Suez University

faculty of Technology and

Education
Civil and Architectural Construction
Department
Third Division

Material properties

Sheet No. 1

Preparation:

Abanoub Hanna Habeb

Submitted to :

Prof. OMAR MOHAMED OMAR

Eng. Mrawan ashraf Eng. Ramdan kaml

2021

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 Frist Question:

a) Why is concrete so popular?

Concrete is a popular material for many construction applications, and it

is widely used because of its strength, durability, reflectivity, and
versatility. These properties make it a sturdy and long-lasting option for
numerous domestic and commercial settings.

b) What are the weaknesses of concrete?

1. Quasi-brittle failure mode :

mode of materials can be classified into three categories: brittle
failure, quasi-brittle failure, and ductile failure.
2. Low tensile strength :
Concrete has a weak tensile strength and cannot resist tensile
strength, so we treat it by adding rebar.
3. Low toughness (ductility):
The ductility of concrete is low compared to other metallic materials
such as steel , Adding fibers is a good way to improve the
toughness of concrete.
4. Low specific strength (strength/density ratio):
Concrete's strength depends on the density, the higher the density, the
higher the concrete's resistance.
5. Formwork is needed
Concrete needs a form to form the concrete according to the required
shape, and this form is made of wood or metal

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c) What are the factors influencing concrete properties?

1. Water/Cement Ratio
2. Compaction of Concrete
3. Ingredients of Concrete
4. Curing of Concrete
5. The Shape of Aggregate
6. Maximum Size of Aggregates
7. Grading of Aggregate
8. Weather Condition
9. Temperature
10. The Rate of Loading
11. Age of Concrete

d) Give some examples for concrete applications.

1. Normal Strength Concrete

2. Plain or Ordinary Concrete
3. Reinforced Concrete
4. Prestressed Concrete
5. Precast Concrete
6. Light – Weight Concrete
7. High-Density Concrete
8. Air Entrained Concrete
9. Ready Mix Concrete
10. Polymer Concrete
11. High-Strength Concrete
12. High-Performance Concrete
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e) Can you list a few topics for concrete research?
1. Normal Strength Concrete:
Concrete is used as construction material and it is categorized as normal
concrete or high strength concrete based on its compressive strength.
The compressive strength of normal concrete is between 20 and 40 MPa.
2. High-Density Concrete :
As the name suggests, the density of this concrete varies from 3360
kg/m3 to 3840 kg/m3 , High-performance heavyweight concrete can be
used when particular properties, such as high strength and good radiation
shielding are required.
3. High-Strength Concrete :
defines high performance concrete as "concrete that meets special
performance and uniformity requirements that cannot always be
achieved routinely by using only conventional materials and normal
mixing, placing, and curing practices ,
High-strength concrete is typically recognized as concrete with a 28-day
cylinder compressive strength greater than 6000 psi or 42 Mpa.
Second Question:

a) When you do a structural design, which failure mode

should be applied?

When designing any concrete mix, a safety factor of 50% higher than the
expected level of collapse or expected loads must be set in the design to
avoid any consequences during implementation or maintenance.

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 b) How would you like to improve concrete workability
(fluidity or cohesiveness)?

To improve the workability of concrete

Increase water/cement ratio.
Increase size of aggregate.
Use well-rounded and smooth aggregate instead of irregular shape.
Increase the mixing time.
Increase the mixing temperature.
Use non-porous and saturated aggregate.
With addition of air-entraining mixtures.

c) How can you enhance concrete compressive strength?

1- Adding cement will cost more than reducing the water .

2- By reducing the water you will get lower w/c ratio which leads to
higher compressive strength.
3- We use water in the mix because of (hydration, absorption and
workability) .
Hydration (cement + water): you need only about25-28 % of the
added water to complete the hydration process ,can use admixtures.
4- Increasing the cement will be costly than using admixtures.

d) Which principles are you going to follow if you are involved

in concrete research?
Ensure that the mixture is designed according to needs, reducing costs
and providing the highest performance ,
Do lab tests before implementation,
Ensure that the mixture is well applied on site,
Ensure that the guard is treated to achieve the highest resistance ,
Concrete is tested after 28 days to ensure that it conforms to the
specifications designed on its basis .
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