Basic Properties of Concrete Materials

Concrete is a mixture of materials used in construction for many applications. This course teaches you how to proportion the different constituent materials that make up concrete to achieve a mix of the desired qualities and properties. First, we will introduce you to the definition of ‘standard concrete’ and the materials you use to make it. We outline the composite materials that make up concrete and their respective properties. We will describe the function performed by each of these materials in the development of concrete strength and other qualities in detail. After that, you will discover how concrete functions in its fresh state and its hardened state. The various characteristics of fresh concrete will be explained, alongside the features of concrete in its hardened state. The objective of proportioning concrete mix is to find a suitable combination of relative amounts of constituent materials. The resulting concrete has the required properties in the fresh and hardened state and should meet durability and other requirements depending on the environment’s structure. This knowledge and understanding will prepare you to proceed to the next stage: creating a concrete mix.

The following section discusses the detailed process of proportioning constituent materials to prepare a concrete mix. We guide you through a systematic procedure on how to go about determining the proportion of the constituent materials in preparing a concrete mix design that will achieve the desired results. Afterwards, you will study how to analyse the resulting concrete mix and compare its qualities with those anticipated from inception. Sometimes, the results obtained from the mix design do not meet the requirements set out. For this reason, you will observe the procedure of adjusting the mix to achieve the desired results in a trial and error process guided by the various standards developed over time. Investigate the pores or voids found in concrete and what causes them. Analyse their effect on concrete strength, permeability and durability, then study how to measure the size, distribution, volume and density of these voids or pores.

Finally, you will learn about the different additives or admixtures added to concrete to achieve specific objectives, how to apply them to concrete and how to compute the necessary quantity required to be effective as needed. Concrete is an essential building material commonly used to make structures of varying sizes and complexities. An in-depth understanding of how the various materials are proportioned and mixed to make concrete is therefore essential for anyone in the construction industry. Therefore, this course is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a civil engineer, contractor or building technician. It will be beneficial to professionals in the construction industry who would like to refresh their knowledge and understanding of concrete materials. So why wait? Start the course today!