Exploring the Different Concretes Used in Construction

Civil engineering is an incredibly important field that is responsible for the construction of the world’s infrastructure. One of the most important components of civil engineering is the use of concrete. In this blog, we will explore the different types of concrete used in construction and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

What is Concrete?

Cement, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (gravel, stone chips, rock, etc.), and water are mixed in a certain ratio to create concrete, which is used in buildings. When all of these components are combined appropriately, cement and water begin a process to bond themselves, resulting in a plastic mass that gradually becomes harder. Constructed of plastic and hardened material, concrete.

Types of Concretes

There are various types of concretes are being used in construction. Here are few of the types:

Reinforced Cement Concrete

Reinforced concrete is made by adding steel reinforcing bars, wires, or mesh to regular concrete. The steel reinforcing bars are placed in the concrete in a specific pattern, which helps to distribute the structure's weight more evenly and increases the strength of the concrete. The steel reinforcing bars also help resist cracking and other damage due to environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. 

Reinforced concrete is used in various applications such as,

• Constructing buildings
• Bridges
• Dams
• Driveways
• Sidewalks

Air-Entrained Concrete

Concrete engineered to include minute air pockets is known as air-entrained concrete. These air bubbles act as a cushioning agent, helping to reduce the effects of freeze-thaw cycles and making the concrete more resistant to cracking. The air bubbles also reduce the surface tension of the concrete, making it more workable and easier to finish. 

Air-entrained concrete is made by adding an air-entraining admixture to the concrete mix. This admixture contains microscopic bubbles of air that are distributed evenly throughout the concrete. The air bubbles help reduce the surface tension of the concrete and act as a cushioning agent when the concrete is exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. 

Air-entrained concrete is typically used in projects requiring superior performance, such as 

• Bridge decks
• Parking garages
• Driveways
• Patios

Bacterial Concrete

Bacterial concrete is a type of concrete that uses bacteria to create a stronger and more durable material. This type of concrete is created by introducing bacteria into the mix, which then produce calcium carbonate, a mineral that helps to bind the concrete together. The bacteria used in this type of concrete are typically Bacillus pasteurii, a species found in soil. Bacterial concrete is more resistant to cracking and other forms of damage, as the bacteria help to strengthen the material. It is also more environmentally friendly, as the bacteria used in the process do not produce any hazardous byproducts. 

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is a lightweight, precast concrete material used in civil engineering projects. AAC is composed of quartz sand, lime, cement and water and is cured in an autoclave, a large pressure vessel, to cellular concrete material. AAC is especially useful for projects where weight is a factor, such as in earthquake-prone areas or projects with limited space. 

AAC is fire-resistant and can be cut, drilled, and shaped like wood. It is also resistant to fire, mold, and termites, making it a safe and durable material for construction. AAC can also be used to insulate buildings, as it has a high thermal resistance. 

AAC is a versatile material used in various applications like

• Load-bearing walls
• Flooring 
• Roofing 
• Exterior cladding
• Soundproof walls and insulation

Portland Cement Concrete

Portland cement concrete combines Portland cement, water, and aggregate materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. The cement acts as a binder that holds the other materials together and gives the concrete strength and durability.

Portland cement concrete is used for various civil engineering projects, including roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.

Portland cement concrete can be used in various forms, from slabs and blocks to poured walls and columns. 

It is also used in various applications, including 

• Foundations 
• Driveways 
• Patios 
• Sidewalks 

Polymer Concrete

The polymer resin is a filler in polymer concrete instead of conventional cement. It is used to construct precast concrete products such as pipes, manholes, etc. Polymer concrete is more resistant to cracking, has higher compressive strength, and is more resistant to chemical attack. Polymer concrete is more expensive than traditional concrete, but its superior performance offsets the cost. It is also more environmentally friendly, as it does not require cement, a major source of air pollution. 

Advantages of Using Concrete 

Concrete is a versatile material widely used. 

• The most obvious advantage of using concrete in civil engineering is its strength and durability.
• Concrete can withstand various environmental conditions, including 
• Extreme temperatures
• High winds
• Heavy rains
• It is also resistant to fire, rot, and pests, making it a great choice for structures that must stand the test of time.
• Concrete is also relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective choice for many projects. 
• This is especially true compared to other materials, such as steel or wood. 

Disadvantages of Using Concrete

Here are some of the most common drawbacks of using concrete in civil engineering projects: 

• Concrete takes a long time to cure, which can delay projects and cause costly delays. 
• Concrete is a rigid material, which can limit the design options available for a project.
• Once the concrete has been damaged, it can be difficult to repair. 
• Concrete production can negatively impact the environment, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

Conclusion

Concrete is a versatile material used in various applications, from large-scale infrastructure projects to small-scale residential projects. To learn more about concrete design and construction techniques, check out the courses such as Reinforced Cement Concrete Design and Civil Engineering Fundamentals Module by Skill-Lync. We provide courses in all the major domains of engineering. Take a free demo session to know more!