Concrete is a material which consists of cement and aggregate. Aggregates can be either stones or sand. The aggregates are mixed with the cement using water. This causes a reaction called hydration. It takes almost a month for the mixture of cement and aggregates to harden.
Concrete can be divided into various types. The various types of concrete have been described here.
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Plain Concrete
Plain concrete consists of the basic ingredients such as cement, water and aggregates. This is a basic concrete with strength varying from 10MPa to 40MPa. The normal ratio of cement, aggregates and water used in the concrete mixture is 1:2:4. Plain concrete is used in constructing pavements and buildings.
Lightweight Concrete
Lightweight concrete consists of lightweight aggregates such as clay, pumice, scoria, expanded shales, vermiculite, perlite, etc. The mass per unit volume of lightweight concrete is lower than 1920 Kg/meter cube. The thermal conductivity of this type of concrete is also very low. The lightweight concrete is used for constructing long span bridges, for providing protection to steel structures and for making building blocks.
Aerated concrete is a type of lightweight concrete containing powdered ash and sand as aggregates. Consequently, the density of this type of concrete is very low almost at 480-800 kg/meter cube.
Reinforced Concrete
Plain concrete with steel reinforcements is called reinforced concrete. The steel reinforcements impart high tensile strength to the plain concrete. This type of concrete has a high compressive strength. The steel reinforcements are present in the form of steel meshes, bars and rods. The strength of the bond between the concrete and the steel reinforcements is an important factor when it comes to construction of reinforced concrete building.
High Density Concrete
High density concrete consists of crushed rocks of high density as aggregates. The density of such concrete can be anything between 3000 and 4000 kg/meter cube. High density concrete is widely used in atomic power plants because it provides good protection against radiation. It is also used in other structures requiring high strength.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is a concrete unit which is constructed in the factory using a mould and brought to the site for assembly. Precast concrete units are made in different sizes and shapes. The precast concrete units are set and hardened properly prior to their use in construction of various buildings. The concrete is cast according to pre-decided specifications. Curing is done under controlled temperature and humidity. Precast concrete units are used for quick construction because they only need to be assembled. Examples of precast concrete units include concrete blocks, precast walls and poles, staircases, fence, cast stones, lintels, etc.
Prestressed Concrete
Prestressed concrete is made by holding the steel reinforcement bars under tension at each end while pouring the concrete mix. When the concrete sets and hardens, the concrete is set into compression. In this kind of concrete, the lower part is resistant against tension unlike the conventional reinforced concrete which is prone to developing cracks in the lower portion. The compressive strength of the concrete is also increased significantly. Prestressed concrete is used in the construction of long span roofs, bridges and structures for bearing heavy loads.
Air Entrained Concrete
Air entrained concrete is a type of concrete in which air is entrained using air entraining agents such as fatty acids, resins, alcohols, etc. The volume of air entrained is about 3-6% of the concrete. Air entrained concrete is resistant to freezing and thawing, scaling and abrasion.
Polymer Concrete
Polymer concrete is a type of concrete in which the aggregates are bound with polymer instead of cement. The volume of voids in the aggregates is reduced due to the use of polymer.
These are some of the many types of concrete created by various concrete technologies. For bookings, visit online at www.iconcrete.com.au.
