There are many benefits of using concrete for your building projects. Besides being a long-lasting material, concrete is also very durable. It can withstand many environmental factors and requires little maintenance. Its lifespan is much longer than other building materials, including wood and steel. The following are some of the advantages of using concrete:
Durability
As time passes and a concrete structure is exposed to natural elements, it becomes susceptible to physical and chemical deterioration. RC structures and concrete surface layers are particularly vulnerable to abrasion, attrition, and erosion. The extent of these phenomena depends on the quality of the surface layer and other factors associated with the construction process. Here, we look at some of these issues and what concrete designers and contractors can do to help their structures maintain their durability.
The service life of a concrete structure is generally specified, such as 100 or 120 years for a bridge. However, if the concrete is not durable, it can fail long before the stated life. In such situations, concrete resistant to abrasion and environmental attack is required to maintain a structure for a longer period. The American Concrete Institute has defined various exposure classes for concrete to ensure the durability of a structure.
The overall service life of a structure is related to the durability of the reinforcement. Moreover, the durability of concrete is also dependent on the corrosion resistance of embedded steel. Steel exposed to corrosion corrodes the concrete surrounding it, causing millions of dollars in damage and repair costs. Consequently, a holistic approach is necessary for concrete designers to develop durable structures. This involves modeling the structure’s performance over time and examining the various dimensions and materials specifications. This process is known as service life design and enables engineers to demonstrate the overall durability of a concrete structure.
Adding fibers to concrete is one way to enhance its strength and durability. The fibers in concrete serve as bridges across matrix cracks, which form as concrete undergoes stress. These cracks are the main entry point for water and other corrosion agents.
Environmental Benefits
The use of concrete as a building material has many environmental benefits. A recent study shows that concrete uses less energy than wood or steel. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the National Ready-Mixed Concrete Association reported that concrete production accounts for 1.5% of Canada’s total carbon emissions. In comparison, the forest industry contributes about 3% using carbon-negative aggregates to reduce the finished product’s carbon footprint.
Precast concrete is easy to transport and does not crack easily like traditional concrete. Its transport efficiency is also beneficial to the environment. And because concrete is so widely used, it has many benefits for humankind. Here are a few of them:
One of concrete’s most obvious environmental benefits is its ability to be molded and customized to suit any design. Concrete is so versatile that it can be molded into almost any shape, surface, or texture. In addition to modifying concrete to fit any architectural or structural needs, many developments are being made in the field of concrete to increase its sustainability benefits. In fact, many concrete buildings can be converted to other occupancy types, thereby reducing urban sprawl and saving resources.
Another environmental benefit of concrete is its high reflective properties. Concrete helps to keep cities cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. And because concrete is highly reflective, heat moves slowly through it. Therefore, concrete production reduces the energy consumption of transporting the material. Additionally, concrete requires minimal maintenance, meaning it lasts a long time and is rarely replaced. Further, concrete is energy-efficient, requiring less electricity. And unlike many other building materials, concrete is non-toxic once it is cured.
Cost
A typical concrete slab costs between $4.25 and $6.25 per square foot. To get a fancy look without paying a lot of money, you can have it stamped or stained. These options can make concrete look like wood, stone, brick, or anything else you can imagine. Stamped concrete costs anywhere from $12 to $18 per square foot. While the initial cost may seem steep, the finished product will last many years.
Another benefit of concrete is its ability to absorb sound. This property makes it an ideal building material, as it can reduce overheating. Even if the building does not have air conditioning, concrete will provide insulation, reducing energy costs for the entire building. Similarly, concrete structures are more acoustically efficient than buildings made of timber. They can also be recycled, which can make them even more sustainable.
Construction time
The concrete needs to be moist and free of heavy objects during the curing process. The concrete will reach 90% of its compressive strength within four weeks, and the remaining 10% will take about three years. After curing, the concrete becomes safe for foot traffic and heavy machinery. The concrete is ready for use at the end of the curing process. If you need to pour concrete quickly, the quickest way is to pour it immediately after mixing it.
To determine the exact concrete slump, you can either add a plasticizer or superplasticizer or add an air-entraining admixture. You can also test the flow of concrete by using flow-measuring methods, such as placing a cone on the narrow end and slowly raising it. Concrete is a liquid and can be pumped to the site. Once there, the concrete can be cured and poured into the desired location.
A large part of the curing process occurs during the setting of concrete. The actual setting time of concrete depends on the amount of cement to water ratio. The higher the cement to water ratio, the slower the setting time will be. Higher temperatures can reduce the strength of the concrete but may reduce its long-term durability. You can also reduce the setting time by mixing the concrete ingredients in a proportion that suits your project.
Before pouring concrete, make sure to check its consistency and density. Then, measure the water-cement ratio. Then, subtract this measurement from the total amount of water. The result will be an accurate representation of the total water-cement ratio. There’s a good chance that the concrete will set faster when poured correctly. When you consistently mix the materials, you’ll ensure the durability of the concrete and withstand the test of time.
Now that you know a bit more about the durability of concrete and what affects the material longevity, you can make an informed decision about which type of concrete is best for your property.
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