Reasons Why Concrete Is So Strong

In today’s world of urbanization, concrete is a material that is commonly used for various purposes. One of the most common uses of concrete is certified for the use of construction. In the fast-growing absence of trees and heavy deforestation, our modern world is often referred to as a jungle of concrete where skyscrapers, monumental buildings, and stately constructional architecture are predominant.

The question now arises that why concrete is used so aggressively in the modern thrive of urbanization and the resulting constructional boom? Quite naturally it can be said that the properties of the supreme strength of concrete are one of the main reasons that promote the use of this material. Let us take a look at the properties that add to the strength of the material.

The Material

Concrete

Concrete as a material emerges when a proportionate mixture of cement, water, and aggregates of various sizes are combined together. It has been observed that when the paste comes in contact with the different types of aggregates, a chemical reaction takes place that actually helps the paste of cement and water to harden and the resulting mixture gains a considerable amount of strength. The paste of cement and water acts as the binder whereas the aggregates act as the filler elements. The reaction due to the presence of the eater molecules creates a chemical bond that helps the concrete to get stronger as it gets cured.

Investigations into the properties of concrete have revealed that the presence of the compound of tricalcium silicate is the main factor that gives concrete all its strength. This compound releases hydroxide ions,  calcium ions and also a considerable amount of heat. With the provision of an adequate amount of hydroxide and calcium ions, calcium hydroxide is formed and it results in the formation of the calcium silicate hydrate. Concrete as a substance gives rise to constructions that will have a low porous level but will have a very strong structure.

The Future

The present is never enough. This is a fact that is a reality for all substances, products, processes, and services. The same can be said of concrete as well. When humans and urbanizations in the modern times have seen the strength of concrete as a material, they will obviously look for a better version of the material in the future. Hence a large number of researches have been initiated in this direction.

Investigations have revealed that if the science behind concrete formation can be taken a step ahead, then a much stronger version of the product can be attained. Such high strength concrete can be created by re-adjusting the ratios and the proportions of water, cement, and aggregates. Water as in the ratio of cement must be reduced to make all the more robust concrete.

Concrete and History

Concrete

The strength of concrete is corroborated by the fact that it was used as early as in the age of the Egyptians. Even as back as then, this material was used in the making of buildings and for different constructional ventures. Back then a mixture of gypsum and lime was used to attain the final mixture.

Pantheon is one of the finest specimens of great and stately constructions that were brought to life with the use of concrete based in ancient Rome, the pantheon which has been rebuilt at different stages of history lives on to say the sage of the strength of concrete as a material. The Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is yet again another great specimen of great construction made of concrete.

Concrete is probably one of the best and most archaic inventions of mankind that dates back a long way in history. Traces of this material can be found in a large number of different civilizations. However, with time, this is a material that is seeing new inventions with its composition so that better features can be brought about in the material.