Definition of Concrete Concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregates (Fine and coarse), ‘mixed and placed, it hardens over time through a chemical rea strong material used in construction, water, and sometimes admixtures. When ction (hydration) to form a durable, Grade of Concrete The grade of concrete refers to the strength of concrete and i is expressed in terms of its compressive ‘Strength after 28 days of curing. The higher the grade, the stronger the concrete. Concrete Brades are represented by M followed by a number, where M stands for mix and the number indicates the Characteristic compressive strength in MPa (Mega Pascal) after 28 days. Examples: M5, M10, M15, M20, M25, M30, etc 7.2. Properties of Concrete Key Properties of Concrete: 1. Compressive Strength: The ability of concrete to resist crushing under compressive loads, measured in MPa. This is a critical property for the design of structures. 2. Durability: The capacity of concrete to withstand environmental factors like water, chemicals, and weathering without degrading. 3. Workability: The ease with which fresh concrete can be mixed, transported, placed, and finished without segregation. 4. Setting Time: The time required for concrete to start hardening. It includes initial and final setting times, which determine when the concrete can no longer be worked or finished. 5. Shrinkage: The reduction in concrete’s volume as it dries and hardens. 6. Thermal Expansion: The ability of concrete to expand and contract with temperature changes, which affects the integrity of structures over time, 7. Density: Concrete typically has a density of about 2200-2500 kg/m®, which affects its weight and thermal properties. 7.3. Methods of Proportioning Concrete Mixes 1g the correct mix of cement, sand, aggregates, and water to achieve Proportioning refers to determi desired concrete properties. a) By Arbitrary Standards: This is a method of proportioning where cement, sand, and coarse aggregate are mixed in ratios like [Link] for high strength or [Link] for mass concrete. These proportions ensure the required strength and workability for specific purposes.b) Minimum Void Method: This method of proportioning ensures sand fills the voids of coarse aggregate, and cement fills the voids of sand. Extra sand (10%) and cement (15%) are added to achieve a dense and strong mix. ¢) Trial or Maximum Density Method: This is a method of proportion!™B where aggregates are mixed in varying ratios to find the heaviest and densest mix. The proportion giving the maximum weight is used for concrete work. 4) Fineness Modulus Method: This is a method of proportioning that meas te the average particle size of aggregates using sieves. Coarser aggregates have 2 higher fineness modulus, and the mix is adjusted accordingly. e) Water-Cement Ratio: This is a method of proportioning where the water-to-cement ratio directly affects concrete strength. Lower ratios increase strength, while higher ratios improve workability but reduce strength. 7.4. Mix Design Design Mix Concrete: Mix design is a method to calculate the ideal proportion of materials (cement, sand, aggregates, water) for a specific grade of concrete, ensuring it meets the strength, workability, and durability requirements. “The basic assumption in design mix concrete is that compressive strength of concrete is dependent almost entirely on the water cement ratio. The design of the concrete mix can be carried out by following method laid in the code. MS to M20 Ratios for Design Mix Concrete: MS: [Link] (Cement:Sand:Aggregate) © M10: [Link] © M45: [Link] © M20: 1:1.5:3 Nominal Mix Concrete: Nominal mix uses fixed ratios (e.g., [Link]) for i i y Lie eneral purposes and is more suited for low-strength applications (M5 to M20), 8 Mees 1Differences Between Design Mix and Nominal Mix: Design Mix i Nominal Mix “I 'Based on specific design requirements. Predefined with simple proportions (e.g ae 8, Detailed calculations for strength, workability, and i pastel y, No calculations are made; standard ratios are] Suitable for high-strength concrete (M25 and above). _||'YPically used for low-strength concrete (M5 a to M20). Requires laboratory testing to determine the mix. No laboratory testing needed [Adapted for local material variations and environmental Sond |Assumes uniform material Properties. Used in critical, large-scale, or complex structures. {Suitable for smaller, non-critical applications. loffers less flexibility in meeting exact Provides better control over concrete properties. requirements 7.5. Concreting Processes ‘The process of concrete construction involves several stages, from preparing materials to finishing the cured product. Each stage is crucial to ensuring the concrete achieves its desired properties. 