Advantages and Disadvantages of concrete- Types of Concrete

What is concrete?

It is defined as heterogeneous, multiphase material which is composed of binding material called cement along with aggregate particles. Here I have explained different types of concrete with advantages and disadvantages of concrete.

It is the widely used construction material and is obtained by mixing cementitious material, sand, aggregate, water, and admixture (if necessary) in the required proportion. It is prepared at sie i.e at the place of building structure or maybe pre-casted before to save time as well as space of working area at the site.

After preparing it, it should be cured for some days generally 28 days to get full strength. In a technical word, it has been given a name according to their state of formation.

In the wet state, it is known as green concrete and when it gets matured it is known as hardened concrete.

Composition of concrete mix

  1. Cement
  2. Sand 
  3. Aggregate (coarse aggregate)
  4. Water
  5. Admixture ( if needed)
advantages and disadvantages of concrete
What is the concrete

Let’s read them in brief,

Cement:

It is defined as pulverized material that develops binding forces due to reaction with water. It is obtained by grinding the clinker. Clinker is obtained by burning the mixture of calcareous and argillaceous group material in definite proportions.

Sand: 

A loose granular material that results from the disintegration of rocks, consists of particles smaller than gravel but coarser than silt.

Aggregate:

It is defined as chemically inert materials that occupy about 70 to 80 percent of the volume of concrete, due to which it makes a considerable impact on various characters and properties of concrete.

Water:

It is the important and least expansive constituent of concrete. It is required for the following purpose.

  • cement hydration. 
  • preparation or mixing of concrete.
  • washing aggregate.
  • curing of cement.

Admixture:

Admixtures are the chemical compounds in concrete other than hydraulic cement (OPC), water and aggregates and mineral additives that are added to the concrete mix immediately before or during the mix to modify one or more specific properties of concrete in the fresh or hardened state.

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Types of concrete

Before going toward the Advantages and Disadvantages of concrete, it will be better to know different types of concrete. It is divided into various types based on the following features:

  1. Based on design
  2. Based on the purpose
  3. Based on binding materials

1) Based on design

Based on design concrete is of three types:

a) Plain cement concrete(PCC)
  • There is no provision of reinforcement here.
  • Since there are no reinforcements it can bear only high compressive force. It is weak enough to bear tensile force.
b) Reinforced cement concrete
  • There is the provision of reinforcement here.
  • It is able to bear compressive force as well as tensile force too much extent.
c) Pre-stressed cement concrete
  • In this type of concrete stresses are applied prior to the use.
  • Strong enough to bear tensile as well as compressive force.

2) Based on the purpose

This type of concrete may also be called special features concrete. These concretes have special features, hence they are used based upon special needs.

a) Fiber-reinforced concrete

Fibrous structures are used for reinforcement purposes.

b) Lightweight concrete

Aggregates with lower weights are used. It is used to decrease the compressive or gross weight of structures.

c) No- cracking concrete

This type of concrete is used in structures, which are prone to cracks.

d) Fire resistance concrete

These types of concrete are used in structures, which are subjected to high temperatures and are directly exposed to fireworks.

e) Aerated concrete

Aluminum is used as a mixture in the concrete.

3) Based on binding material

a) Cement concrete

In this type of concrete, binding material used is cement.

b) Lime concrete

In this type of concrete, lime is used as binding material.

Uses of concrete

  • It is used to construct structures like a bridge, road, building, etc.
  • It is used to construct a statue for different purposes.
  • It is used to construct a wall to preserve some historical places.
  • It is used to protect landslide by providing a retaining structure.
  • It is used to construct a dam to produce electricity by storing water in it.
  • It is used to construct a water tank to store water for drinking purposes.
  • It is used to construct the canal, drain, etc for irrigation purposes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of concrete

Advantages of concreteDisadvantages of concrete
It possesses high compressive strength to withstand a huge amount of load.It has low tensile strength and hence cracks are developed.
It has less corrosive and weathering effects due to the environment.Fresh concrete shrinks on drying and harden concrete expand on drying.
The green concrete can be easily handled, remolded or formed into any shape or size.It may cause an efflorescence effect.
It has a lack of ductility and may crack suddenly after jerk.
It is durable and fire-resistant and comparatively required little maintenance.It require proper curing till hydration to get required amount of strength.
advantages and disadvantages of concrete

So, friends, I hope this article on “advantages and disadvantages of concrete” remains helpful for you.

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"Structural Engineer" with over 5 years of experience in estimation, structural design, and surveying. I am passionate about using my skills to create safe and sustainable structures. I am also a keen writer, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.