Concrete Terminology

4. Materials, usually steel bars or mesh (rebar), embedded within concrete to enhance its tensile strength. Reinforcement helps concrete resist forces that could cause cracking or structural failure.
6. The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes the concrete to harden and gain strength. This process continues over time, with the concrete becoming progressively stronger.
8. Time: The time it takes for fresh concrete to begin to harden and lose its plasticity. It is usually divided into initial setting time (when concrete starts to harden) and final setting time (when concrete is fully hardened).
10. A measure of concrete’s consistency or workability, determined by the slump test. It measures the vertical slump (or drop) of concrete when a cone-shaped mold is lifted off the fresh concrete. It indicates how easily the concrete can be placed and compacted.
12. Refers to the compressive strength of concrete, typically measured after 28 days of curing. It indicates the ability of concrete to withstand loads without breaking.

1. Concrete: Concrete that is pre-mixed at a central plant and delivered to a construction site in a ready-to-use state. It ensures consistent quality and saves time and labor on site.
2. A fine powder made from a mixture of limestone and clay that acts as a binder in concrete. When mixed with water, it undergoes a chemical reaction (hydration) and hardens, binding the other components together.
3. The ease with which concrete can be mixed, placed, and finished without segregating the components. High workability means the concrete is easy to work with, while low workability indicates that it’s stiffer and harder to handle.
5. Chemical additives added to concrete to modify its properties. Admixtures can enhance workability, control setting time, improve durability, or add other desired characteristics.
7. Inert granular materials like sand (fine aggregate) and gravel or crushed stone (coarse aggregate) that provide bulk, strength, and volume to concrete. Aggregates occupy the majority of the concrete’s volume.
9. The process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow concrete to properly harden and develop its full strength. Curing ensures the concrete reaches its potential durability and strength.
11. The component that activates cement by initiating the hydration process, allowing the concrete to harden. The amount of water used is crucial for achieving the desired concrete workability and strength.