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.