Everywhere we look, we see something made from concrete. So, what makes this substance so popular that it is used so vastly in construction? Here are some of the properties of concrete that give it such popularity:
Strength – Concrete is undeniably strong. When in its hardened state, concrete has four types of strength – shear, compressive, flexural and tensile. Compressive strength is one of the most important strengths of concrete and it is classified by grades.
Durability – This property relates to the ability of concrete to withstand the purpose it was designed for over time without breaking or becoming damaged due to environmental factors.
Workability – The consistency of the mix determines its workability. Factors affecting workability include the use of admixtures, water content, aggregate size and shape, time and temperature.
Elasticity – How elastic concrete is depends on the type of mix used, the concrete’s age and how much stress it will be under.
Impermeability – The ability of concrete to be impermeable is essential as being open to penetration can weaken its structure. A concrete structure that weakens due to frost, water or air penetration can leave buildings in danger of becoming structurally unsound. Getting just the right mix is essential to avoid these issues. This is why you need Concrete Gloucester from a site like https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk
Age – The beauty of concrete is that it becomes stronger as it ages. After one month, it will have reached around 75% of its final strength and this increases to 95% by one year.