MEPCO SCHLENK ENGINEERING COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS)

MEPCO SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

(Approved by COA, New Delhi, Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)

22AR581
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION – CONCRETE STEEL AND GLASS

UNIT – I
Introduction to Cement and concrete

COURSE CO-ORDINATOR
Ar.G. Ram Kumar

COURSE INSTRUCTOR
Ar. Bhuvaneshwari
Cement as a building material
A cement is a binder, a chemical substance used for construction that sets, hardens, and adheres
to other materials to bind them together.
Cement is seldom used on its own, but rather to bind sand and gravel (aggregate) together.
Cement mixed with fine aggregate produces mortar for masonry, or with sand and gravel,
produces concrete.
 Cement as a building material

Raw cement Mortar / Mortar mix ratio

 Applications of Cement in Building Industry
1.It is used in mortar for plastering, masonry work,
pointing, etc.
2.It is used for making joints for drains and pipes.
3.It is used for the water-tightness of the structure.
4.It is used in concrete for laying floors, and roofs
and constructing lintels, beams, stairs, pillars, etc.
5.It is used for precast pipes manufacturing, piles,
fencing posts, etc.
6.It is used to construct important engineering
structures such as bridges, culverts, dams, tunnels,
lighthouses, etc.
7.It is used in the preparation of foundations,
watertight floors, footpaths, etc.
8.It is employed to construct wells, water tanks,
tennis courts, lamp posts, telephone cabins, roads,
etc.,
Types of Cement
1. Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) 1. Sulphate Resisting Cement
2. Blast Furnace Cement
2. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC) 3. High Alumina Cement
4. White Cement
3. Rapid Hardening Cement
5. Colored Cement
4. Quick Setting Cement 6. Air Entraining Cement
7. Expansive Cement
5. Low Heat Cement
8. Hydrophobic Cement
Concrete
What is concrete?
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates (like sand and gravel) that hardens over
time to create a solid, strong substance. It's used in all sorts of construction projects because it's
affordable, durable, and can be moulded into nearly any shape. It is a building material made by
mixing cement, aggregates, and water in precise proportions.
Composition of Concrete
•Concrete is composed of three main ingredients - cement, aggregates, and water. Cement
is the binding agent that holds the concrete together, while aggregates, such as sand and
gravel, provide strength and bulk.
•The water is used to hydrate the cement and activate the chemical process that hardens
the concrete. This is why the ratio of cement to water is an essential factor in determining
the strength and durability of the concrete.
•The ideal water cement ratio needs to first be calculated because, higher water-to-
cement ratio can result in weaker, less durable concrete that is more prone to cracking
and erosion. In addition to the three main ingredients, concrete may also contain additives
such as admixtures, which can enhance certain properties such as workability, strength,
and durability. These additives can include fly ash, silica fume, and plasticizers, among
others.
Types of Concrete
Reinforced Concrete:
This type of concrete is reinforced with steel bars or mesh to increase its tensile strength and
durability. It is commonly used in the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges, and other
structures that require extra strength and stability.

Lightweight Concrete:
As the name suggests, this type of concrete is lighter in weight than normal concrete, making it
ideal for construction projects where weight is a concern. It is commonly used in the construction of
precast concrete elements, such as wall panels, roof slabs, and paving blocks.
Types of Concrete
High-Strength Concrete:
This type of concrete has a compressive strength of over 40 MPa and is used in the construction
of structures that require extra strength, such as tall buildings, bridges, and dams.
High-Performance Concrete:
This is a specialized type of concrete that has enhanced properties, such as high durability,
increased strength, and resistance to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions. It is
commonly used in the construction of nuclear power plants, offshore structures, and other high-
tech projects.
Precast Concrete:
This type of concrete is manufactured off-site and then transported to the construction site. It is
commonly used in the construction of precast concrete elements, such as wall panels, columns,
beams, and staircases. Precast concrete offers several advantages over traditional cast-in-place
concrete, including reduced construction time and increased quality control.
 Properties of Concrete
Concrete possesses several properties that make it an ideal building material for a wide range of applications.
Here are some of the most important properties of concrete :
Workability:
This refers to the ease with which the concrete can be mixed, transported, and placed into its final position. A
high degree of workability is essential for achieving the desired shape and finish of the concrete.
Strength:
Concrete is known for its strength and can withstand heavy loads and stresses. The compressive strength of
concrete can vary widely depending on its composition and curing time.
Durability :
Concrete is highly durable and can withstand exposure to elements, including water, wind, and extreme
temperatures. Proper curing and maintenance can extend the lifespan of concrete structures.
Creep: This refers to the gradual deformation of concrete under sustained loads over time. Creep can result in
structural damage if not accounted for during the design and construction process.
 Mortar Concrete

