The Properties of Concrete

1 Introduction
2 In construction
3 Benefits
4 Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

Introduction

As one of the world’s most abundant resources, concrete has worldwide appeal. It’s extremely versatile to use, as it produces a material similar to stone that allows for many uses. Not to be confused with cement, concrete is composed of a mixture of several materials and cement.

Concrete’s durability and versatility make it a material of choice, particularly useful due to low maintenance and repair costs. From commercial and residential buildings, bridges and roads, concrete is present in everyday life, sustaining complex and simple structures for safety and aesthetics.

In construction

Concrete has the ability to gain strength over time and to help conserve resources due to its capacity to remain a high-quality material with little to no need of reconstruction or maintenance. One of the most durable materials in existence, it resists rotting, burning, and rusting, providing a stable and safe foundation for high-rise buildings. It has double the life span of other construction materials, such as wood, allowing for long-term applications.

Due to its durability, concrete is used to build roads with fewer chances of potholes. With maintenance costs reduced, it helps to save on asphalt and to aid the environment. Concrete is a sustainable construction material, with more efficient travel due to not needing maintenance like other materials. Roads have less surface deflection that allow for vehicles to utilise less fuel, and they become easier to see at night.

In buildings, foundations and walls are sturdier and more durable. Long-term projects can contain both an aesthetically pleasing view and safe and long-lasting constructions. With concrete’s properties, construction and operational costs are lower. For residential buildings, the fire resistance allows for fewer accidents, more stability in case of natural disasters, and higher protection against the elements.

As concrete is rot resistant, it aids in the control of allergens; it helps to keep allergens such as pollen from entering the building, and it helps to regulate the temperature for better energy efficiency and reduced costs.

Benefits

As limestone is the main component in cement, which in turn is utilised to produce concrete, this material becomes very easy to make. Limestone is one of the most abundant materials found on Earth, providing an almost never-ending source. Silica fume and fly ash are other industrial waste by-products that are utilised to make concrete, originating from power plants and steel mills.

Concrete allows for highly efficient buildings, saving on both energy and costs due to its inherent thermal ability. This ability permits heat retention and absorption, which helps to conserve heat and cool houses in a more effective manner.