What Exactly Is Concrete?
Concrete is a mix of ingredients including cement, water, aggregates, paste, and additives. It may also include mineral colors to make it darker, lighter, or give it a color.
How Do You Measure the Strength of Concrete?
Scientists can measure the strength of concrete using compression and flexural mechanical strength tests. On average, strength depends on the ratio of water to cement, and the quality of the materials used in the cement.
How Long Does Concrete Take to Cure?
It all depends on the depth of concrete poured, the temperature outside, and the type of cement used in the mix. But on average, it takes around 2-3 hours to set and then around 7 days to fully cure. After that, it will continue to gain strength for about 28 days.
Is Concrete Always Gray?
As we mentioned in the first FAQ, mineral colors can be added to concrete to give it a color. This means concrete can come in virtually any color, from red to brown to green and more.
Does Concrete Require Maintenance?
While concrete is pretty durable on its own, there are some things you can do to ensure that it stays in good shape: Avoid applying deicing chemicals during the winter. Don’t use harsh acids to remove stains. Clean your concrete regularly and apply a sealant to protect it from the elements.
Is Cracking Normal?
Because concrete isn’t flexible, it’s likely to crack during freeze/thaw conditions. This is perfectly normal and small cracks won’t compromise the concrete’s strength. These cracks can be addressed by placing “joints” in the area or by adding a fibrous product to it.
How Is Concrete Measured?
Concrete is measured by the cubic yard, meaning three feet by three feet by three feet (or 27 cubic feet). One cubic yard of concrete weighs around 4,000 pounds.
Is Concrete Recyclable?
Recycling actually occurs from beginning to end with concrete. Many wastes and industrial byproducts (like ash or furnace slag), can be added to concrete mixes, which reduces the reliance on raw materials. When the lifespan of concrete comes to an end, it can be recycled for a variety of different uses.