Concrete is a mixture of portland cement (10-15%) and water (15-20%) make a paste. This paste is then mixed with aggregates (65-75%) such as sand and gravel, or crushed stone. As the cement and water mix, they harden and bind the aggregates into an impenetrable rock-like mass.
Concrete is a composite building material made by combining cement (usually Portland cement), water, coarse aggregates, and fine aggregates. From airport runways and bridges to patios and roadways, concrete is an essential component of residential and commercial construction across the world
Concrete is used to provide strength, durability, and versatility during the construction of a structure. These excellent properties have made concrete a reliable and long-lasting choice of construction companies for both commercial and domestic types of constructions.
Concrete is a complex material that consists of lime or cement (binding material) along with sand, gravel, stone, etc. (aggregates), admixtures, and water in definite proportions. Several properties of concrete are dependent on the proportions of mixing.
Usually, the compressive strength of concrete varies from 2500 psi (17 MPa) to 4000 psi (28 MPa) and higher in residential and commercial structures. Several applications also utilize strengths greater than 10,000 psi
The word concrete comes from the Latin word "concretus" (meaning compact or condensed), the perfect passive participle of "concrescere", from "con-" (together) and "crescere" (to grow).
Concrete is renowned for its high strength. The degree of strength can be adapted to meet the needs of a specific project by altering the water, cement and aggregate ratio. Remarkably, concrete strengthens year by year – this is due to the cement component's ability to form bonds with surrounding moisture particles
William Aspdin (23 September 1815 – 11 April 1864) was an English cement manufacturer, and a pioneer of the Portland cement industry. He is considered the inventor of "modern" Portland cement.
Portland cement, concrete's binding agent, has a pH of 11, making it alkaline. For cement to effectively hold the various components within it, it should have a pH of around 11
Modern concrete is due to the invention of Portland Cement in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin.
6500BC – UAE: The earliest recordings of concrete structures date back to 6500BC by the Nabataea traders in regions of Syria and Jordan. They created concrete floors, housing structures, and underground cisterns. 3000 BC – Egypt and China: Egyptians used mud mixed with straw to bind dried bricks
India entered into the Cement Era in 1914, when the Indian Cement Company Ltd. started manufacturing Cement in Porbundar in Gujarat. However, even before that a small cement factory was established in Madras in 1904 by a company named South India Industrial Ltd.
The water causes the hardening of concrete through a process called hydration. Hydration is a chemical reaction in which the major compounds in cement form chemical bonds with water molecules and become hydrates or hydration products.
Concrete has excellent compression strength but weak tensile strength. For coatings application concrete is considered a weak substrate compared to metallic substrates. Steel surfaces have high tensile strength are nonporous and uniform. The tensile strength of concrete is approximately 10% of its compressive strength.
One of the first forms of concrete used that still exists today can be found in the Pyramids at Giza, Egypt, which were built around 3,000 BC.
The recipe for Roman concrete was described around 30 B.C. by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, an engineer for Octavian, who became Emperor Augustus. The not-so-secret ingredient is volcanic ash, which Romans combined with lime to form mortar. They packed this mortar and rock chunks into wooden molds immersed in seawater.
The first concrete road in India was built in Chennai by the British in 1914. But even decades later, there are only a few stretches in the city that are laid with concrete
Curing is the process of maintaining satisfactory temperature and moisture conditions in concrete long enough for hydration to develop the desired concrete properties. The potential strength and durability of concrete will be fully developed only if concrete is properly cured.
Chemical attack, overloading and impact, carbonation, dry and wet cycling, and fire are major causes of concrete damages.
Most specifications for retail or commercial concrete slabs specify 4 to 6 inches of thickness
RCC stands for Reinforced Cement Concrete. This concrete is made of cement, coarse gravel and water and steel or iron bars helps in reforcing the materials mentioned before. The steel or bars get embedded in the concrete and it makes the construction super strong and durable.
