Function of Concrete in Civil Engineering

Concrete is most common and widely used man made building materials in the whole world. The distinctive characteristics like strength, durability, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, sustainability are the explanations for wide selection usage of concrete within the field of engineering.

In this article, we discuss about function of concrete in civil engineering.

Read more; Steps Involved in Concrete Construction

concrete

Function of Concrete

The major uses of concrete are,

Concrete Dams

The characteristics of concrete like high strength and unit weight make it a more suitable material for the erection concrete dams. Dams are construct to collect the water and produce electricity. The loads imposed on the dam due to water pressure are very intense which makes concrete as a suitable material for dam erecting.

concrete dams

Residential Buildings

To build small buildings, villas and even high-rise buildings are done using concrete with traditional or modern form-work as a way of construction of the skeleton from foundations to the slabs and of course columns and beams.

residential buildings

Commercial Buildings

The use of concrete in commercial buildings makes it safer than using most other construction materials. It is mostly more economic than steel buildings and requires less maintenance. It is easy to control the heat transfer from inside to outside and vice versa which reduces the energy consumed.

commercial buildings

Roads or Driveways

Concrete streets, pavements, and driveways are more durable and stronger than asphalt roadways. The long-lasting service time and the less maintenance required for concrete roads make it the first choice of material for the construction of roads and driveways.

roads or driveways

Marine Construction

Concrete has had extensive use as a construction material for seawalls, jetties, groins, breakwaters, bulkheads, and other structures exposed to seawater. The performance record has generally been good.

Culverts and Sewers

Sewers and underground construction works need strong and durable building materials and concrete is the ideal one. Culverts, piers, foundation, abutments are constructed using special concrete mix.

Concrete Foundations

The foundation even high-rise or low-rise buildings is mostly construct by reinforced cement concrete, as it is durable and has a huge load bearing capacity.

Fences

The development in the precast concrete industry has improved the industry of concrete fences. It is faster to produce and install the fence elements using precast than the traditional erection method of concrete fence construction. Moreover, it is reduce time, labor, cost and give to good appearance.

Concrete Bridges

Reinforced concrete strength, durability, ductility, weather resistance, fire resistance, and long-lasting life cycle makes the concrete the best solution for constructing the bridges. Pre-stressed concrete, precast concrete, self compacted concrete and different types of concrete that may apply in bridges construction.

Other Uses

As the concrete is a crucial a part of a building, it's prioritized over wood as a construction material.

Concrete once cast and cured doesn't require any maintenance and may delay against any weather.

Concrete may be anon-combustible or decaying material that creates it inert material that doesn’t burn, mildew or feed rot.

Its superior structural integrity provides another degree of protection from the severe weather also as an earthquake.

Concrete is produced from locally available materials and leaves alittle environmental footprint while still providing high-level durability.

Concrete are often shaped in various forms when freshly mixed. A concrete floor are oftenstamped to make a beautiful surface.

It can admit natural light during the day and transmit artificial light after work.

It may be a durable and cost-effective material which is a necessity for underground use.