Types of Concrete Used in Construction
Concrete is an adaptable construction material, capable of taking various shapes. Due to its compressive strength and ability to withstand great forces, it can withstand large forces without succumbing to compression. Unfortunately, however, its lack of tensile strength necessitates structures built with this material be reinforced using materials with higher tensile strengths such as steel.
High-Density Concrete
Heavyweight concrete, commonly known as high-density concrete, features an increased density than regular concrete and requires special techniques to construct. It’s typically used as radiation shielding walls in nuclear power plants or other buildings where protection from harmful radiation levels is essential.
Material used to craft this type of concrete may be more costly, but can save costs in the long run by providing greater radiation protection. Furthermore, its higher density helps reduce wall thickness requirements while creating stronger and more energy-efficient structures.
There are various designs of high-density concrete mixes available, depending on the needs and specifications of a project. It is suggested that all mixes be prepared using low-alkali cement, with laboratory tests conducted prior to beginning construction for water content, slump, air entrainment and unit weight testing. Special care must be given when choosing formwork since its durability will be significantly tested compared with regular forms.
Reinforced Concrete
Although you might imagine that pouring concrete involves simply backing up one of those familiar cement trucks and dispensing its contents at the job site, each pour requires meticulous planning and preparation – such as mixing, molding, and shaping appropriate types of concrete house slabs Melbourne within tight time constraints.
Reinforced concrete (ferroconcrete) is the most commonly used form of construction concrete. It contains cement, sand and coarse aggregates designed with specific amounts of water; their ratio is known as Nominal Mix Design.
Pouring of the mixture then takes place, followed by curing for several weeks to months in molds to achieve its desired form and curing admixtures to hasten curing times. To ensure optimal design strength is met, thorough mixing and careful handling must take place, along with using curing accelerators such as accelerators.
Plain Concrete
Concrete can be tailored to specific projects with different additives, colors and surface textures to meet unique specifications. This versatility makes concrete ideal for applications ranging from underground construction to skyscrapers.
Concrete is an essential material used in construction. Comprised of cement, sand and various aggregates such as gravel or crushed stones, it serves to add bulk while cement acts as its binder – it is then poured in place and hardens through hydration processes known as setting or curing.
Normal strength concrete is one of the most commonly used varieties, with a mixing proportion of 1:2:4. Although its tensile strength may be lower than other varieties of concrete, its durability remains excellent.
There are various ways that concrete can become more environmentally-friendly, including recycling waste materials such as fly ash, crushed vehicle tires and blast furnace slag. Furthermore, sustainable features of concrete include its low conductivity of heat that makes it an effective fire retardant.
Limecrete
Limecrete flooring is composed of natural hydraulic lime (NHL) mixed with sharp aggregates and screed fibres to add strength. As opposed to using DPMs, this method offers a more traditional solution that absorbs moisture naturally into its structure.
Lime production releases less greenhouse gases than concrete and it absorbs CO2 when setting. Due to these benefits, lime has strong environmental credentials; older houses often used it without needing DPMs as flooring material.
When installing, it should be covered with an appropriate floor covering, such as stone flags pointed with lime mortar or wood battens on battens. Once covered, the floor must be tamped down and rubbed up using a float until its surface is smooth. Although hardcore can interfere with breathability, modern techniques employ foamed glass beads laid onto clean hardcore bases which maintain breathability – an option which should help avoid issues related to breathability.