Cement concrete types according to the purpose

ACCORDING TO THE PURPOSE

1. Light Weight Concrete

It is prepared by using light weight aggregates of loose porosity, namely, crushed light weight stones and fly ash. Its weight and cost are about 40% of plain concrete.

Uses: Due to reduced weight, it is easy to remove, transport and erect pre-cast products. Light Weight Concrete is used for making Pre-cast structures for partitions and wall-lining.

2. Pre-Cast Concrete

The pre-cast concrete structure is manufactured in factory and transported to the site.

Advantages

1. Pre-cast concrete structures can be dismantled when required and can be assembled and used elsewhere.

2. Pre-cast structures may be moulded to the desired shape and size with accurate finish.

3. Moulds used are accurate and more durable and can be used several times.

4. Concrete produced is of superior quality due to better control of production in factory.

5. The work can be completed in short time.

Use: The pre-cast products are: Simple structures such as pipes, fencing posts, slabs, etc., and also Complicated artificial concrete blocks.

3. White and Coloured Concrete

The concrete in which white cement is used as a binding material is called White Concrete. In coloured concrete, coloured cement is used as binding material with coloured aggregates.

Uses: These are used for ornamental finishes in buildings, underground pedestrian crossings, etc.

4. No-Fines Concrete

It consists of cement, coarse aggregate and water with no fine aggregate (sand). Properties: On drying, shrinkage is low, compared to ordinary concrete. Due to the presence of large voids, its insulating characteristics are better than ordinary concrete.

Use: Used for cast-in-situ external load bearing walls of single and multi-storey buildings.

5. Fiber-Reinforced Concrete

P.C.C., due to its low tensile strength and impact resistance, is brittle. Addition of small diameter, short length and randomly distributed fibers can improve the above property. These fibers are produced from steel, glass and organic polymers. Uses:

(i) Steel-fiber reinforced concrete is used for construction of pavements, bridge decks, tunnels lining, pressure vessels, etc.

(ii) Glass-fiber reinforced concrete finds use in roofing elements, tanks, swimming pools, sewer linings, etc.

6. Polymer Cement Concrete

It is produced by incorporating an emulsion of a polymer in the ordinary cement. It has improved strength, abrasion resistance, impact resistance and increased impermeability.

Uses: It is used in Roads, Marine structures, Pre-cast slabs for bridge decks, etc.