly mixed will be difficult to mold and will produce concrete with a rough surface. This surface might contain tiny spaces which would make it porous. Mixtures that have more concrete are typically easier to mold and usually produces a smooth surface. Mixing concrete is a science and an art.

The main thing about concrete is that is a necessary building material that is often used in construction projects. Even though the material is not perfect and will eventually crack it still remains the perfect substance for building structures and roads.

Read more articles:

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