Different Types Of Concrete And Their Applications

By Author: Michael Gilmore
Total Articles: 347
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Concrete is a versatile and durable construction material that can be used for various purposes. Concrete is made of cement, water, and aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone) that are mixed in different proportions and undergo a chemical reaction called hydration. Depending on the type and amount of ingredients, admixtures (chemicals that modify the properties of concrete), and the method of construction, concrete can have different characteristics and uses. Some of the common types of concrete are:
 
Normal Strength Concrete: This is the most common type of concrete with a basic mix of cement, aggregates, and water. It has a compressive strength of 10 to 40 MPa and is used for general construction purposes such as pavements, buildings, bridges, etc.
 
Plain Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has no reinforcement (steel bars or fibres) in it. It has a low tensile strength and is prone to cracking. It is mainly used for simple structures that do not require high load-bearing capacity or durability.
 
Reinforced Concrete: ...
... This is a type of concrete that has reinforcement (steel bars or fibres) embedded in it to improve its tensile strength and ductility. Reinforcement also helps to resist cracking and corrosion. Reinforced concrete is used for structures that need to withstand high loads, such as beams, columns, slabs, foundations, etc. It is also used for commercial concreting purposes in Whyalla because of its durability and strength.
 
Prestressed Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has pre-tensioned or post-tensioned steel wires or cables in it to create compressive stress that counteracts the tensile stress caused by external loads. Prestressed concrete has a higher strength and durability than reinforced concrete and is used for structures that need to span long distances or support heavy loads, such as bridges, dams, tunnels, etc.
 
Precast Concrete: This is a type of concrete that is cast in moulds or forms at a factory or site and then transported and assembled at the final location. Precast concrete has better quality control and faster construction time than cast-in-place concrete and is used for modular or repetitive structures such as walls, floors, stairs, pipes, etc.
 
Lightweight Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has a lower density than normal concrete due to the use of lightweight aggregates (such as pumice, perlite, vermiculite, etc.) or air entraining agents (chemicals that create air bubbles in the mix). Lightweight concrete has a lower thermal conductivity and better insulation than normal concrete and is used for structures that need to reduce weight or heat transfer, such as roofs, floors, walls, etc.
 
High-Density Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has a higher density than normal concrete due to the use of heavy aggregates (such as iron ore, steel shot, etc.) or additives (such as barium sulphate, magnetite, etc.). High-density concrete has a higher radiation shielding and sound absorption than normal concrete and is used for structures that need protection from radiation or noise, such as nuclear power plants, hospitals, airports, etc.
 
Air Entrained Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has tiny air bubbles in the mix due to the use of air entraining agents (chemicals that create air bubbles in the mix). Air entrained concrete has a higher resistance to freezing and thawing cycles and salt scaling than normal concrete and is used for structures that are exposed to harsh weather conditions or de-icing agents, such as roads, sidewalks, bridges, etc.
 
Ready Mix Concrete: This is a type of concrete that is prepared at a central plant or site and then delivered to the final location in trucks with rotating drums. Ready mix concrete has better quality control and consistency than site-mixed concrete and is used for large-scale or complex projects that require precise specifications and fast delivery, such as skyscrapers, dams, airports, etc.
 
Polymer Concrete: This is a type of concrete that has polymers (plastics) added to the mix to replace some or all of the cement. Polymer concrete is also used in commercial concreting in Whyalla as it has a higher strength and durability than normal concrete. It is used for structures that need to resist chemical attack or abrasion, such as industrial floors, pipes, tanks, etc.
 
Some Other Kinds of Concrete Available
Many other types of concrete have specific properties and applications depending on the project requirements. Some examples are self-consolidating concrete, a type of concrete that flows easily into forms without vibration. Shotcrete is a kind of concrete that is sprayed onto surfaces using compressed air. Pervious concrete is a kind of concrete that allows water to pass through making it suitable for places where you want to surface to be dry at all times. Vacuum concrete is a kind of concrete that has excess water removed by vacuum. Pumped concrete is a concrete kind that is pumped through pipes. Stamped concrete has patterns or textures imprinted on the surface. Limecrete concrete uses lime instead of cement. Asphalt concrete is a kind of concrete that uses bitumen instead of cement. Roller compacted concrete is compacted by rollers. Rapid strength concrete is a kind of concrete that gains strength quickly and glass concrete uses recycled glass as aggregate.
 
About the Author: This contribution has been made by Michael Gilmore who has written a number of articles on Commercial Concreting Whyalla and provides fruitful information.