If you’re wondering “How is concrete made?”, you’re not alone. Despite the fact that it is virtually everywhere, many people aren’t quite sure what goes into making this hugely dependable and versatile material. It plays a pivotal role in the construction of everything from houses to office blocks, airports and bridges, with a phenomenal 30 billion tonnes of it used each year. Read on to find out more about concrete and the manufacturing process.
It includes several ingredients such as cement and water. These go through a blending process with aggregates like sand, small rocks and gravel. These come together to create a paste for creating structures all around the world. Despite what many people think, cement and concrete are not the same thing. Cement is actually an ingredient.
The production process can take place on the same site that it’s used on. However, individuals can also manufacture it at batch plants before going to these sites. It can be produced at dry mix and wet mix sites.
The process of manufacturing it can vary depending on what it will be used for, and the proportions can differ. In the vast majority of building projects, it includes approximately 10-15% cement, 15-20% water and 65-75% aggregates. The paste, which consists of cement and water, coats the aggregates before hydration causes the concrete to solidify and strengthen. Steps also need to be taken to ensure that it has no air bubbles. Bubbles in the mix can compromise its structural integrity, making it unfit for purpose. The mixture then requires curing.
Once it starts to get harder, the level of moisture determines its strength. It then shrinks as it solidifies. If it is unable to contract, stress cracks can develop. These can compromise the tensile strength of it, which is why those producing the material need to take great care during the manufacturing process. It is vital to put strict controls in place. If you ever make your own, you may need to adjust moisture levels over a couple of days during the solidifying process.
Wet mix includes water, sand, aggregate and cement. The ready mix is normally stored on trucks and pumped to the site directly, with compressed air forcing the mixture onto the surface. Wet mix is popular for large-scale projects. Dry mix concrete has all these ingredients bar the water, which you can add later. These two kinds of concrete have different storage periods. As wet mix concrete already has water in it, it normally needs to be used within 24 hours. Dry mix is more flexible and you can store it for longer before use. During the application process, you can lay the dry mix via a hose. You should then add water to it immediately.
From time to time, the strength of concrete may need further enhancement. Reinforced concrete is often necessary for projects where the material may need to withstand tougher forces than normal. There tends to be considerable demand for reinforced concrete in environments where there’s a risk of earthquakes and extreme weather. This kind of concrete first came to prominence in the mid-19th century, with iron reinforcing it. Ingredients which can reinforce concrete include polypropylene fibres. This can make concrete more resistant to frost and corrosion. Steel fibre reinforced concrete is another popular option that can offer better resistance to damage from heavy collisions.
There are many manufacturers on the market, but not all of these are equal. If you are seeking a reputable manufacturer, it’s important to look for one that follows all the right processes for making this material. Ask as many questions as you feel you need to and look online for reviews to get a deeper insight into what to expect from the supplier. You shouldn’t find it too difficult to find a concrete supplier who offers the ideal blend of quality and value.
Now you know the answer to the question “How is concrete made?”, you may be wondering who can help when you need access to this material. At Doncaster Quickmix, we are always here for you whenever you’re looking for concrete in Doncaster. We are proud to be one of the most reputable and reliable suppliers of concrete in South Yorkshire. Our customer network consists of a wide range of commercial and domestic customers. We have access to our very own fully automated batching plant and can even get your concrete to you on the same day you order it in many cases.
Our experts can provide you with all the advice you need on getting the right concrete for your requirements. You can also use the convenient calculator on our website if you do need help with getting your order right. Our customer network consists of various well-known clients. These include local authorities, general contractors, highway agencies and the general public. Our clients choose us for a wide range of reasons, such as the way our affordable concrete meets BS 8500 standards. No matter what you need it for, you can always relax in the knowledge that our product is tough and dependable enough to ensure your project is a successful one.
If you’re still not sure how is concrete made, or you’re ready to place an order for concrete in Doncaster, get in touch in touch today. You can reach us by giving us a call on 01302 972997 (Doncaster) or 01709 807977 (Rotherham). Alternatively, you can complete the form on our website.
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