Concrete: Definition of concrete, Types of concrete, Uses of concrete, Benefits of concrete, Limitations of concrete

Definition of concrete:

Concrete is the most commonly used man-made material on earth. It is an important construction material used extensively in buildings, bridges, roads and dams. Its uses range from structural applications, to kerbs, pipes and drains.

Concrete is a mixture of binding material, aggregates and water in a definate proportion.

Types of concrete:

1. Cement concrete: It is a mixture of cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and water in a definite proportion.

2. Lime concrete: Here binding material is lime (CaO)

3: RCC: Steel reinforcing is done in the Cement Concrete. 

4: Prestressed cement concrete: This concrete is a form of concrete used in construction which is “pre-stressed” by being placed under compression prior to supporting any loads beyond its own dead weight. This compression is produced by the tensioning of high-strength “tendons” located within or adjacent to the concrete volume, and is done to improve the performance of the concrete in service.

Uses of concrete:

Many structural elements like footings, columns, beams, chejjas, lintels, roofs are made with R.C.C. Cement concrete is used for making storage structures like water tanks, bins, silos, bunkers etc. Bridges, dams, retaining walls are R.C.C. structures in which concrete is the major ingradienting storage structures like water tanks, bins, silos, bunkers etc.

Benefits of concrete:

There are numerous positive aspects of concrete:

1. It is a relatively cheap material and has a relatively long life with few maintenance requirements.

2. It is strong in compression.

3. Before it hardens it is a very pliable substance that can easily be shaped.

4. It is non-combustible.

Limitations of concrete:

The limitations of concrete include:

1. Relatively low tensile strength when compared to other building materials.

2. Low ductility.

3. Low strength-to-weight ratio.

4. It is susceptible to cracking.