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Concrete Reviewer

The document provides a comprehensive overview of fresh and hardened concrete, detailing its properties, workability, compaction, curing, and common defects. It emphasizes the importance of factors like water content, aggregate size, and proper mixing techniques in achieving quality concrete. Additionally, it includes retention tips for understanding key concepts and tests related to concrete behavior.

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joshua.tojos08
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8 views

Concrete Reviewer

The document provides a comprehensive overview of fresh and hardened concrete, detailing its properties, workability, compaction, curing, and common defects. It emphasizes the importance of factors like water content, aggregate size, and proper mixing techniques in achieving quality concrete. Additionally, it includes retention tips for understanding key concepts and tests related to concrete behavior.

Uploaded by

joshua.tojos08
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Concrete Reviewer

I. Fresh Concrete

Definition

• Fresh concrete refers to the state of concrete before it hardens.

• Its strength is highly affected by its compaction and workability.

Workability

• Workability refers to the ease with which concrete mixes can be placed and compacted with
minimal effort.

• Factors Affecting Workability:

1. Water Content: More water increases workability but decreases strength.

2. Aggregate Size: Larger aggregates reduce water demand and increase workability.

3. Aggregate Grading: Poor grading reduces consistency.

4. Aggregate Shape & Texture: Smooth surfaces improve workability.

Measurements of Workability

• Slump Test: Measures consistency and variations in the mix.

o Stiff Mix = Zero slump

o Rich Mix = Satisfactory slump

o Lean Mix = Shear or collapse slump

• Compacting Factor Test: Measures density ratio.

• Flow Table Test: Measures spread diameter after vibration.

• Kelly Ball Test: Measures penetration depth.

• VeBe Test: Determines workability through vibration.

Segregation & Bleeding

• Segregation: Separation of concrete components, causing an uneven distribution.

o Coarse particles settle, while water and cement separate.

• Bleeding (Water Gain): Water rises to the surface of fresh concrete, reducing strength.

• Laitance: A weak layer formed due to excessive bleeding, reducing bond strength.

Compaction of Concrete

• The process of removing entrapped air using:

1. Internal Vibration

2. External Vibration

3. Vibrating Tables

Curing of Concrete

• Curing ensures proper hydration by maintaining temperature and moisture levels.


• Types: Sample curing (lab testing) and onsite curing (real-world application).

Quality of Mixing Water

• Water used should be potable (safe for drinking) to prevent contamination.

Special Concreting Techniques

• Pumped Concrete: High-slump concrete designed for pumping applications.

• Underwater Concreting (Tremie Method): A method to place concrete underwater without


segregation.

II. Hardened Concrete

Key Components

• Binder: Cement

• Coarse Aggregate: Gravel

• Fine Aggregate: Sand (<2mm fraction)

• Water: Essential for hydration

• Admixtures: Chemical additives (<5%)

Mechanical Properties

1. Compressive Strength: The ability to withstand crushing forces.

2. Flexural Strength: The ability to resist bending failure.

3. Tensile Strength: Indirectly measured via the splitting tensile test.

4. Shear & Torsion Resistance: The ability to withstand sliding and twisting forces.

Durability Factors

• External Factors: Sulfate attack, extreme temperatures, abrasion, and chemical exposure.

• Internal Factors: Alkali-aggregate reaction, permeability, and volume changes.

Shrinkage in Concrete

• Plastic Shrinkage: Occurs due to water loss in fresh concrete.

• Autogenous Shrinkage: Results from chemical reactions within the cement paste.

• Drying Shrinkage: Happens as moisture evaporates over time.

III. Concrete Defects

1. Cracks: Caused by improper mix design, inadequate curing, or lack of expansion joints.

2. Crazing: Small, irregular cracks due to rapid surface hardening.

3. Blistering: Hollow bumps formed due to excessive entrapped air.

4. Delamination: Separation of the top layer due to improper finishing.

5. Dusting (Chalking): Weak, powdered surface caused by excessive water.

6. Curling: Upward/downward movement of slab edges due to temperature or moisture


differences.
7. Efflorescence: White salt deposits caused by water movement through concrete.

8. Scaling & Spalling: Deterioration due to water penetration and freeze-thaw cycles.

IV. Summary & Retention Tips

• Understand the Basics: Know how fresh and hardened concrete behave.

• Memorize Key Tests: Slump test, compacting factor test, flexural strength test.

• Know the Defects: Relate defects to their causes (e.g., blistering = excessive air).

• Apply Real-World Examples: Think about bridges, buildings, and roads for application.

This reviewer follows a structured format to aid memory retention. Let me know if you need any
refinements!

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