Abstract

Concrete Abstract

This project focuses on how different types of materials effect concrete applications, as well as how it affects its structure, and weight.

Concrete is one of the oldest building materials known to man and still used in almost every structure on the planet. Concrete was first discovered by the Romans around 300 BC. It was discovered by taking some fine pink sand which turned out to be volcanic ash and mixed it with water to produce the first cement.

Concrete is composed of two major parts. The aggregate, which is essentially the back bone to concrete, and the cement, which is the glue that holds it all together. The aggregate is most commonly some sort of rock material. But in lighter weight concretes fiberglass, wood flakes, and even styrofoam balls just to name a few are used to replace the rock aggregate. They are unable to withstand the forces a rock aggregate concrete can but designed correctly is can also be used structurally.

The cement on the other hand is comprised of an assortment of ingredients. Most common ingredients in Portland cement, which is the most commonly used cement, is limestone, shells, chalk or marl combined with shale, clay, slate or blast furnace slag, silica sand, and iron ore.

The uses for concrete are absolutely endless. As stated previously the most common use for concrete is for structure. Foundations, footings, retaining walls, garage floor slabs, commercial sky rises, etc. But concrete is also used for its aesthetics. Many sculptures, fire place mantels, counter tops, wall finishing, polished flooring, etc can be created from this multipurpose material.

Concrete is the building block of humanity. It’s the one material every person relies on at some point in there day. Whether it is to support a house, hold back the earth, or beautify a building. Concrete is there to make life possible for everyone everywhere.

Book Sources

Smith, William F.
Principles of Materials Science and Engineering
Published by McGraw Hill Inc, 1986

Alth, Max
Masonary & Concrete Work
Published by: Book Davision, Times Mirrors Magazines Inc.
1978

Vinson, J.R. & Chou T.W.
Compostite Materials & there uses in structures
Published by: Applied Science Publishers Ltd.
1975

Hornbostel, Caleb
Construction Materials Types, Uses, and Applications
Published by: Wiley-Interscience and John Wiley & Sons
1978

Reference Sites

1.)http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/publications/Circulars/All/T_Circ/1995/t05-95.pdf
2.)http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED213902&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED213902

3.)http://www.howconcreteworks.com/types_of_concrete.html

4.)http://www.tpub.com/content/engineering/14070/css/14070_285.htm

5.)http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:JpMPwFEXfpoJ:knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/cops/hpcx.nsf/All%2BDocuments/A10B9708BF2C9D3D85256FD2007403A5/%24FILE/Final%2520HPC%2520Structural%2520Designers%2520Guide.pdf+concrete+types+structural&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=20&gl=ca

6)http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:NpIuP5Y99RgJ:www1.ths.titech.ac.jp/~shimizu/study/thesis/easec.pdf+concrete+types+structural&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=50&gl=ca

totally forgot to post my original outline here it is

Project:
To learn about the types of composite materials and how they can be applied in Kamloops homes.

Method:
- learn about the most popular composite materials
- how these materials are made
- find out how they can be applied to Kamloops homes
- find out how much longer they will last compared to traditional materials
- find out if its cost effective
- find out if composite materials result in a greener way of looking at construction

Special Problems:
- finding a way to make composite materials affordable so they can be used more frequently in homes in Kamloops.

Also:
- all topics that I look at will be dealt with. I have no intensions of overlooking any questions at this point.

Information Sources:

1.) Putting it together – the science and technology of composite materials by David Ellyard
November 2000
Reviewed and Edited by:
Dr Rikard HeslehurstSenior Lecturer, School of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringAustralian Defence Force AcademyCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
< http://www.science.org.au/nova/059/059cred.htm>

2.) Design Technology Development

< http://www.design-technology.org/>

3.) William F. Smith – Professor of Engineering, University of Central Florida

– Principles of Materials Science and Engineering – Second Edition

Editorial Board – Michael B Beaver, Massachusetts Institute of technology
- Ronald Gibala, University of Michigan
- Matthew Tirrell, University of Minnesota
- Charles A. Wert, University or Illinois

Concrete Dome: Pic taken by Justin Hilditch

Concrete Foundation: Pic Taken By ME!!

Concrete Foundation: Pic Taken By ME!!

Concrete Footings: Pic Taken By ME!!

Concrete forms being assembled

Concrete at it's finest!!

PROJECT OUTLINE

My research project will focus on how different types of materials effect concrete applications as well as how it affects its structure and weight.


METHOD: By determining how different materials and ratios of materials create different forms and uses for concrete.

1.) History – How long has concrete been around and where and how did it originate?

2.) Ingredients – see what materials concrete can be composed of.

3.) Application – see where certain materials can be used based on location of material.

4.) Structure – see how structure of concrete is affected by the different ingredients and ingredient ratios.

5.) Appearance – Consider applications where concrete can not only be used as a structural material but also for appearance.


SPECIAL PROBLEMS:

- climate / soil types and conditions / exposure to weather


ALSO:

1.) How can different types of concrete be considered more “Green” than others?

2.) Is there something better, greener, and more cost effective than concrete for structure that has been overlooked?

First Blog Entry

This my blog. My project is going to about composite materials. Details will be braught to u at a later date cuz i don't want to type it now.