Components of a Quality Concrete
Concrete consists of the following main components:
- Cement
- Aggregate and Sand
- Water
- Admixtures
- Fibers.
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is made from a combination of chalk, clay and sand heated to 1450°C. The cement is then formed and blended into a powder mixed with small quantities of gypsm added. Volcanic ash - generally fly ash a by product from coal and slag is also added to cement to increase its chemical resistance. Fly ash and slag ash contain large deposits of silicon dioxide and calcium oxide. Blends of fly ash are generally classified as CEM II cements and blends of slag ash classified as CEM III. Fly ash and slag are by products of other industries and blending these in cements adds to the environmental benefits of cements and concretes. Approximately 43% of the recycled fly ash is used in OPC production.
Generally 5 – 20mm quarry or stone is used in concrete along with coarse sand which is typically up to a maximum of 5mm.
Water and admixtures are also added. It is vital that water is tightly controlled in order to achieve the correct mix and strength. Admixtures are used to improve strength, durability and workability of concretes depending on the application.
Fibers are often added to concretes to increase strength and structural integrity. Fibers are short and uniformly distributed in a random orientation.
For more information on FP McCann concrete products containing fibers please contact your local office.