Concrete and Cements

About Concrete and Cement

Cement and concrete are some of the most important construction equipment & supplies available on the market. After all, their use is integral for many projects. Cement is a mixture of many ingredients, including silica, limestone, magnesia, alumina, alkaline, calcium sulfate, iron oxide, and sulfur trioxide. Cement is primarily used as an ingredient for making concrete — a mixture of cement and other aggregates and pastes. Concrete is what is actually used to adhere building materials together. Besides being integral to sizable construction projects, these products are also adaptable for tiling applications, working alongside grouts and surface treatments. While cement is useful for finishing the exteriors of homes and buildings, plasters are a better fit for interior finishes.

Advantages of Concrete and Cement

The principal strength of using cement and concrete is their unmatched capacity to secure building materials in position, outperforming all other adhesive agents. Additionally, they are the exclusive choice for projects involving dense materials such as stone, brick, or masonry. Unlike other adhesives and sealants concrete and cement are chiefly suggested for indoor applications and are well-equipped to manage large or hefty construction elements.

Product Varieties

These products come in many forms for different purposes. Here are some of the most widely used varieties.

Ready Mix Concrete

For those looking to save time during their construction projects, rapid set concrete is the ideal solution. It hardens considerably faster than other varieties, which is particularly advantageous when quick turnaround is necessary. This can include projects with tight deadlines or when the weather conditions predict limited working hours. Its fast curing time means formwork can be removed sooner, and the area can be put into service quickly, increasing productivity and efficiency on the job site.

Rapid Set Concrete

For those looking to save time during their construction projects, rapid set concrete is the ideal solution. It hardens considerably faster than other varieties, allowing for greater efficiency and speed.

Post Set Concrete

This blend is expertly crafted to aid in setting posts and poles firmly into the earth, offering a steadfast and robust base. The distinctive composition and texture of this mix are designed to achieve a solid hold within the soil, minimising the chances of movement or tilting as time passes. Perfect for erecting fences and signs, this particular concrete formulation delivers dependable strength for essential foundational stability where it counts.

Hydraulic Cement

Hydraulic cement is engineered to combat water penetration, making it an excellent choice for masonry projects exposed to damp conditions or prone to water intrusion. Its fast-setting properties help seal areas swiftly, preventing water damage and maintaining the integrity of the structure even in challenging environments.

Materials Used

All the distinct varieties of these products have their own formula with a range of different ingredients involved. Here are some of the primary distinctions.

Portland Cement

Portland Cement, the most widely used type of cement, is a key ingredient in both concrete and mortar. Predominantly composed of limestone, it serves as the foundational binder in these mixes, ensuring strength and durability for a variety of construction applications.

White Cement

This option is perfect for projects aiming for a bright, colourful result. The white colour of the cement mix is much more amicable to dyes and paints than its more traditional grey counterpart.

Cement With Sand

Ideal for small-scale repair work on bricks, stones, pillars, and other masonry components, the mixture commonly referred to as mortar mix plays a crucial role. Its versatility extends to forming various types of concrete when combined with an aggregate like gravel, ensuring a durable bond and maintaining the structural integrity of buildings and surfaces.

How It's Used

If you're not using pre-mixed concrete, the initial step involves combining cement with other materials at the job site to prepare the concrete for use. The subsequent actions vary based on the construction activity being undertaken. When it comes to bricklaying, the mixture is applied between the bricks using a trowel and then pressed to bond the bricks together. In contrast, more extensive projects, such as paving a driveway, require the area to be excavated and prepped before the concrete is poured. After pouring, the mixture simply needs sufficient time to set and harden.

Factors to Consider

When selecting which concrete or cement varieties are right for a specific project, there are a few factors to keep in mind.

Convenience:

If the construction team is equipped to mix concrete at the job site, having ready mix concrete delivered is a beneficial option but not essential, as they can produce the necessary concrete as needed. However, if the team lacks on-site mixing capabilities, procuring ready mix concrete becomes a crucial component of the construction process to ensure the availability and quality of concrete required for the project.

Aesthetics:

For projects where the aesthetic design includes unique coloration in the concrete work, opting for white cement is advantageous. White cement's lower pigment levels allow for cleaner and brighter colour mixes, resulting in more vibrant and true-to-tone hues in the finished concrete when dyes are added, as compared to using regular Portland cement, which has its own greyish hue that can alter and dull the intended colours.

Care and Maintenance

The two main things that must be done to keep concrete surfaces in good condition are to protect them from moisture and grime. The first can be accomplished by the use of a sealant applied to the finished product. This can help form a barrier to guard against water damage and stains. The second task is taken care of easily enough with regular cleanings. This can be done with a mixture of water and vinegar or with a pressure washing device.