DESIRABLE PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE FOR PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION

Properties of concrete for rigid pavement

Properties of Concrete in Plastic State 1. Essential Qualities The quality of the hardened concrete is largely dependent on the quality of the plastic concrete. The curing process also contributes to attainment of the specified design criteria. Because the consistency of the mix may vary, careful adherence to design criteria is extremely important. When the … Read more

COMPACTION OF CONCRETE – PURPOSE, PROCESS & EFFECT

Fig-1 The Process of Concrete Compaction

What is Compaction of Concrete? Compaction of concrete is one of the important site operations that together enable the fresh concrete to reach its potential design strength, density and low permeability. Properly carried out it ensures that concrete fully surrounds and protects the reinforcement, tendons and cast-in inserts. It also has a direct impact on … Read more

WHY STEEL IS USED IN CONCRETE?

Why steel is used in concrete

Role of Steel in Concrete Reinforced concrete is a material that combines concrete and some form of reinforcement into a composite whole. Whilst steel bars, wires and mesh are by far the most widely used forms of reinforcement, other materials are used in special applications, e.g. carbon-filament reinforcement and steel fibres. Concrete has a high … Read more

TIPS TO CURE CONCRETE IN COLD WEATHER

How to Cure Concrete in Cold Weather? Curing concrete becomes a more challenging job in colder days. Heavy snowfall and excessive humidity in the air are a few typical sights of the winter season which prevent concrete slabs from hardening properly in time. When temperature goes below 0 degree Celsius or minus 7 degree Celsius, … Read more

CORROSION OF CONCRETE REINFORCEMENT – CAUSES & REMEDIES

factors influencing corrosion of reinforcement in concrete structure

Corrosion of Concrete Reinforcement Corrosion is a chemical process of destruction of material because of its reaction with the environmental conditions. The most predominant among various factors of corrosion is the atmospheric corrosion which causes the rusting of steel. Appreciable corrosion only starts when the relative humidity of the air exceeds around 65%. In dry, … Read more

10 PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN DURING PLACING OF CONCRETE

concrete placing precautions

Concrete Placing Precautions The concrete, as it comes out of the mixer or as it is ready for use on the platform, is to be transported and placed on the formwork. Following precautions should be taken during placing of concrete. The formwork or the surface which is to receive the fresh concrete should be properly … Read more

10 METHODS TO PREVENT PLASTIC SHRINKAGE CRACKING OF CONCRETE

Plastic Shrinkage Cracking of Concrete

Plastic shrinkage cracking (as shown below) is caused by rapid drying of the concrete surface. They can occur at any time of the year, from cooler low-humidity weather conditions to, in particular, hot weather conditions involving any one or a combination of high temperature, low humidity and wind. These types of cracks occur while the … Read more

FLEXURAL STRENGTH TEST OF CONCRETE (IS:516-2021)

Flexural Strength Test Arrangement

Objective To determine the Flexural Strength of Concrete, which comes into play when a road slab with inadequate sub-grade support is subjected to wheel loads and / or there are volume changes due to temperature / shrinking.  Reference Standards IS: 516 (Part 1/Sec 1) : 2021 – Hardened Concrete – Methods of Test Part 1: Testing … Read more