CONCRETE

Definitions:

(i) ACCELERATORS: The rate at which strength of concrete develops early during curing
process.
(ii) RETARDERS : Inhibit initial hydrations of RCC , therefore allow more time placing the
concrete.
(iii) COMPRESSION REINFORCEMENT : can be used to increase concrete strength of concrete
beams and concrete column. Particularly useful for beams because of restricted depth.
(iv) TENSIL REINFORCEMENT : Supplements low tensile strength of concrete.
(v) AIR-ENTRAPING ADMIXTURE : They create small, evenly proportioned bubbles. Improved
cohesion of concrete mixes. Produce light weight concrete to enhance durability of harden
concrete against frost attack.
(vi) PRESSURING :The concrete is initially compressed so that under load is does not experience
tension. The 2 methods of
(1) Pre-tensioning : reinforcement wire are stressed before the
concrete is cast .
(2) Post-tensioning : when the wires are stressed after the
concrete has reached adequate strength.

(v) PASTICISERS : Improve the workability of concrete or mortar.

INTRODUCTION OF CONCRETE

(i) The purpose of this note is to give information on production, placing and other aspects
of concrete in construction.
(ii) Concrete is mixer of cement , aggregate and water.
(iii) It is unique in being the only material which is available to designer , and capable of
being formed on site into shape and textures of almost infinite variety .

TYPES OF CONCRETE

By selecting the particular types of cement ,aggregate,admixtures and placing techniques, it is

possible to procduce concrete suited to structural purpose and architectural treatments as required.
Following factors which may require considerations

(1) Density
(2) Thermal properties
 (3) Strength
(4) Surface finish
(5) Resistance to chemical attack
(6) Colour
(7) Cost
(8) Shrinkage
(9) Moisture movement

The major classification of concrete by DENSITY

(1) Dense concrete

(2) Light concrete

(1) Dense concrete : contain dense aggregates such as iron ore. They have specialized
application for radiation shielding in nuclear plants
(a) They have relatively high strength
(b) Hardness is high
(c) More durable
(d) Resistance to water penetration and chemical
(e) Sound absorption/ insulation
(2) Light weight concrete : the characteristic of light weight concrete
(a) Low density
(b) High thermal insulation

Light weight concrete is obtained by use of light weight aggregates and cellular structure in the
material . The tower density is obtain by use of internal voids by

(i) Generating gas in the concrete

(ii) Using air entrapment products
(iii) Omitting fine materai.

Lower density of LWC helps save structural weight and its superior thermal resistance makes it an
excellent material for insulation purposes.

The problems in LWC is

(i) Shrinkage and moisture movement

(ii) Protection of reinforcement against carrion may require greater cover.
(iii) The larger modulus of elasticity will lead to larger deflection under load.

(3) SPRAYED CONCRETE

Sprayed on the surface, with a jet of high velocity air.

(i) The system is mainly employed in the repair of structure where reinforcement is exposed.
(ii) Tunnel lingings.
 (iii) Swimming pools

(4) FIBRE REINFORCED CONCRETE (F R C)

Various types of fibres can be mixed into concrete like glass steel and organic fibers (both natural &
manmade)

(i) Glass Reinforced Cement (GRC)

(ii) Steel Fiber

PROPERTIES OF HARDEND CONCRETE

1. Strength
o The most important factor affecting the strength of concrete is the proportion of air
voids in the hardened concrete.
o The air must be forced out when the concrete is being placed.
o Too much water in the mix reduces the strength.

2. Elimination of Trapped air : This will depend upon method of compaction and workability of mix

3. Water : 9.4 litres to 100 kg of cement for full hydration. Extra water will be required to lubricate
the mix.

1. CEMENT CONCRETE : It is an artificial building material which is obtained by mixing together

certain inert material called coarse and aggregates with active constituents i.e., cement and
water .
 The mixture in a plastic conditioner, when allowed to set, becomes a hard stone.
 The strength of cement concrete depends upon the ingredients, their relative
quantities and the manner in which they are mixed and placed.

Cement concrete can be classified into following classes:

I. Plain cement concrete

II. Reinforced concrete
III. Vibrated concrete
IV. Precast concrete V. Pre-stressed concrete
 2. REINFORCED CONCRETE
 Plain concrete is very strong in compression but i.e., tensile strength is only about
1/10th of the strength in compression. So, the use of plain concrete is limited to the
structure in pure Compression.
 Steel being usually strong in Compression & Tension is, therefore used to reinforce
the concrete in a suitable way so that it can be used to build supporting structures
where tension also develops thus, reinforced is known as Reinforced concrete.
 The combination is made because long steel bar can develop its full tensile strength
whereas it cannot carry usual amount of compressive force due to its bucking which
is caused by the slenderness, thus, the combination of concrete & steel has proved
to be ideal, as the material rfe used to resist the stresses for which they are most
suitable.
 Round bars, mild steel – 5 to 40 mm sometimes square bars or ribbed torsted.

PROPERTIES OF REINFORCED CONCRETE

1. The use of R.C.C in construction is becoming practicable because,

 The concrete develops very good bond with the surface of steel bar and therefore
the stresses are transferred from one material to the other which cannot Resist
individually.
 The steel possesses a high tensile strength , a high modulus of elasticity to use
concrete economically and same coefficient of Expansion and contraction as a
concrete.
2. The coating of the cement grout or paste on the surface of reinforcement protects it from
corrosion and on the same time it does not chemically react with the reinforcement.

ADVANTAGES OF R.C.C

1. It is overall economical in ultimate cast.

2. Its monolithic character provides more rigidity to the structure.
3. Its highly durable, fire resistant and not affected by vermin, termites, fungus or insects.
4. Well compacted R.C.C structure are impermeable to moisture penetration.
5. Care and cost of maintenance of RCC structures are almost negligible.
6. Materials are easily and abundantly available.(cement, aggregate, steel &sand)
7. The fluidity of concrete & flexibility of reinforcement make it possible to mould the RCC
members into variety of shapes desired.
Usage- foundation
Wall
Roads, bridges
Slabs