Engineering and Technology
In its simple form, concrete is a mixture of paste and aggregates (rocks). The paste, composed essentially of Portland cement and water, coats the surface of the fine (small) and coarse (larger) aggregates. Through a series of chemical reactions called hydration, the paste hardens and gains strength to form the rock-like mass known as concrete. Concretes therefore have a much wider range of structural applications, including pavements, footings, pipes, unit masonry, floor slabs, beams, columns, walls, dams, and tanks. Concrete is a basic building block of our everyday world. It’s used in almost every type of structure that we build today. This engineering guide to concrete will give you a variety of information about concrete, including some best practices for various situations.