Portland cement reacts chemically with water

and other ingredients to form a hard matrix

that binds the materials together into a
durable stone-like material.
Concrete has a high compressive
strength (resists being pushed together)
as the aggregate carries the
compression load
But a lower tensile strength (being
pulled apart horizontally) as the cement
holding the aggregate in place may
crack
 With age, concrete shrinks due to the ongoing reaction
taking place in the material (hydration)
 All concrete structures will crack to some extent due to
shrinkage and tension.
Portland cement holds water.
Pervious concrete allows water to pass
Cement’s exothermic chemical reaction in it’s
set up can generate excessive heat in large
structures
 Most concrete is
poured with
reinforcing
materials (rebar)
embedded to
provide tensile
strength –
reinforced
concrete.
 Concrete has been used since Ancient times by
the Romans.
 Gypsum and quicklime were used as
binders/hydraulic mortar.
 Brick rubble from previously demolished
buildings, rock, ceramic tile and brick rubble
were used as aggregate.
 Volcanic ash and rock was added, which
prevented cracks
Roman concrete was normally faced with stone
or brick and interiors may be decorated with
stucco or fresco painting or thin slabs of
marbles
The widespread us of concrete in Roman
structures included aqueducts and bridges
A concrete arch gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River.
 Concrete is one of the most durable building materials.
 It provides superior fire resistance compared with wooden construction.
 Stamped concrete is the process of adding texture and colour to concrete to make
it resemble stone, brick and many other products. It may be used on driveways,
gardens, patios, commercial roads and parking lots
 Prestressed concrete can make savings
on reinforced concrete as well as
improve its performance. It can be used
on high rise buildings, bridges, dams,
silos and industrial projects.
 Precast concrete casts concrete in molds which is then assembled on site and lifted
into place.

 Precast concrete panels are common on building fascades, carpark structure,

housing walls