Types of Concrete
C oncrete is the most crucial component of buildings and infrastructure nowadays. It works brilliantly when only compressive forces (stresses) are acting, but its tensile strength is low. Its tensile strength is around 10 - 12% of its compressive strength. Its combination with reinforcement makes its most versatile material. Based on the purpose of use, there are the following types of concrete: 1. Plain Concrete: It is the most straightforward type of concrete which uses cement (along with adhesive other cementitious materials are used when required), sand, water and coarse aggregate. It is used where no tensile stress is generated—for example - mass concreting in dams, pedestals, etc. 2. Reinforced Concrete: This composite material has gained so much popularity because it can sustain tensile stress also. Because of reinforced concrete today, the construction of load-bearing beams and columns are possible to this extent. Use of reinfor...