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Properties of fresh concrete
Concrete A fundamental material in construction, concrete can be used for almost any type of work. When concrete is set and hardened, it gains a lot of resistance. This provides structure durability and rigidity.
It’s also versatile because it can be adapted to any building specification.
We’ll be talking about fresh concrete in this article. It is, therefore, the origin or basis of all types and variations of concrete.
Let’s begin!
Concrete’s primary characteristic is its ability to mold, but this is not a permanent feature.
The cement is considered fresh when it is first mixed and set. The time it takes to set depends on many factors, including the type of cement used, temperature, water content, and other factors.
Fresh concrete Is a heterogeneous substance. We can find it in up 3 states:
- Solid: Cement and aggregates mixed (variable in size and nature).
- The liquid is when the water has been added to the mixture.
- Gaseous: The mixture of concrete mixer with additives and mixing in a container.
Fresh concrete properties
The immediate result of mixing all components is fresh concrete. The final characteristics of the concrete are created by chemical reactions that occur as soon as the mixture is mixed.
“These reactions can happen up to years after mixing.”
Here are the main properties of fresh concrete.
Consistency
Fresh concrete can deform. This property is measured in centimeters using an Abrams test.
Abrams Cone Test
The Abrams Cone test, which is used to measure the consistency of new concrete, is the most popular.
“It involves filling a cone-shaped mold of 30 cm height with concrete.
It is the measurement that determines its consistency.
Concretes can be classified based on their consistency. Therefore, it is important to perform this test.
Docility
Fresh concrete is extremely moldable. It can be moved around with whatever means you have.
Homogeneity
The material components are in similar amounts, which results in a very homogeneous product.
Specific mass
It’s the ratio between fresh concrete’s mass and the area it occupies. It can be measured with either uncompacted or compacted concrete.
Handling time
The period between the concrete being mixed and the beginning of its setting. It is used to determine concrete’s handling ability without reducing its characteristics.
Fresh concrete characteristics
These are fresh concrete’s most important properties:
Simple to apply
We need to mix the mixture and then smoothen it. You will find different ways to use it in the article.
Concrete is very easy to apply.
Requires certain care
It is easy to apply, but you need to keep it wet and in constant motion in order not to dry it out.
Move easily
It can be transported with a wheelbarrow bucket or concrete mixer.
Fresh concrete is easy to transport.
It is also economically beneficial.
It is very affordable to get. It can be purchased either by the meter or privately at a workshop.
Fresh concrete composition
To create concrete from scratch, you need 3 ingredients: water, gravel or sand, and cement. These ingredients are bonded together until they form a concrete mixture.
Cement
It is generally made up of limestones and clay, which gives the cement its binding properties. Cement is hardened when it comes into contact with water. Concrete must therefore be kept hydrated.
Cement is one of the main ingredients in concrete.
Water
Water activates the cement, making it join the other ingredients and allowing for the cement to calcify. It can make concrete more difficult to work with if too much water is added.
Aggregates and gravel
Silica and aggregates provide durability and strength to the mixture. This makes them an important component. But, it is important not to pour too much. Concrete is more durable and resilient if poured in the right amount.
Uses for fresh concrete
The mixture can then be used in many different ways. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Housing construction
Concrete can glue bricks or partitions together or fill in walls.
Making building elements
This use requires the most concrete. Homogeneous walls with partitions are an example building element that can be manufactured in large quantities to increase production efficiency.
You can also make elements like columns, beams, or footings.
Large structures
As we can get foundations, beams, columns, and foundations, we also have the option to use fresh concrete for bridges and viaducts.
It can also be used to make prestressed concrete. This makes construction faster than any other method.
It is also used to build roof structures and load-bearing walls.
Roads and flooring
There is a special type of fresh concrete for roads, pavements, and highways. It is called hydraulic concrete. It has the main characteristics of resisting traction forces as well as weight.
Hydraulic concrete can be used in various applications and is very easy to work with.
How to pour concrete or apply new concrete?
You can apply fresh concrete in many ways. The techniques are adapted to the particular requirements of the job.
We believe that pouring concrete through the hose is the best method. Concrete is then added to a “container” (also known as formwork).
This is the most commonly used method to pour concrete
This technique is often used in buildings that don’t need a lot of concrete.
You can also apply it by using a concrete mixer responsible for the mixing and manufacturing processes of concrete.
An arm on the concrete mixer allows you to quickly and easily apply concrete.
A concrete mixer pouring concrete
If the job is extremely large, a concrete pump may be added to the concrete mix. This will make it easier to apply and distribute the concrete.
Conclusions
Fresh concrete is the best-selling material in its moldability, durability, affordability, versatility, and safety.
Fresh concrete has made it possible to construct many buildings and other construction projects with safety in mind.
Fresh concrete can be made at your home with the help of readily available ingredients.