Made of cement, sand, Made of cement, sand,

Composition
and water gravel, and water

It is less strong It is more strong and

Strength
compared to concrete durable

Accommodates
Hardens and sets into a
Flexibility variations in brick/stone
stone-like material
size

Primarily for Used widely in building

Use bricks/stones bonding, construction, roads,
plaster base bridges

Easy to spread, ideal for Ideal for casting into

Workability
filling gaps various shapes
Resistant to adverse
Offers protection against
Weather Resistance weather conditions,
weather
corrosion and fire
Varies depending on Requires minimal
Maintenance
quality and type maintenance
 Benefits of Concrete
High strength:
Concrete has exceptional compressive strength, making it ideal for load-bearing structures.
Durability:
Concrete is resistant to wear, corrosion, weather, and fire, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Versatility:
It can be cast into different shapes and designs, giving it a flexible use in construction.
Low maintenance:
Concrete requires minimal maintenance, saving time, effort, and money in the long run.
Properties of Concrete
Shrinkage:
Concrete can shrink as it dries, which can result in cracking and other damage. Proper
reinforcement and curing can help minimize the effects of shrinkage.
Unit weight :
The unit weight of concrete refers to its density and can vary depending on its composition and
strength. A higher unit weight can result in stronger, more durable concrete.
Modular ratio :
This refers to the relationship between the elastic moduli of concrete and the steel reinforcement
used to reinforce it. A higher modular ratio can result in stronger, more durable structures.
Poisson's ratio :
This is a measure of the ratio of lateral strain to axial strain when a material is stretched or
compressed. Poisson's ratio can affect the overall strength and stability of concrete structures.
Application and Uses of Concrete:
Driveways and patios :
Concrete is an ideal material for driveways and patios due to its durability, low maintenance, and
versatility. Concrete can be stamped or coloured to match the aesthetics of the surrounding area,
making it an attractive option for homeowners. Additionally, concrete can withstand heavy loads
and is resistant to cracking, making it a long-lasting and reliable choice.
Sidewalks:
Concrete is a popular choice for sidewalks due to its strength, affordability, and ease of installation.
Concrete sidewalks can withstand heavy foot traffic and can be easily repaired if damaged. They
are also low maintenance and resistant to weathering and erosion.
Parking :
Concrete is a common material used for parking lots due to its strength and durability. Parking lots
made of concrete can withstand heavy traffic and can last for many years with proper maintenance.
Additionally, concrete is slip-resistant and can be painted with visible markings for safety.
Application and Uses of Concrete:
Streets :
Concrete is a preferred material for street paving due to its durability, skid-resistance, and ability to
withstand heavy loads. Concrete streets are low-maintenance and can last for many years with
proper care. They are also resistant to oil and gas spills, making them an ideal choice for high-
traffic areas.
Application and Uses of Concrete:
Footings/Foundation :
Concrete is commonly used for building foundations and footings due to its strength, durability, and
ability to resist water. Concrete foundations can support the weight of a building and protect it from
moisture and water damage. Additionally, concrete can be reinforced with steel bars to further
increase its strength and durability.
Mid-Rise and High-Rise Buildings :
Concrete is an ideal material for constructing mid-rise and high-rise buildings due to its strength,
durability, and ability to resist natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes. Reinforced
concrete structures can withstand high winds and seismic forces, making them a reliable choice for
tall buildings. Additionally, concrete buildings can be designed to be energy-efficient and can have a
long lifespan with proper maintenance.