Concrete age is the time since the moment water is added to the cement, and the age of concrete comprehensively reflects the physical properties of the concrete when curing under standard conditions
Concrete is one of most durable manmade materials, but even this old industry workhorse has its weaknesses. Exposure to harsh weather, reactions with common elements, and poor construction can all lead to concrete failure
The terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.
Workability of Concrete is a broad and subjective term describing how easily freshly mixed concrete can be mixed, placed, consolidated, and finished with minimal loss of homogeneity.
It is also recommended that the curing duration should not be less than 10 days for concrete exposed to dry and hot conditions and 14 days for concrete with mineral admixture.
Concrete is not actually toxic and is not toxic to plants. That said, concrete can potentially be harmful to some plants. The reason for this is because concrete contains lime which is highly alkaline. Many plants can't thrive in soil that has high alkalinity and instead need soil that is more acidic.
Despite being an incredibly durable material, concrete can be susceptible to damage, especially water damage. Concrete is porous and can absorb water, which can lead to cracking. This can allow water to travel further into a foundation which can lead to structural damage.
Definition: time-dependent deformation due to sustained load.- ACI Concrete Terminology. Creep is indicated when strain in a solid increases with time while the stress producing the strain is kept constant.
Bleeding described as the separation of water from a concrete mix due to gravitational settlement of the solid materials was recognized many years ago as a form of segregation, the excessive occurrence of which leads to laitance, green shrinkage, sand streaking, non-uniformity of strength, water gain voids under aggregate with consequent increased transverse permeability and cold weak joints between successive courses of placed concrete
Workability of Concrete is a broad and subjective term describing how easily freshly mixed concrete can be mixed, placed, consolidated, and finished with minimal loss of homogeneity.
Crushed concrete, also known as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), consists of debris, fragments, and chunks of broken waste concrete and crushed asphalt. Waste concrete is typically sourced from demolition sites, such as roads, parking lots, concrete blocks, structural elements, and other demolition projects.
Definition: a complete or incomplete separation of either concrete or masonry into two or more parts produced by breaking or fracturing.- ACI Concrete Terminology. Cracks are categorized as occurring either in plastic concrete or hardened concrete.
Artificial stone is called a building material that replaces the natural stone surfaces at external and internal walls. The artificial stones are produced with lightweight aggregates in order to have little weight compared to natural stones.
The storage of cement is recommended for 30 days, which may increase this period by up to 60 days depending on weather conditions [3], as the expiration date is 90 days according to NBR 16,697
It depends on the length, width & thickness of the slab. For calculating the actual quantity we have concrete calculator on our website homepage.
Concrete is divided into different grades according to their applications, for which we have concrete mix grade chart on our home page.
It's important to notice here that as the Grade of Concrete Mix increases , rate of concrete also raises accordingly. The price of RMC will be differ based on the Concrete Grade, cement type and the location.
For normal concrete, the weight of a cube of one cubic metre is between 2,000 and 2,600 kg.
you’ll be able to drive and park on a new concrete driveway seven days after placement. By that time, your concrete will have attained about 70% of its potential strength. Still, you’ll need to take some precautions until the concrete has reached full strength. Before driving or parking heavier vehicles on the driveway, like RVs and large trucks, you should wait at least 28 days. Also avoid driving near or across the edges of the driveway, since those areas are more vulnerable to damage.
In moderate temperatures where the concrete is less than 20C and air temperatures are less than 25C concrete can be used for up to 2 hours from batching. Good practice reduced this to 90 minutes.
If hardened concrete is left untreated on the skin, skin begins to blister, swell, and bleed, leading to first-, second-, and even third-degree burns following soon after. Severe cases of concrete skin irritation can lead to permanent scarring and even require skin grafts or amputations. Washing with soap and water as soon as contact occurs can prevent worsening skin issues and damage.
If concrete is swallowed, it can harden inside the body, which can lead to serious health complications. Concrete contains cement, sand, and gravel, and when mixed with water, it forms a paste that hardens over time. If ingested, it can harden in the digestive tract, potentially causing blockages, perforations, and other severe injuries. If someone swallows concrete or any other construction material, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Concrete can crack due to several reasons, including:
While some cracking is normal, proper design and care during construction can minimize it.