1. Batching of Materials: Batching involves measuring the correct proportions of cement, sand, aggregates, and water required for the mix. This can be done by volume or weight. * Volume Batching: © Materials are measured by volume using measuring boxes or containers. © Commonly used for small-scale or low-strength projects. © Less accurate compared to weight batching and may result in variability in concrete properties. ‘+ Weight Batching: © Materials are measured by weight using © Offers higher accuracy and consistency, high-strength concrete. weigh-batching machines or scales. ‘making it suitable for critical structures and 2. Concrete Mixing: ‘The materials are thoroughly mixed to achieve a homogeneous blend, ensuring even distribution of cement and aggregates.© tis done manually. © Used when quantity of concrete needed for the work is small. © Sand in cement in appropriate proportion are mixed first on 2 c surface or ona © steel plate. : © Coarse aggregate is then added and whole mixture is mixed thoroughly with the shovels. ‘© The predetermined amount of water is added in the mixture. ‘The mass is then turned till the concrete obtained is homogeneous. As compared to machine mixing it cannot give homogeneous and uniform concrete, Jeaned hard ° * Machine Mixing: © Inthis method, first coarse aggregate is put into the machine drum then fine aggregate and cement is added. © Machine is started to revolve to mix the material in dry state © Then gradually water is added with the pipe or jar into the mixture in require water cement ratio. © Drumis rotated for 1 to 2 minutes for thoroughly mixing of concrete after mixing water. © Itis an effective and economical way of mixing in which homogeneous and uniform mixing can be ensured. 3. Transportation of Concrete: Concrete must be transported quickly to the site after mixing to prevent it from setting prematurely. * Methods of Transportation: © Concrete Trucks: Used for large-scale transport, especially for ready-mix concrete. © Buckets or Conveyors: For smaller, localized transport. © Pumps: Ideal for transporting concrete to high-rise buildings or hard-to-reach areas. 4, Placing of Concret Concrete is placed into prepared forms or molds. The process must be done without segregation of the mix components (cement, aggregates, and water). «Accepted Height for Placing: > Concrete should not be dropped from a height greater than 1-1.2 meters to avoid segregation and loss of quality. «Methods of Placin © Crane and Bucket: Used for larger pours.© Conveyor Belt or Pump: For controlled and continuous placing, especially in high-rise construction. 5. Compaction of Concrete: Compaction is necessary to eliminate air pockets and voids in the concrete, increasing its density and strength. + Methods of Compaction: © Vibrators (Internal or External): Most commonly used to ensure the concrete is compacted properly, ‘© Hand Compaction: Used in smaller pours or inaccessible areas. 6. Curing of Concrete: ‘+ Definition: Curing is the process of maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to 4 allow the concrete to reach its full strength. ‘+ Purpose: Proper curing ensures that the concrete develops the desired strength, durability, and resistance to cracking. ‘+ Methods of Curing © Water Curing: Continuous application of water, either by sprinkling, ponding, or wet burlap, to keep the concrete moist. © Membrane Curing: Applying a curing compound that forms a protective film to retain moisture. Steam Curing: Used for precast concrete where steam is applied to accelerate hydration. Covering with Wet Hessian or Polythene Sheets: The concrete surface is covered with wet hessian or plastic sheets to minimize moisture loss and maintain humidity. Curing by Heat: In cold weather, concrete can be cured by applying heat (using blankets or heated enclosures) to maintain an appropriate temperature for hydration. © Curing Compound Spray: A liquid compound is sprayed on the surface to seal in moisture and prevent premature evaporation. * Curing Duration: Typically lasts for 7-28 days, depending on the grade of concrete and environmental conditions. Proper curing helps prevent premature drying and cracking. °° 7.6. Concreting Under Water Concreting under water requires special methods and techniques to ensure the concrete sets and gains strength without being washed away by water currents. The deposition of concrete under water is a complicated problem. When it is necessary to deposit concrete under water, we should give attention while selecting the methods, equipment, materials, and proportion of mixed to be used. ©The water cement ratio shall not exceed 0.6 or smaller depending on the grade of concrete. © For aggregate 40mm maximum particle size, the cement content shall be at least 350 kg/m3 of concrete.