Swot Analysis Of Concrete

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Definition of CONCRETE:

Concrete is a composite material composed of water, coarse granular material (fine & coarse aggregates), embedded in a hard matrix of material (cement) that fills the space among the aggregate particles & glues them together.

 Major advantages of concrete over other building materials are as follows:

• Mould ability

• Less Maintenance

• Cost effective

• Durability

• Easily available

• Can be designed as per requirement

Concrete, the most ubiquitous material in the world, is a nano structured multiphase, composite material that age over time (Sanchez and Sobolev, 2010). It is composed of an amorphous phase, nanometer- to micrometer-size crystals, and bound water.

 The concrete

Cohesiveness is affected Aggregate grading and water content.

c) Strength

Strength of concrete is usually determined in terms of compressing strength. In cases where strength in tension or in shear is of primary importance the compressive strength is frequently used as a measure of this property.

 Factors affecting strength of concrete are as follows:

• Water cement ratio: the strength of concrete depends upon strength of cement paste, & strength of cement paste depends upon dilution of paste.

• Aggregate cement ratio :The strength may vary from different aggregate cement ratio.

• Grading, surface texture, shape, strength & stiffness of aggregates

• Maximum size of aggregate

d) Durability

Concrete was considered to be very durable material requiring a little or no maintenance. The assumption is largely true except when it is subjected to highly aggressive environment.

1.2 Introduction of mix

• Maximum water-cement ratio and/or maximum cement content to give adequate durability for the particular site conditions

• Maximum cement content to avoid shrinkage cracking due to temperature cycle in mass concrete.

 Types of Mixes :

• Nominal Mixes:

In the past the specifications for concrete prescribed the proportions of cement, fine and coarse aggregates. These mixes of fixed cement-aggregate ratio which ensures adequate strength are termed nominal mixes. These offer simplicity and under normal circumstances, have a margin of strength above that specified. However, due to the variability of mix ingredients the nominal concrete for a given workability varies widely in strength.

• Standard