Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight precast building material made of fine aggregates, cement, water, and aluminum powder. It provides thermal, acoustic resistance, and protection against hazards. The mix is poured into shapes, autoclaved, and hardened. AAC has disadvantages, such as low strength and degradation over time. Autoclaved aerated concrete, or AAC, is a […]
Concrete is a widely used building material due to its strength, durability, and low cost. It is made from cement, water, sand, and gravel. The mix must be made on-site or within a reasonable distance. Concrete sets quickly and becomes unworkable after 3-7 hours. It can be mixed in a batch plant, portable mixer, or […]
Concrete pumps are useful in construction as they can quickly deliver large volumes of concrete. There are two types: boom pumps, which have a robotic arm, and line pumps, which use hoses. They save time and labor costs and can be used to pour slabs quickly, especially in cold weather. A concrete pump is an […]
Concrete leveling involves pumping a mud-like substance or foam under sunken concrete to lift it back to its original level. This method is cost-effective and prevents future sinking. The most common substance used is a mixture of sand, cement, and earth, but closed cell polymer foam is preferred for its waterproof and crack-resistant properties. Once […]
A concrete mixer is used to mix and pour concrete, and comes in various sizes. The process requires precision in blending sand, water, and aggregate, with Portland cement being the most common mix. The rotating drum with blades mixes the concrete, and the size of the mixer depends on the job. In construction, a concrete […]
Lightweight concrete is a mix of water, Portland cement, and aggregate. It is classified as structural or non-structural depending on its strength and degree of compression. Structural lightweight aggregate concrete is used for high-strength applications, while non-structural lightweight concrete is used for lighter applications. The aggregates used vary, and insulation is often a factor in […]
Polymer concrete uses thermosetting resins as a partial or complete replacement for cement, resulting in improved thermal stability, mechanical strength, and resistance to chemical attack and water infiltration. However, the aggregates used must be of high quality to ensure proper bonding. Polymer-impregnated concrete can also be produced by treating cured concrete with resins. The use […]
Concrete installers use steel bars for structural support in reinforced concrete. The distance between the top of the rebar and the top of the finished concrete, or concrete cover, is important for durability and performance. The amount of concrete cover required varies based on factors such as seismic activity, weather conditions, and structure type. Local […]
Concrete piles are used in pile foundations to ensure deep support for buildings, with two installation methods available. They can also reinforce walls and structures at risk of collapse, with engineers monitoring and testing their safety. Factors such as building size, soil type, and seismic activity can influence the decision to use a deep foundation. […]
Reinforced concrete is a strong and affordable building material that can withstand tension and stress. It can be reinforced with various materials, including metal, plastic, fibers, and glass. Careful design is necessary to avoid weakness or inflexibility. Reinforced concrete is commonly used for foundations, walls, and entire structures due to its strength and moldability. Builders […]
A cold joint is a discontinuity between layers of concrete caused by curing before the rest is poured. It can cause visual defects, moisture infiltration, and compromised strength. Avoidance or mitigation is possible through waterproofing, surface preparation, rebar insertion, or strategic placement. A cold joint is an unwanted discontinuity between layers of concrete that occurs […]
A concrete vibrator is a tool used to ensure uniformity and remove air bubbles in concrete pours. It comes in various sizes and attachments, and improper use can weaken the concrete. Proper use requires training and attention to detail. A concrete vibrator is a construction tool used at concrete pouring sites. A variety of manufacturers […]
Concrete formwork involves creating temporary or permanent molds for pouring concrete structures. Plywood and sheet metal are common materials used, with plywood being versatile and easily manipulated. Roadform, made of steel, is another option but can be heavy and expensive. The main goal is to prevent concrete from leaking or overflowing during the setting process. […]
Prestressed concrete is a strong material made of high strength concrete and steel strands, invented in 1886. It can be made by pre-tension or post-tension methods and is used in various structures to withstand heavy loads and prevent cracking. Post-tensioned concrete is used for houses in areas with expansive soils and for more elaborate designs. […]
Green concrete can refer to uncured concrete or environmentally friendly concrete products. Standard concrete is made of sand, rock, Portland cement, and water, and hardens through a chemical reaction during the curing process. Curing takes seven days and protecting the concrete from drying too quickly is important. Concrete production releases significant amounts of CO2, but […]
Porous concrete is a permeable form of concrete that traps water and allows it to seep into the ground. It is popular for environmentally conscious construction as it helps manage water runoff sustainably. It can be made from recycled materials and comes in a range of colors. It has advantages in water management and safety, […]
Plain concrete is a mass of concrete without reinforcing materials, made of cement, ash, gravel, limestone, and granite. It is used to build various structures and hardens through hydration. The production of concrete is expensive due to transportation costs and requires special equipment and training. Quality, price, and delivery terms should be considered when selecting […]
Concrete pier foundations are suitable for wood frame buildings and can be used for structures ranging from decks to bridges. They are affordable, easy to construct, and require little framing. Precast concrete dock kits make the job even easier. Pier foundations are suitable for most stable ground formations and can last as long as conventional […]
Reinforced concrete beams are load-bearing units that use steel reinforcement to increase strength and resist bending. Similar coefficients of thermal expansion between concrete and steel prevent internal stress. Corrugated steel and concrete casing protect against corrosion. Mathematical methods are used to determine forces and deflections. Engineers must calculate safe loads and forces for structural safety. […]
A concrete planer is a tool used to flatten or thin concrete surfaces. It can vary in size and function, using abrasive wheels or carbide cutting bits. A dust collection system and mask are required due to harmful concrete dust. Renting is recommended for casual users. A concrete planer is a tool used to flatten […]
