Concrete Construction

More concrete is used than any other man-made material in the world. As of 2006, about seven billion cubic meters of concrete are made each year – more than one cubic meter for every person on Earth. Concrete is one of the most important construction materials. It is comparatively economical, easy to make, offers continuity and solidity, and will bond with other materials. The keys to good quality concrete are the raw materials required to make it and the mix design specified in the project specifications. The final strength and appearance of concrete depends on the quality control and placement of the concrete. Proper placement methods must be used to prevent segregation of the concrete. This chapter covers the characteristics of concrete, its ingredients, its mix designs, and how to mix it, as well as the forming, placement, finishing, and curing of concrete. It also covers the placement of reinforcing steel and the types of ties required to ensure that the reinforcing doesn’t move once positioned. Concrete construction joints and the concrete saw are also covered.