Concrete is an incredibly popular building material. Not only is it incredibly durable and strong but it is also versatile and can be used for many different projects, both big and small. But what makes concrete so strong and reliable?
Concrete is made from a mixture of cement and water which is then combined with various aggregates which creates a strong, stone-like mass when cured which is incredibly strong and hard-wearing.
The reason concrete is so strong is because of the chemical bonds between the different components. When cured, the bonds within the elements crystallise and expand into every inch of free space which makes it non-porous. It is this extreme density that gives concrete its strength.
The added aggregates such as crushed rock and sand help to increase the strength of the concrete. These materials themselves are usually very durable, so when mixed with concrete they add an extra layer of strength. There are many different kinds of aggregates used in concrete depending on what it will be used for.
When mixing concrete, the less water that is used in the mixture directly equates to the strength of the concrete once cured. Less water results in tighter bonds between the elements, creating a stronger concrete.
It is important to ensure there is enough water in the mixture though, as too little water will not allow the ingredients to fully combine and could result in the concrete becoming brittle and breakable. Finding the perfect ratio will depend on the components used.
Another way to increase the strength is to use reinforcements. These are usually steel and can help provide more structural strength to the concrete. This prevents it from collapsing in on itself due to its weight and can help to create an almost indestructible structure.
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