Segregation of concrete is one of the most common yet critical problems that affects the strength, durability, and overall quality of concrete structures. In simple terms, segregation is the separation of concrete ingredients into distinct layers, which leads to weak zones and reduces structural integrity. For civil engineers and construction professionals, understanding the causes of…
Prestressed concrete is a form of concrete used in construction that has internal stresses induced to resist external applied loads. This post provides a comprehensive guide to prestressed concrete, covering its definition, advantages, disadvantages, methods, applications, and design. What is Prestressed Concrete? Prestressed concrete is concrete in which internal stresses are introduced to reduce potential…
Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, and its strength, durability, and performance depend on the concrete mix ratio used. A proper mix of cement, sand, gravel, and water decides whether your structure can withstand pressure, weather, and time. Understanding the proportions is crucial, whether you’re using a nominal mix ratio for small projects or…
Lightweight concrete is a type of concrete that includes an expanding agent in that it expands when it sets. It’s also called lightweight aggregate concrete or low-density concrete. What is Lightweight Concrete? Lightweight concrete is made using lightweight coarse aggregates or by injecting air or gas into the concrete mix to lower its density while…
The concrete slump test is a method to determine the workability and consistency of concrete. It is an empirical test that measures the slump of a sample of freshly mixed concrete when it is placed and compacted in a cone shaped mould. What is Concrete Slump Test? The slump test is the most commonly used…
Concrete spalling is a major issue that affects the strength and durability of concrete structures. Spalling is a term used to describe areas of concrete which have cracked and delaminated from the substrate. It occurs when pieces of concrete peel, pop out or flake off from the surface, revealing the rough aggregate underneath. If left unchecked,…