Concrete is a very versatile construction material. It can be hand-poured, pumped, spray-applied, or grouted. It also can be molded into structures of different shapes.
Concrete structures can resist the dead loads that a building experiences, as well as earthquake forces. However, seismic forces are horizontal in nature and can buck the concrete frame like a bucking horse. Call Level Ground Excavation today and enjoy hassle-free concrete construction.
Durability
The durability of concrete construction depends on several factors, including the weather, soil conditions, and how the structures are built. Using high-quality materials, following construction practices, and regularly monitoring and repairing concrete can help to ensure that structures will last for as long as possible. The book’s authors also discuss how to incorporate additional preventative measures to increase the lifespan of concrete.
The book discusses how to design concrete for durability by focusing on the underlying mechanisms of deterioration, rather than attempting to establish a simple relationship between strength and durability. In particular, it emphasizes that achieving the minimum strength requirements for concrete does not guarantee its durability, which is more related to the ability of the structure to resist deterioration processes such as chemical attack and abrasion.
Various factors influence the durability of concrete, such as its temperature, water content, and the degree to which it is compacted. In addition, the permeability of concrete affects its durability, which can be affected by the type of cement used in the mix and the method of mixing. The authors recommend avoiding the use of low-grade aggregates, as these can lead to poor concrete performance. They also suggest incorporating supplementary cementitious materials, such as fly ash, slag, or silica fume, to improve the resistance of concrete to environmental factors.
Another factor that influences the durability of concrete is its curing time. During the curing process, concrete is exposed to harsh ambient conditions. This can lead to a loss of strength and damage the surface of the concrete. In addition, it is important to protect the concrete from water and wind until it reaches its final strength.
The book outlines the benefits of using automated concrete curing methods to achieve durable structures. Automated concrete curing involves analyzing weather conditions, monitoring construction activities, and evaluating the impact on the concrete’s strength development. This helps to ensure that the concrete is protected from damaging ambient conditions and is cured by the required design life. In addition, the automation of these functions allows for a more efficient and accurate analysis than manual methods.
Aesthetics
Concrete can be made in many different shapes, sizes, and textures, allowing designers to create a wide range of aesthetics. This versatility makes it an ideal material for building facades. Precast concrete offers a huge variety of color, texture, and finish options. These options include radial and orthogonal patterns, multiple color choices, and multiple aggregates and cement types. These options can also be combined to achieve a unique aesthetic. The resulting structure can be designed to match the architectural style of the building and enhance its environment.
While conventionally viewed as a grey, uninteresting construction material, the concrete can take on almost any form, surface texture, and color to suit an architectural design. This is possible because concrete has a high degree of structural flexibility and can accommodate a variety of finishes and coatings. In addition, it is an excellent thermal mass. This can reduce energy costs and provide comfort in a building.
In the past, concrete was often used as a structural element with no covering, an approach that led to the modernist movement. While many of these buildings have been demolished, architects are increasingly exploring the expressive potential of exposed concrete.
This is partly because concrete can be cast with detailed forms that are difficult or impossible to achieve in site-laid brickwork. It can be shaped into arches, curved walls, and complex bonding patterns. This is especially useful for high-rise buildings where the structure may be surrounded by other materials.
The concrete can be colored in a variety of ways, including stains, spray-down systems, and pigmented mixes. The stains and paints are formulated to withstand abrasion and ultraviolet radiation and can be applied on the surface or embedded in the concrete. Spray-down systems are usually polymer-based and can be applied by trowel or squeegee for a smooth or textured surface. The pigmented mixes are incorporated into the concrete at mixing or added to the surface of the concrete after it has been placed.
Colored concrete is susceptible to abrasion and weathering, which can affect its appearance over time. This can be mitigated by using a protective surface coating or by modifying the mix design to improve its durability. A study by Ostnor and colleagues used image analysis to evaluate the porosity of concrete, which is one of the most important factors affecting its aesthetics.
Flexibility
Concrete is one of the most versatile construction materials on the planet. Its durability, strength, and relatively low cost make it the backbone of buildings and infrastructure worldwide, from homes and schools to airports, highways, and railway systems. Its inherent robustness also makes it particularly suited to reuse. It can easily accommodate alterations and adaptation to suit changing occupier demands, and its relatively simple finish means that it can be painted or clad without losing the structural integrity of the building.
During the initial construction phase, concrete’s flexibility can reduce the time and cost of the project. Its ability to form into a variety of shapes and sizes allows for fast construction, reducing the need for temporary forms or molds. Its natural elasticity can also allow for a degree of movement within the structure, allowing for expansion and contraction without damage. This flexibility makes it possible to achieve a high level of energy efficiency in concrete construction.
The material can also be shaped to a specific design, and the surface can be decorated with color, texture, or pattern. It can even be stamped to imitate the look of wood or bricks. Moreover, it requires less steel reinforcement than other materials like steel and wood making it more affordable. Its ductility also allows it to resist tensile stresses, which can cause vibrations and cracking in other materials.
The flexibility of concrete is enhanced by the use of admixtures, which improve its physical properties. These admixtures are added to the wet mix of concrete during construction, and they can include pozzolans, superplasticizers, or other additives that provide certain characteristics.
These admixtures can reduce the amount of water needed to produce a strong, durable concrete. They can also help improve the workability of the concrete by decreasing its viscosity. They can also improve the ductility of the concrete, reducing its cracking resistance and increasing its tensile strength.
Cost
Concrete is a construction material that is highly durable and requires little maintenance. This is why many homeowners choose to build with concrete when planning a new home or addition. However, the cost of concrete is a factor that must be considered before deciding to use it. The price of concrete can vary depending on where you live and the type of installation you want. It is also influenced by the delivery charges. Some companies charge by the mile, while others offer a flat rate per delivery.
A typical concrete mix consists of cement, sand, and aggregates. It is generally mixed with water in a concrete plant. Various types of additives called admixtures can be used to improve the properties of the concrete mix. These include pozzolans and superplasticizers. They can make the mixture flow better and reduce the water usage. Moreover, they can increase the strength of the concrete.
Another factor that can affect the cost of concrete is weather conditions. If the weather is very cold, the concrete will take longer to set and become strong enough. This can lead to delays in the construction schedule and affect overall productivity. Hence, it is important to look at the weather forecast before ordering concrete.
Other factors that influence the cost of concrete are the soil conditions and the type of concrete that is being built. For example, concrete with higher PSI will require a larger volume of concrete than a low-PSI mix. Additionally, there is an additional delivery charge, which can add up quickly if the project is located in an isolated area.
The cost of concrete is also affected by the environment, and the concrete industry is one of the world’s largest producers of carbon dioxide (CO2). These CO2 emissions are associated with the production of building materials, transportation, heating, and energy generation. This makes it important to support organizations that prioritize the environment as a priority. Changes to the production of concrete and its use in buildings and pavements can significantly reduce their associated GHG emissions by up to 50%.
