20 Questions
What is the meaning of the word 'concrete'?
A manmade building material resembling stone
What holds together the aggregates in concrete?
Cementitious paste
What is the estimated consumption of concrete worldwide every year?
11 billion metric tonnes
What is one of the reasons for the popularity of concrete as a construction material?
It is used for many different structures
How does the worldwide production of concrete compare to that of steel?
Concrete production exceeds steel production by a factor of 10 in tonnage and by more than a factor of 30 in volume
What is one advantage of concrete according to the text?
Low cost of production
In terms of energy efficiency, how does the production of concrete compare with steel?
Concrete production requires less energy than steel production
What factor influences concrete properties such as compressive strength and permeability?
Water/cement ratio
Which is a limitation of concrete as mentioned in the text?
Brittle failure mode
What property of fresh concrete allows it to be poured into various formworks to form different shapes and sizes right on a construction site?
Flowability like a liquid
What is the origin of the word 'concrete'?
From the Latin word 'to grow together'
What is the primary binder of concrete?
Portland cement
What is the estimated annual consumption of concrete worldwide?
11 billion metric tonnes
What is one reason for the popularity of concrete as a construction material?
It is used for many different structures
In terms of worldwide production, how does concrete compare to steel?
Concrete production exceeds steel by a factor of 10 in tonnage and by more than a factor of 30 in volume
What is one of the advantages of concrete according to the text?
Ability to consume waste
What influences concrete properties such as compressive strength and permeability?
Cement content
What is a limitation of concrete as mentioned in the text?
Working with cracks
Which factor is one of the most important influencing concrete properties such as compressive strength, permeability, and diffusivity?
w/c ratio
What is the estimated range of the amount of cement content in mass concrete?
160–200 kg/m3
Study Notes
Concrete Basics
- The word 'concrete' originates from the Latin word 'concretus', meaning "to grow together".
- The primary binder of concrete is cement.
Composition and Properties
- Cement holds together the aggregates in concrete.
- The properties of concrete, such as compressive strength and permeability, are influenced by the water-to-cement ratio.
- The water-to-cement ratio is one of the most important factors influencing concrete properties, including compressive strength, permeability, and diffusivity.
- The estimated range of cement content in mass concrete is not clearly defined but varies in different mixes.
Global Consumption and Production
- The estimated annual consumption of concrete worldwide is around 20 billion tons per year.
- In terms of worldwide production, concrete production exceeds that of steel.
Advantages and Limitations
- One of the reasons for the popularity of concrete as a construction material is its high strength and durability.
- One advantage of concrete is its thermal mass, which allows it to absorb and release heat, making it energy-efficient.
- In terms of energy efficiency, the production of concrete compares favorably to that of steel.
- A limitation of concrete is its susceptibility to cracking, which can lead to reduced strength and durability.
- The workability of fresh concrete allows it to be poured into various formworks to form different shapes and sizes right on a construction site.
Test your knowledge of the fundamentals of concrete as a construction material with this quiz based on Chapter One of the course Concrete Technology-I for 2nd year Civil Engineering students at University of Halabja. Explore the definition of concrete and its basic components.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
