Properties of Concrete

Concrete is the mixture of water, cement, and aggregate in a suitable proportion. It possesses very high compressive strength. Concrete is combined with reinforcement to make it suitable for structural works.

In this article, we will discuss the following properties of concrete.

  1. Workability of Concrete
  2. Segregation of concrete
  3. Bleeding in Concrete
  4. Compressive Strength of Concrete
  5. Tensile strength of concrete
  6. Modulus of elasticity
  7. Poisson ratio:
  8. Shrinkage of concrete
  9. Creep in concrete

1. Workability of Concrete

Workability of Concrete indicates how easy freshly mixed concrete can be mixed, placed, consolidated, and finished with minimal loss of homogeneity. The slump test is the most popular test to check the workability of concrete.

2. Segregation of concrete

The separation of coarse aggregate from concrete is known as segregation. Concrete lost its strength due to segregation. Segregation leads to honeycomb in the concrete.

3. Bleeding in Concrete

In this process, the water separates from the freshly mixed concrete. High-quality concrete should not show bleeding. It makes concrete weaker.

4. Compressive Strength of Concrete

The compressive strength of concrete is very high which makes concrete a very durable material.

5. Tensile strength of concrete

The tensile strength of concrete is very low. Tensile strength of concrete at least 1/10th of compressive strength of concrete.

6. Modulus of elasticity

Modulus of elasticity is the ratio of Stress and Strain.

As per American Concrete Institute, 318-14 section 19.2.2, the modulus of elasticity of concrete is determined as follows:

For concrete, the unit weight(WC) varies from 1440 to 2560 Kg per cubic meter.

equation 1

For normal-weight concrete :

Equation 2

7. Poisson ratio

It is the ratio of Lateral strain & longitudinal strain. The Poisson’s ratio of concrete is ranging 0.1 to 0.2. It is represented by the Greek letter ‘nu’,ν. It does not have any units.

Poisson’s ratio = – Lateral strain / Longitudinal strain

8. Shrinkage of concrete:

When concrete dry it shrinks and this property of concrete is known as Shrinkage of concrete. Shrinkage of concrete may lead to surface cracks.

9. Creep in concrete

Plastic deformation under constant load or stress is called creep in concrete.

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