cement

How is Concrete used in Construction Projects

How is concrete used in construction projects?

Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the industry. Concrete a thermal mass material; instead of it consisting of one material, it is a mix of fine aggregate, cement, water, gravel, and stones. These materials act as the foundation of many structures as well as in superstructure construction. For example, through architectural features, concrete is in structural concrete, stair construction, and slab construction. Now, how is concrete used in construction projects?

Concrete is used in the following: basic foundations, exterior surfaces, superstructures, floor construction, wastewater treatment facilities, and parking lots/structures. To determine the quality of cement, the factors include the accuracy of placement, appearance, and consolidation. Although these three are important, the quality of concrete goes much further. 

how is concrete used in construction
Photo by Bannafarsai_Stock

The quality of concrete starts in the beginning phases, especially when the team specifies appropriate dimensions that are necessary for the support structure, ingredients for the concrete mix design, finish details, and constructible work specifications. In addition to constructing concrete, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the accessory requirements, historical data of relative materials, proper material placement, achievable strengths, and approaches to track the strength of designs periodically. 

Concrete is similar to mortars in terms of composition and structure. 

The lifetime for concrete lasts for ages, even under harsh and adverse conditions. Concrete, itself, can resist abrasion, chemical actions, weathering actions, and tensile and comprehensive stresses for long periods. It can resist these actions make concrete structures more suitable for locations with harsh conditions. 

Mortar

Properties of Concrete

The properties in concrete make it excellent for buildings. Concrete consists of very strong materials that operate under great tensile stresses and comprehensive stresses without yielding—the strength of concrete acts from the material components within the concrete mix. 

To avoid fixing and avoiding removal of in-place work, it is essential for consolidation and reinforcement coverage in concrete production. Before physical construction begins, it is important to pre-plan so that the project has the necessary equipment and materials to produce the highest quality for the client. Furthermore, accurate work adds to the higher level of quality in concrete structures, thus allowing other trades to install and complete their work correctly.

structure
Photo by electra

Concrete can combine with other construction materials and components. Concrete  with the following:

Structures bearing on concrete

Anchor points for structural steel

Accessories such as reinforced concrete couplings, embedded steel reinforcement plates, reinforcement for masonry, or support for masonry façade construction

Types of Concrete

Pervious concrete is a type of structural concrete pavement that consists of coarse aggregates, water, and concrete mix. Pervious concrete is an essential element to the green construction movement because it is energy efficient; rather than allowing the water to puddle, it absorbs it and naturally filters soil, which ultimately reduces water pollution. 

Prestressed concrete: according to Portland Cement Association, prestressing concrete removes design constraints of conventional concrete on load, span, and permits for bridges, floors, walls, and roofs. Prestressed concrete allows architects, engineers, and concrete contractors to design and build lighter concrete buildings without losing strength

cement contractor
Photo by Dmitry Kalinovsky

How to Find a Concrete Contractor

  1. Do your research
  2. Ask for recommendations
  3. Get everything in writing
  4. Compare prices
  5. Obtain proper licenses
  6. Measure your interactions
  7. Request a list of references
  8. Look for experience
  9. Verify Insurance

How eSUB Can Help

eSUB is a cloud-based project management platform built especially for subcontractors. It seamlessly integrates with leading construction software systems so you can easily switch from your current document process to a cloud-based system to upgrade your construction project management process.

eSUB organizes all of your project information in one place, allows for smooth collaboration, and streamlines communication through its intuitive interface. It also works on your mobile, so you can track projects on the go—no matter where or when—and stay up-to-date.

FAQs: How is Concrete used in Construction Projects

What are the common uses of concrete in construction projects?

Concrete finds its use in various construction aspects, including basic foundations, exterior surfaces, superstructures, floor construction, wastewater treatment facilities, and parking lots/structures. It serves as a fundamental building material in these applications.

What factors contribute to the quality of concrete in construction projects?

The quality of concrete is influenced by factors such as accurate placement, appearance, consolidation, appropriate dimensions, concrete mix design, finish details, and constructible work specifications. Understanding accessory requirements, historical data of relative materials, material placement, achievable strengths, and strength monitoring approaches also play a vital role in ensuring quality.

How does concrete compare to mortars in terms of composition and structure?

Concrete and mortars share similarities in terms of composition and structure. However, concrete is a stronger material that can withstand tensile stresses and comprehensive stresses for extended periods, making it suitable for various construction applications.

What are some types of concrete used in construction projects?

Two notable types of concrete are pervious concrete and prestressed concrete. Pervious concrete aids in environmentally friendly construction by absorbing water and naturally filtering soil, reducing water pollution. Prestressed concrete allows for lighter building designs without compromising strength, offering flexibility to architects and engineers.

How can I find a reliable concrete contractor for my construction project?

Finding a reputable concrete contractor involves various steps, such as conducting research, seeking recommendations, obtaining written agreements, comparing prices, verifying licenses and insurance, checking references, evaluating experience, and ensuring proper interactions. These steps help you choose a trustworthy contractor.

How can eSUB Construction Software assist with construction project management involving concrete?

eSUB Construction Software is a cloud-based project management platform designed for subcontractors. It simplifies project organization, promotes collaboration, streamlines communication, and provides mobile accessibility. eSUB integrates seamlessly with leading construction software systems, allowing for an efficient transition to a cloud-based project management process.