Concrete
Concrete is a cementitious material used in construction and is an aggregate that is bonded together by Portland cement and water. Concrete is amorphous by nature and can be molded into a variety of shapes thanks to its plasticity. It is a chemically inert particulate substance composed of water, cement, and aggregate (sand, crushed stone, ashes, burned clay, etc.)
Durable
Fire-resistant
Amplifies sound
Amorphous
Production & Maintenance
Concrete production consists of mixing a paste made of portland cement and water, along with aggregate to make the concrete. The aggregate, or rocks, comprise between 60-75% of the total volume of the paste. The process is time-sensitive; therefore, once the ingredients are mixed, the concrete must be put in place before it hardens. This process typically takes place in a large industrial facility called a concrete plant.
To extend the life and beauty of concrete, it should be cleaned at least once per year to remove dirt and grime build-up. Cracks in concrete should be repaired as soon as they occur in order to maintain a structurally sound surface and minimize water intrusion. The joints in concrete should be sealed to minimize water intrusion and eliminate dirt collecting in the joints. Lastly, a concrete surface should be sealed in order to repel water, dustproof the surface, and provide resistance to abrasion.
Environmental Impacts & Sustainability
Concrete is a very durable material and can be recycled as aggregate, but it also has a lot of negative environmental impacts. Being a material that creates the majority of the world's infrastructure, concrete releases an extreme amount of CO2 each year.
A lot of water is used to clean concrete aggregate, and with concrete being the highest consumed product on earth aside from water, it can become an environmental issue. Cement in concrete also has no viable recycling potential.
Concrete has a long life cycle and a low life cycle cost. Concrete consumes minimum materials, energy, and other resources for actual construction, and requires little to no maintenance throughout its life-cycle. It also does not have an effect on indoor air quality.
Concrete does not rust, rot, or burn, making this material highly less susceptible to damage or natural wear and tear.
