Concrete Fundamentals

Concrete is made up of two components: paste and aggregates. The paste hardens and strengthens via a chemical process known as hydrolysis to become the rock-like material recognized as concrete. In this step, the extraordinary property of concrete is revealed: while freshly mixed, it is pliable and malleable, but after hardening, it is solid and long-lasting.

Durability, strength, and cheap cost makes concrete a go-to material for jobs in construction and infrastructure projects across the globe, from homes and schools to hospitals and bridges. When emerging countries grow more urbanized, harsh weather occurrences need more durable construction materials, and the cost of other infrastructure materials keeps going up, the world’s most manufactured material will only get more in demand. Successful construction materials companies such as Kilgore companies are bound to make a telling difference.

Even for jobs in construction, many workers mistake using cement and concrete interchangeably from time to time. Concrete uses cement as one of its main ingredients. Concrete is a rock-like mass made of fine and coarse aggregates (water, sand, and gravel) mixed.

Benefits of Concrete

What are some of the benefits of using concrete? Concrete hardens at an ambient temperature. Or in other words, concrete hardens at room temperature making weather a small obstacle.

Concrete is poured in a liquid state, giving it the ability to be cast into your desired shape! Concrete is also extremely economical; the production cost is low and highly available compared to other materials such as steel and polymers.

Concrete is water-resistant and high-temperature resistant. Because concrete is water-resistant, it is a great material for building submerged applications, especially when compared to materials like wood and steel. On the other hand, the main binder in concrete, calcium silicate hydrate, can withstand up to 910 degrees Celsius or 1670 degrees Fahrenheit. Having this as a binding agent makes concrete extremely heat resistant.

Jobs in Construction

If you are interested in the creation, delivery, or pouring of concrete, visit KilgoreCompanies.com to learn more or see position availability.