CONCRETE

Concrete is a composite material composed

mainly of cement, water, aggregates (such
as sand or gravel), and sometimes additives
or admixtures. It is one of the most widely
used construction materials in the world
due to its strength, durability, and
versatility.
The process of making concrete
involves mixing the cement, water,
and aggregates together to form a
paste that gradually hardens over
time. The cement acts as a binder,
holding the aggregates together to
form a solid mass.
Concrete can be molded into various shapes
and sizes to suit different construction
needs, making it suitable for a wide range
of applications such as building
foundations, roads, bridges, dams, and
sidewalks. It can also be reinforced with
materials like steel bars to increase its
strength and resilience, forming what is
known as reinforced concrete.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD
CONCRETE
 It should have high compressive strength.

 On hardening, it should exhibit minimum

shrinkage.

 It must be adequately dense.

 Good concrete should be durable and able to

withstand environmental factors such as
weathering, abrasion, freeze-thaw cycles, and
chemical exposure without significant
 Concrete should be resistant to
environmental factors.

 It should have minimum thermal expansion

so as to provide good resistance to fire.

 It should have sufficient impermeability.

USES OF CONCRETE
 Foundations
 Buildings
 Roads
 Airfields
 Water retaining structures
 Docks and harbours
 Dams
 Bridges
 Bunkers
 Silos
CLASSIFICATION OF CONCRETE
 According to binding material
Cement concrete
Lime concrete
 According to design
Plain cement concrete
Reinforced cement concrete (R.C.C)
Pre-stressed concrete (P.C.C)
 According to purpose
Light-weight concrete
Cellular Concrete
Sawdust Concrete
Vacuum Concrete
White and coloured concrete
High early stregth concrete
No-fines concrete
BULKING OF SAND

 The increase in volume in volume of

sand due to presence of moisture is
termed as bulking of sand.
WATER-CEMENT RATIO
 It is the ratio of water to cement and is
expressed as the ratio of the weight or
volume of the water to the weight or
volume of the cement.
GRADING OF AGGREGATES

 Grading of aggregates is art of doing

gradation (Particle size distribution)
of an aggregate as determined by
sieve analysis.
PREPARATION OF PLAIN
CEMENT CONCRETE
1. Selection, storing and batching of
ingredients.
2. Mixing of ingredients.
3. Transportation of concrete.
4. Placing of concrete.
5. Compaction of concrete.
6. Finishing of concrete.
7. Curing of concrete
BATCHING OF INGREDIENTS

 It is the process of proper

and accurate measurement
of all ingredients of
concrete.
 Mixing of
ingredients

Hand Machine
Mixing Mixing
PLACING OF CONCRETE

 It is the process of depositing

the concrete in its required
position.
COMPACTION OF CONCRETE

 It is the process of consolidating

concrete after placing it in a
position.
FINISHING OF CONCRETE

Finishing of concrete refers to the

process of refining the surface of
freshly poured concrete to achieve a
desired appearance, texture, and
level of smoothness. Proper finishing
is essential for both aesthetic and
functional reasons.
CURING OF CONCRETE

 Curing is the process of keeping the

concrete moist for some days in order to
enable the concrete gain more strength.

 Minimum curing period is 7 to 14 days.

METHODS OF CURING
1. By ponding
This method is employed for flat surfaces.

2. By Sprinkling water.

3. By using gunny bags.

4. By using curing compound or chemicals.

METHODS OF CURING

Curing by Using Ponding

METHODS OF CURING

Curing by Watering/Sprinkling
 METHODS OF CURING

Curing by Using Gunny Bags

SEGREGATION

 The separation of all the ingredients of

concrete is termed as segregation.

 Segregation causes honeycombing and

decrease in density.
BLEEDING

 Separation of water from the concrete

is termed is bleeding.