University of Technology

Chemical Engineering Department

Concrete

First stage
2024

Supervising

T Dr. Jabbar Hammadi

This report is done by

‫املهندس مصطفى جبار‬

 INTRODUCTION

Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world after
water, and for good reason. It is strong, durable, and versatile, with a
wide range of applications from buildings to bridges, roads to dams. But
what is concrete? In this blog, we'll explore the ubiquitous nature of
concrete and understand the different types of concrete, their
composition, properties, and uses of this essential building material.

WHAT IS CONCRETE?

If you've ever walked on a sidewalk, driven on a road, or stood in a

building, chances are you've encountered concrete. Put simply, concrete
is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates (like sand and gravel) that
hardens over time to create a solid, strong substance. It's used in all sorts
of construction projects because it's affordable, durable, and can be

Concrete Page 2
 moulded into nearly any shape. It is a building material made by mixing
cement, aggregates, and water in precise proportions.

TYPES OF CONCRETE

1) Reinforced Concrete

This type of concrete is reinforced with steel bars or mesh to increase its
tensile strength and durability. It is commonly used in the construction of
high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require extra
strength and stability.

2) Lightweight Concrete

As the name suggests, this type of concrete is lighter in weight than

normal concrete, making it ideal for construction projects where weight is
a concern. It is commonly used in the construction of precast concrete
elements, such as wall panels, roof slabs, and paving blocks.

Concrete Page 3
 3) High-Strength Concrete

This type of concrete has a compressive strength of over 40 MPa and is

used in the construction of structures that require extra strength, such as
tall buildings, bridges, and dams.

4) High-Performance Concrete

This is a specialized type of concrete that has enhanced properties, such

as high durability, increased strength, and resistance to extreme
temperatures and environmental conditions. It is commonly used in the
construction of nuclear power plants, offshore structures, and other high-
tech projects.

5) Precast Concrete

This type of concrete is manufactured off-site and then transported to the

construction site. It is commonly used in the construction of precast
concrete elements, such as wall panels, columns, beams, and staircases.
Precast concrete offers several advantages over traditional cast-in-place
concrete, including reduced construction time and increased quality
control.

Concrete Page 4
 COMPOSITION OF CONCRETE

Concrete is composed of three main ingredients - cement, aggregates, and

water. Cement is the binding agent that holds the concrete together, while
aggregates, such as sand and gravel, provide strength and bulk.

The water is used to hydrate the cement and activate the chemical process
that hardens the concrete. This is why the ratio of cement to water is an
essential factor in determining the strength and durability of the concrete.
The ideal water cement ratio needs to first be calculated because, higher
water-to-cement ratio can result in weaker, less durable concrete that is
more prone to cracking and erosion.

In addition to the three main ingredients, concrete may also contain

additives such as admixtures, which can enhance certain properties such
as workability, strength, and durability. These additives can include fly
ash, silica fume, and plasticizers, among others.

Concrete Page 5
 PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

Concrete possesses several properties that make it an ideal building

material for a wide range of applications. Here are some of the most
important properties of concrete :

1. Workability -

This refers to the ease with which the concrete can be mixed, transported,
and placed into its final position. A high degree of workability is essential
for achieving the desired shape and finish of the concrete.

2. Strength -

Concrete is known for its strength and can withstand heavy loads and
stresses. The compressive strength of concrete can vary widely depending
on its composition and curing time.

Concrete Page 6
 3. Durability -

Concrete is highly durable and can withstand exposure to elements,

including water, wind, and extreme temperatures. Proper curing and
maintenance can extend the lifespan of concrete structures.

4. Creep -

This refers to the gradual deformation of concrete under sustained loads

over time. Creep can result in structural damage if not accounted for
during the design and construction process.

5. Shrinkage -

Concrete can shrink as it dries, which can result in cracking and other
damage. Proper reinforcement and curing can help minimise the effects
of shrinkage.

6. Unit weight -

The unit weight of concrete refers to its density and can vary depending
on its composition and strength. A higher unit weight can result in
stronger, more durable concrete.

7. Modular ratio -

This refers to the relationship between the elastic moduli of concrete and
the steel reinforcement used to reinforce it. A higher modular ratio can
result in stronger, more durable structures.

Concrete Page 7
 8. Poisson's ratio -

This is a measure of the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain when a

material is stretched or compressed. Poisson's ratio can affect the overall
strength and stability of concrete structures.

USES OF CONCRETE

1. Driveways and patios -

Concrete is an ideal material for driveways and patios due to its

durability, low maintenance, and versatility. Concrete can be stamped or
coloured to match the aesthetics of the surrounding area, making it an
attractive option for homeowners. Additionally, concrete can withstand
heavy loads and is resistant to cracking, making it a long-lasting and
reliable choice.

2. Sidewalks -

Concrete is a popular choice for sidewalks due to its strength,

affordability, and ease of installation. Concrete sidewalks can withstand
heavy foot traffic and can be easily repaired if damaged. They are also
low maintenance and resistant to weathering and erosion.

3. Parking -

Concrete is a common material used for parking lots due to its strength
and durability. Parking lots made of concrete can withstand heavy traffic
and can last for many years with proper maintenance. Additionally,
concrete is slip-resistant and can be painted with visible markings for
safety.

Concrete Page 8
 4. Streets -

Concrete is a preferred material for street paving due to its durability,

skid-resistance, and ability to withstand heavy loads. Concrete streets are
low-maintenance and can last for many years with proper care. They are
also resistant to oil and gas spills, making them an ideal choice for high-
traffic areas.

5. Footings/Foundation -

Concrete is commonly used for building foundations and footings due to

its strength, durability, and ability to resist water. Concrete
foundations can support the weight of a building and protect it from
moisture and water damage. Additionally, concrete can be reinforced
with steel bars to further increase its strength and durability.

6. Mid-Rise and High-Rise Buildings -

Concrete is an ideal material for constructing mid-rise and high-rise

buildings due to its strength, durability, and ability to resist natural
disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. Reinforced concrete structures
can withstand high winds and seismic forces, making them a reliable
choice for tall buildings. Additionally, concrete buildings can be designed
to be energy-efficient and can have a long lifespan with proper
maintenance.

Concrete Page 9
 IN SUMMARY,

concrete is a versatile and durable building material that has been used for
centuries. Understanding what is concrete, the types of concrete, its
composition, and the properties of concrete are essential for achieving the
desired strength, durability, and performance of the finished product.
Regular concrete testing methods help ensure that the concrete meets the
required standards and specifications. To learn more about concrete
testing methods, check out this helpful video on Concrete Testing.

Concrete Page 10
 REFERENCES

1. Neville, A.M. Properties of Concrete. 5th ed. Harlow, UK: Pearson

Education Limited, 2011.

2. Mehta, P.K. and P.J.M. Monteiro. Concrete: Microstructure,

Properties, and Materials. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Education,
2014.

3. Kosmatka, S.H. and M.L. Wilson. Design and Control of Concrete

Mixtures. 16th ed. Skokie, Illinois: Portland Cement Association, 2016.

4. Mindess, S., J.F. Young, and D. Darwin. Concrete. 2nd ed. Upper
Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson, 2003.

5. Shetty, M.S. Concrete Technology: Theory and Practice. New Delhi: S.

Chand & Company Ltd., 2005.

6. Neville, A.M. and J.J. Brooks. Concrete Technology. 2nd ed. Harlow,
UK: Pearson Education Limited, 2010.

Concrete Page 11