Oncrete history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Oncrete history - Essay Example It is in the form of dark, and porous nodules that are ground using a small amount of gypsum giving cement. Concrete; this is a hard, compact material used for building, and is formed by a mixture of gravel, cement, water, and sand when they undergo hydration. Cure; this is the act of keeping concrete moist on the initial hardening. Deformation; changing the dimensions of structures using a force. Dormancy period; the period that concrete retains it workability. Elasticity; The capability of materials to retain the original shape after getting stretched. Forms; are the holders where concrete is placed during hardening. Hydration; reaction of water with cement to form a cement paste. Mortar; is a Cement paste that has been mixed with sand. Pozzuoli cement; is a Volcanic rock powdered, used for making hydraulic cement. Portland cement; this is a cement consisting mainly of calcium silicates react with water forming a hard mass. Workability; this is how easily fresh concrete can be plac ed and consolidated in forms. 3.0 Text. 3.0. Introduction to Concrete. Concrete, can be defined as a composite material used in construction composed mainly of aggregate, water, and cement. It has several formulations, which give properties that tend to vary. This aggregate consists crushed rocks or coarse gravel like granite or limestone this is mixed with other fine aggregate like sand. Cement, usually the Portland cement, and Cementitious materials like slag cement and fly ash are used as a binder in the aggregate. Many chemical admixtures may also be included in order to come up with these varied properties. Liquid normally water is added and mixed with this dry composite, this enables the concrete to be poured (shaped) before solidified...Cement, usually the Portland cement, and Cementitious materials like slag cement and fly ash are used as a binder in the aggregate. Many chemical admixtures may also be included in order to come up with these varied properties. Liquid normally water is added and mixed with this dry composite, this enables the concrete to be poured (shaped) before solidified and hardened to come up with a rock-hard strength through a process known as hydration. The liquid applied reacts with the cement, forming a bond with other components, finally forming a tough stone-like material. It has a comparatively high compressive strength, nevertheless much lesser tensile strength. It is against this that it is reinforced using other materials which are very strong in tension like steel. Processes that can damage the concrete include freezing of the trapped water. It is widely used in walls, pavements, brick/ block, foundation, bridges/ overpasses, footings for gates, and even boats. Some of the most famous concrete buildings or structures are like the Burj Khalifa (world's tallest building), the Panama Canal, the Hoover Dam, and the famous Roman Pantheon.