Concrete Production

Concrete

A mixture of cement + sand + aggregate + water, sometimes with admixtures.

Typical ratio (nominal mix):
1 : 2 : 4 (cement : sand : stone)

Ingredients of Concrete

• Cement - Binder that hardens with water.

• Fine Aggregate - Sand → fills voids and improves workability.

• Coarse Aggregate - Crushed stones → gives strength.

• Water - Controls hydration; must be clean.

• Admixtures - Plasticizers, retarders, accelerators, waterproofing agents.

Process in Concrete Production

1. Batching (Volume or weight)

2. Mixing (Hand or machine)

3. Transporting

4. Placing

5. Compacting (Vibrators)

6. Curing (Maintain moisture for 7-14 days)

Properties of Good Concrete

• High compressive strength

• Durable

• Workable

• Dense, minimal voids

• Properly cured

Common Concrete Defects

• Honeycombing

• Cracks

• Segregation

• Bleeding

• Weak surface (dusting)

Can be caused by:

• Too much water

• Poor mixing

• Inadequate compaction

• Poor curing