Concrete is not completely eco-friendly by default, as cement production (a major component of concrete) emits a lot of CO₂. However, it can become more sustainable when:
Generally, it is not advisable to pour slab in rain. However, if it cannot be avoided, then proper precautions must be set in place.
Admixtures such as accelerators and retarders are commonly used to control setting time. Accelerators speed up the setting process, while retarders slow it down. The choice of admixture depends on the specific requirements of the project and environmental conditions.
The lifespan of concrete is about 100 years if properly maintained.
AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks offer several advantages over traditional clay bricks:
1. Lightweight: AAC blocks are up to 3 times lighter than bricks, reducing dead load on the structure.
2. Better Insulation: They provide superior thermal and sound insulation.
3. Precision & Size: AAC blocks are uniform in size and shape, reducing plastering and mortar needs.
4. Faster Construction: Larger size and lighter weight enable quicker installation.
5. Eco-Friendly: Made from industrial waste like fly ash, they are more sustainable.
6. Fire & Pest Resistant: Highly fire-resistant and not prone to termite attacks.
Yes, you can store premixed concrete, but only for a limited time. The length of time it can be stored depends on the temperature and humidity of the storage area.
Yes, in India, the primary law regulating concrete is through the "Indian Standard Code of Practice for Plain and Reinforced Concrete" (IS 456), which outlines the specifications for concrete mix design, quality control, and usage in construction; essentially setting the standards for concrete production and application within the country.
The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, regulate the disposal of concrete and other construction and demolition (C&D) waste in India. These rules aim to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, encourage recycling, and promote sustainable construction practices.
Waste generators who generate more than 20 tons or more in one day or 300 tons per project in a month shall submit waste management plan and get appropriate approvals from the local authority before starting construction or demolition or remodelling work, segregate the waste such as concrete, and mortar keep the concerned authorities informed regarding the relevant activities from the planning stage to the implementation stage and this should be on project to project basis. Waste generators shall pay relevant charges for collection, transaction, processing and disposal as notified by the concerned authorities.
According to the Indian Standard Code (IS 456:2000), the minimum thickness for a ground floor concrete slab in a residential building is 125mm (5 inches), If you do not follow the Indian Standard Code (IS Code), which is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), you could face legal repercussions, including potential fines, product seizure, and even criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
According to the Indian Standard Code (IS 456:2000), the criteria for a concrete column includes: a minimum longitudinal reinforcement area of 0.8% of the gross column area, a maximum of 6% reinforcement area, a minimum bar diameter of 12mm, a minimum of four longitudinal bars in a rectangular column and six in a circular column, and a nominal cover of at least 40mm for longitudinal bars; with a recommended maximum reinforcement percentage usually kept at 4% in practice. If you do not follow the Indian Standard Code (IS Code), which is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), you could face legal repercussions, including potential fines, product seizure, and even criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the non-compliance, as the IS Codes are meant to ensure safety, quality, and reliability of products within the Indian market; neglecting them could lead to potentially dangerous or substandard goods being sold to consumers.
The Indian Standard Code (IS Code) is a set of guidelines and specifications for the design, construction, and maintenance of structures in India. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) develops and publishes these codes. If you do not follow the Indian Standard Code (IS Code), which is set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), you could face legal repercussions, including potential fines, product seizure, and even criminal prosecution depending on the severity of the non-compliance.
All foundations shall extend to a depth of at least 50 cm below the natural ground level. The minimum depth of footing on sandy soil is 0.8 - 1 m, for rocky soil, it is 0.05 - 0.5 m and for clayey soil, it is 0.9 - 1.6 m.
Concrete floors need to be sealed annually to protect it from damage and wear. Professional concrete floor technicians use high-quality sealers to protect floor against moisture, stains, and abrasions.
Cement is the most expensive ingredient of concrete.
