Unravelling The Secret Behind The Strength Of Cement Concrete

Unravelling the Secret Behind the Strength of Cement Concrete

The strength of cement concrete primarily depends upon the quality of cement, quality of fine and coarse aggregates, water-cement ratio, workability, compaction and curing. All these factors are interrelated and must be considered while preparing a concrete mixture.

Cement Quality

The quality of cement used in concrete is a major factor that determines the strength of the concrete. Good quality cement contains certain characteristics such as proper particle size distribution, high specific gravity, low content of alkali and alkaline earth, low content of soluble salts, low content of magnesium oxide, and low content of unsound particles. Poor quality cement has a lower strength, which affects the strength of the concrete.

Aggregate Quality

Aggregates are the most important component of concrete, as they account for 60 to 80 percent of the concrete volume. The quality of aggregates significantly affects the strength of concrete. The aggregates should be of good quality, with proper gradation and should be free from dust, clay, organic matter and other impurities. The aggregate should also be hard, durable and non-absorbent. The surface texture of the aggregate should be smooth to increase the bond between the cement and the aggregate.

Water-Cement Ratio

The water-cement ratio is the ratio of weight of water to the weight of cement used in concrete mix. The strength of concrete depends on the water-cement ratio. If the ratio is low, the resulting concrete will be stronger and have a higher compressive strength, but if the ratio is high, the resulting concrete will have a lower strength. Water-cement ratio should, therefore, be maintained within the specified limits to obtain the desired strength of the concrete.

Workability

Workability is an important factor that affects the strength of concrete. Workability is defined as the ease with which concrete can be placed, compacted, finished and transported. The workability of concrete is affected by the water content, size and shape of aggregates, and the amount and type of admixtures used. If the workability of concrete is low, the resulting concrete will be of low strength.

Compaction

Compaction of concrete is essential for achieving the desired strength of concrete. Compaction of concrete is done by vibration, tamping or other methods. Compaction reduces the air voids in the concrete, which increases the strength of concrete. Compaction also increases the density of concrete, which results in better strength.

Curing

Curing of concrete is the process of maintaining the moisture content and temperature of the concrete during the initial days of hardening. Curing helps in increasing the strength of concrete by preventing the loss of water from concrete. Curing also helps in avoiding thermal cracks due to sudden cooling of concrete. Proper curing is essential for obtaining the desired strength of concrete.

To sum up, the strength of cement concrete primarily depends upon the quality of cement, quality of fine and coarse aggregates, water-ce

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