Concrete and cement are two words often interchangeably used outside the industry. But are they one and the same? Technically, they are not. They have many differences, the main of which is that concrete is a composite material made from cement, additives and water. Atlas Equipments are a renowned manufacturer of concrete mixing plant, an essential equipment in the construction industry.
So if concrete is made of cement, what is cement made of. Cement is hydrated limestones and some kind of minerals powered together. Cement being powder absorbs a lot of water. It also behaves as a binder. Being a binder, it can bind itself easily with other materials.
Despite their essential differences, concrete and cement are linked in one indisputable way. For example, concrete wouldn’t be if cement wasn’t there. Concrete is made by mixing cement and aggregates with water. This is then used to create overlays over brick structures, fill gaps and glue masonry goods. Cement is the key ingredient of concrete. Together with moisture, it becomes a strong material. Once applied, if the concrete overlay can be kept moist by regularly spraying water, it will shrink little during weather changes and give room for fewer cracks. All in all, the concrete becomes stronger, and more durable.
Reinforced concrete is another type of concrete. This one consists of metal, mat or mesh. These materials offer extra support where stress is concerned. Reinforced concrete is used to create the foundation layer over which regular concrete is poured.
Cement in Construction
There are two categories of cements that are widely used in the construction industry. They are hydraulic and non-hydraulic. The former hardens when in contact with water or any kind of moisture. That’s why it is an excellent water resistant product. Portland Cement or OPC or Ordinary Portland cement comes under this category.
The non-hydraulic kind on the other hand does not fare well in wet environments. Although cheaper than the hydraulic variety, non-hydraulic cement takes a long time to dry and is a poor choice where most applications are concerned. Comparatively, hydraulic cement works better.
Concrete in Construction
In a concrete mixture, its aggregates that occupy 60 to 80%. The remaining 20 to 40% is cement and water. The use of aggregates vary from one application to another. Mostly, aggregates used in concrete are gravel, sand, crushed style, recycled cement and those kinds of materials. The pick of aggregates is based on the concrete application.
The properties of a concrete balance on the ratio of aggregates to cement to water. Like aggregates, the proportions of water and cement are equally important. More water can lead to a weaker product whereas more water will leave the concrete partially mixed.
Just as aggregates for every type of concrete is different, as are their sizes. Aggregates are best to use when they do not carry too much impurities. For instance, if the aggregates mixed in concrete has too much dust, it will suck up a lot more water than normal.
In concrete mixers, mixed aggregates are normally used with water and cement to whip up concretes. Concrete batching plants feature separate weighing mechanisms for weighing aggregates, water, and cement individually.
Atlas is leading India manufacturer, supplier and exporter of concrete plants in different capacities. Contact us to know more about our offerings.