Pumping Concrete is the process of transporting freshly mixed concrete to a specific location on a construction site using a specialized machine called a concrete pump, which pushes the concrete through a system of pipes or hoses to reach the desired area, allowing for efficient delivery in situations where access might be limited or difficult.
A concrete road can last for several decades, typically 20 to 30 years or more, depending on various factors such as the quality of the concrete mix, the thickness of the road, the subgrade conditions, the climate and weather conditions, and the amount and type of traffic that the road carries.
Concrete roads are durable, low maintenance, and can improve fuel efficiency. Concrete roads are also better suited for heavy traffic and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
"RMC" stands for Ready Mix Concrete, which is a pre-mixed concrete manufactured in a central batching plant and delivered to the construction site ready to use, while "Site Mix Concrete" refers to concrete mixed directly on-site using raw materials like cement, aggregates, and water
Concrete shrinks due to a loss of moisture, which can be caused by a number of factors, including temperature, humidity, and the concrete's composition.
10° to 30° C is the ideal temperature to pour concrete, if the temperature rises above 30° C precautions should be taken.
Pouring concrete in snowfall is generally not recommended as the freezing temperatures from the snow can significantly compromise the concrete's strength by causing the water within it to freeze and expand, leading to cracks and a weakened structure; if you must pour concrete in snowy conditions, take extreme precautions to warm the ground, use a special cold-weather concrete mix, and thoroughly protect the fresh concrete with insulation blankets until it sets properly.
Concrete on its own cannot generate electricity. But when special materials like piezoelectric crystals, carbon fibers, or conductive additives are mixed into it, the concrete becomes capable of responding to pressure or storing energy. This modified concrete can then help generate or transfer electricity — useful in smart roads, buildings, or sensors.
RMC is made in a controlled factory environment, so it gives better quality and consistent strength compared to site-mix concrete. It saves time, reduces labor, and helps keep the site cleaner and less noisy. Also, it minimizes material wastage and supports faster construction.
Concrete is not naturally chemical resistant. Chemicals like acids, sulfates, or industrial waste can damage it over time. However, by using special chemical-resistant coatings, sealers, or additives during mixing, concrete can be made more resistant for use in harsh environments like factories, labs, or sewage plants.
Concrete temperature affects setting time, strength, and durability. If it's too hot or too cold during mixing or curing, the final quality of concrete can be compromised.
High temperatures can cause concrete to set too quickly, leading to cracks, low strength, and poor finish.
In cold weather, concrete sets slowly or may even freeze, which weakens its structure and delays strength gain.
In recent years, the use of RMC (Ready-Mix Concrete) has grown rapidly, especially in urban and large infrastructure projects. As of now, RMC accounts for around 15–20% of total concrete used in India, while the rest is still done by traditional on-site mixing. However, with rising awareness and demand for quality and speed, RMC usage is expected to grow significantly.
While not legally mandatory, many urban development authorities recommend or require RMC use for large projects to ensure quality and reduce pollution, especially in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Yes. You need to submit structural design approvals to the local municipal authority or development body. Precast elements must follow IS codes and be approved by licensed structural engineers.
Important codes include:
Yes. Projects using concrete must follow Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, and pollution control norms by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Use of fly ash and GGBS is also promoted under green building guidelines.
While not directly a legal rule, IS 456:2000 mandates curing as essential for structural strength. Neglecting it can lead to liability issues under building codes and safety regulations.
Yes. Authorities may conduct random cube strength tests, slump tests, and other checks during inspection. Builders must keep records of test reports as proof of compliance.
Yes. Using substandard concrete can result in:
The thumb rule cost of concrete (RCC) in India typically ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹7,500 per cubic meter for standard grades like M20 or M25. This includes materials (cement, sand, aggregate), labor, and transportation. For Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), the cost may go higher—about ₹7,000 to ₹9,000 per cubic meter, depending on location, mix design, and supplier.
Concrete typically accounts for 20% to 30% of the total construction cost of a building. This includes expenses for raw materials (cement, sand, aggregate, water), labor, formwork, and machinery. The exact percentage can vary depending on the type of structure, design complexity, and whether Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) or site mix is used.
