Advantages & disadvantages of cement concrete

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF CEMENT CONCRETE

Advantages

1. High Compressive Strength

Concrete has a high compressive strength. Its strength equals that of a hard material such as stone when properly prepared.

2. Flexibility of Strength

Proportions of concrete mix can be suitably varied to obtain the concrete of required strength.

3. Corrosive and Weathering Effects

Concrete has no corrosive and weathering effects.

4. Durability

Concrete is durable. It requires very little maintenance. It does not lose its strength with age. 

5. Easy Handling and Moulding Freshly prepared concrete is plastic. Therefore, it can be easily handled and moulded into any shape or size according to the requirements.

6. Water-Proof:

Concrete is water-repellant. Hence, it is water-proof.

7. Ease of Construction

Concrete affords quickness and ease of construction.

8. Light Weight Application

For this, Light Weight Concrete can be used.

9. Fire Resistant: Concrete is fire resistant.

Disadvantages

1. Low Tensile Strength

Concrete has low tensile strength. Hence, it cracks easily. Concrete is to be reinforced with steel bars or steel meshes.

2. Cracks due to Drying-Shrinkage

Cracks may be caused due to drying-shrinkage and moisture movement in fresh concrete. Provision for contraction of joints has to be made to avoid development of cracks.

3. Cracks due to Thermal Movement

Concrete expands and contracts with changes in temperature. Hence, cracks may be formed.

4. Disintegration

Concrete is liable to disintegrate by alkali and sulphate attacks.

5. Poor Ductility

Concrete is poor in ductility. This is disadvantageous to earthquake resistance design.