Why is Concrete so Important?

We can look around almost anywhere in Miami and find concrete beneath our feet. As we walk down the streets, enter our homes, and drive down the freeway here in South Florida, all of these things are brought to us by concrete.

Concrete is essential because of these various construction applications that ultimately impact the quality of our lives. However, there is more to concrete than simply the things it can build. The rise of infrastructure and building development helps to create more jobs. 

All over the state of Florida, residents and visitors live in high-rise condominiums and other residential spaces produced by concrete benefits. As a unique building material, it won’t rot or burn like wood. Concrete additionally will not rust. When used in construction, we know that a concrete structure will likely remain a staple for a significant amount of time.

Concrete Strength from Synergy

One of the reasons concrete has long remained so popular as a building material is due to the incredible compressive strength it can produce. We can trace this back to proper curing methods and synergistic roles played by the components making up the concrete aggregate material.

Concrete is a composite building material made of cement, water, and other aggregates. Each material contributes to function within the structure.  Modern concrete may also contain sand and gravel as well.

A common misconception involving concrete in Miami is that the material dries and becomes hard. In truth, cement reacts with water and hydrates. Constructors can then place concrete underwater and in other wet conditions as the concrete maintains its solid-state.

Builders must remain careful to keep concrete components balanced and in check. Too much water in concrete can weaken the material. Alternatively, too little water in concrete can make a mix more difficult to pour. By balancing components, builders can balance strength and workability.

Cement

One of the most common concrete components is Portland Cement. Manufacturers can produce this cement through an energy-extensive process called kilning. 

Kilning enables raw materials like clay and calcium to reduce, mix, and calcify at high temperatures. The final product of this reaction is what we know as Portland Cement.

The main function of cement in concrete in Miami is to act as a binding paste with components. Cement bonds large aggregates and sand to produce a durable matrix that can last a lifetime.

Aggregates

Aggregates are granules of rock particles such as gravel, crushed stone, sand, and furnace slag which manufacturers grade according to particle size. Concrete aggregates increase volume and add strength while preparing the concrete for its final use. Some common aggregate applications additionally include unique characteristics like insulation, rigidity, etc.

In the South Florida area, we will commonly find crushed limestone in cement over any other aggregate material. This is plentiful aggregate found all around our community.

Aggregate materials comprise over 50% of the total concrete composition. Manufactures will pack limestone and other aggregates with minimal voids that help minimize the number of cement required to bind the mixture together.