Concrete is most frequently used man-made construction material in the world and is second only to water as the most used substance on Earth.

It’s obtained by mixing cementing materials, water, and aggregates, and at times admixtures, (shown in as per below figure) in required proportions.

The mix, when put in forms and allowed to heal, invisibly to a rock-like mass called concrete.
The hardening is due to a chemical reaction between cement and water, and it lasts for quite a while, and thus, the concrete grows stronger with age.

The hardened concrete also is considered as an artificial stone where the voids of larger particles (coarse aggregate) are stuffed with the smaller particles (fine aggregate) and the voids of fine aggregates arc full of cement.

At a concrete mix, the cementing material and water form a paste called cement—water paste which along with filling the voids of fine aggregate, coats the surface of both coarse and fine aggregates and binds them together as it heals secures, thereby cementing the particles of the aggregates together in a compact mass.

The durability, strength, and other characteristics of concrete depend upon the attributes of its ingredients, on the proportions of a mix, the method of compaction and other controls during placing, compaction, and curing.

Benefits Of Concreting

1. Concrete is inexpensive in the long term compared to other engineering materials. Except for cement, it can be made from locally available coarse and fine aggregates.
2. Concrete owns a higher compressive strength, and the climatic and climatic effects are nominal. When properly prepared, its strength is potency to that of a tough All-natural stone.
3. The green or newly mixed concrete can be easily handled and molded or formed into virtually any shape or size according to specifications. The form-work can be reused a number of times for similar jobs resulting in economy.
4. It’s strong in compression and has boundless structural applications together with steel reinforcement. Steel and concrete have approximately equal coefficients of thermal expansion. Steel and concrete have approximately equal coefficients of thermal expansion.
5. Concrete May even be sprayed on and Stuffed into fine cracks for repairs from the uniting Procedure.
6. Concrete may be pumped, and therefore it may be laid in difficult positions too.
7. It is durable and fire-resistant and requires very little maintenance.