The Common Types and Various Uses of Concrete in Construction

As the one of the most common building materials, the performance of the concrete industry offers a picture of the general construction industry. The various forms of concrete are applicable for both outdoor projects as well as indoor projects serving up functional and aesthetic advantages. The other properties that make concrete such an important building material are durability and versatility. It can last long and take a sufficient amount of wear and tear while it can also apply for many different roles effectively.  The versatile nature is helped partly by the fact that there are several types of concrete present.

Types of concrete

As already mentioned there are many types of concrete present and several still undergoing research and test. Concrete can classify according to its composition use, strength and performance as well as its characteristics. There is the regular concrete with cement as the binding agent and working with the basic mix ratios. There is high strength concrete with a compressive strength greater than 5800psi. This is made by lowering the water to cement ratio to 0.35 and even lower and silica added to aid in the strengthening of the cement aggregate bond.  Still under strength and performance are ultra-high performance concrete and micro-nutrients ultra-high performance concrete.

Aside from these are other types of concrete specialized for certain situations. These include exposed aggregate concrete in which instead of river rock for an aggregate, selected colored stones are used and the finishing procedure altered to have the colored stones slightly elevated for a slip resistant attractive result. There is also the stamped concrete used for architectural purposes for its superior textured finish and long resistance to wear and tear. There are other decorative concretes and other like vacuum concrete, limecrete, pervious concrete and cellular concrete designed to serve specific functions in the construction industry.

Uses of concrete

Concrete has majorly been used a foundation material and as a binding element. Its role has increased over the years with the changes in its composition, which have resulted in many concrete varieties. In the outdoor arena, concrete has find use in the making of slabs, which have been useful for making retaining wall footings. Different kinds of concrete slabs are also useful for making paving for paths, and the floor for sheds. Aside from that, refined and decorative concrete is used as quality flooring in houses and offices. Decorative concrete also finds use in making kitchen countertops. The key factor to note to get the right result when using concrete, is getting the right mix for the job at hand.