Define Concrete and discuss the content, properties and usage of concrete in construction.

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  1. Define “Concrete” and discuss the content, properties and usage of concrete in construction.

Answer:

Concrete = A mixture of cement, water and aggregates. The cement and water combined to form a paste and when hardened, binds the aggregates particles together to form a monolithic whole. The cement and water hardened by a chemical reaction, called hydration.

Basic desired properties of concrete =

(a) good workability when the concrete is fresh (newly mixed); i.e, the    concrete can be transported from the mixer, handled, placed in the moulds (or formwork) and compacted satisfactorily;

(b)  high strength and hardness;

(c)  adequate durability.

Usage = beam, column, wall, foundation, slab and etc.

  1. Some other materials (besides concrete) can also be made using cement as part of their constituents. Please provide the example and its application.

Answer:

  1. Grout         = cement + water
  2. Mortar = cement + fine aggregate + water

Give examples of usage for Grout and Mortar:

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Grout ➔ patching concrete, re-surface concrete structural members, to fill space and or cavities and provide continuity between structural elements.

Mortar ➔ brick-laying, bedding of small concrete component such as ridge tiles, and for the sealing of certain types of paving, screed is a mortar applied to a floor, render is a mortar applied to a wall (ratio 4 Sand:1 Cement)

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  1. Explain Hydration in concrete. (you might use a graph to help your explanation)

Answer:

- the chemical combination of cement and water

Heat is given off ...

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