INTRODUCTION TO CONCRETE

The general principles underlying the use of cements and natural aggregates for conventional purposes are reviewed, and a basis is provided for use when studying advanced applications. Three different classes of Portland cements are reviewed, namely, Portland Cements, blended Portland cements, and Portland cements with additives. The manufacture of the cements, their reactions with water, and tests for chemical composition, strength development, fineness, setting time, and "soundness" are detailed. The general requirements of aggregates and choice of aggregates are discussed, the different types are reviewed, and tests on natural aggregates are detailed. Two methods of testing water for suitability in concreting are described. Four main categories of admixtures are examined. They are: air-entraining agents, accelerators, water-reducers (plasticizers), retarders and latent hydraulic and possolanic materials. The selection of mix proportions is discussed with special reference to compaction and workability, water/cement ratio, maximum aggregate size, size and grading of fine aggregate, ratio of fine aggregate to coarse aggregate, mix design and methods of specifying concrete. Batching, mixing, transporting, placing and compacting are detailed. Construction joints and movement joints, curing, removal of formwork, cold weather and hot weather concreting are also detailed. Tests on fresh and hardened concrete are outlined and the properties of hardened concrete are reviewed.

• Corporate Authors:

  Cement and Concrete Association

  Wexham Spring
  Slough SL3 6PL, Buckinghamshire,   England 
• Authors:
  • Shirley, D E
• Publication Date: 1975-3

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 24 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Additives; Aggregates; Air entraining agents; Cement; Chemical reactions; Compaction; Concrete; Concrete hardening; Hydraulic cement; Portland cement concrete; Pozzolan; Quality control; Retarders (Concrete); Specifications; Testing; Water; Water cement ratio
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aggregate size; Hardened concrete
• Old TRIS Terms: Interlocking; Quality control testing; Retarders
• Subject Areas: Construction; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00099297
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 45.028
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 18 1975 12:00AM