How functionality of concrete is affected with various factors

Each and every method and materials associated with concrete mixing, influence the functionality of concrete.

The functionality of concrete is computed on the basis of some factors like easy mixing process, smooth transportation to construction site, easy placement with forms and compacted.

Functionality and strength of concrete are contrariwise proportional. If the functionality of normal concrete is raised, the durability of concrete is reduced that in turn enhances the concrete strength.

The functionality of concrete is affected by the following factors :

• Cement content of concrete
• Water content of concrete
• Mix proportions of concrete
• Size of aggregates
• Shape of aggregates
• Grading of aggregates
• Surface texture of aggregates
• Use of admixtures in concrete
• Use of supplementary cementitious materials

The principal materials of concrete belong to cement, fine aggregates (sand), coarse aggregates and water. Several times admixtures are utilized in concrete to make its properties better. So, properties of these materials and their content influence the functionality of concrete.

Cement Content of Concrete: Cement content influences the functionality of concrete significantly. As the quantity of the cement is increased, the quantity of the paste will also be increased for applying coating to the surface of aggregates and stuffing the voids among them. This will aid minimizing the friction among aggregates and easy movement of aggregates throughout mixing, transporting, placing and compacting of concrete. Also, for a specific water-cement ratio, the escalation in the cement content will also rise the water content per unit volume of concrete thereby enhancing the functionality of concrete.

Type and Composition of Cement: Type of cement or properties of cement will also influence the fuctionality of concrete. The cement with greater fineness will need more water for similar functionality than the relatively less fine cement. The requirement for water is increased for cement having high Al2O3 or C2S contents.

Ref.: theconstructor.org

Water / Cement Ratio or Water Content of Concrete: Water/cement ratio is one of the most crucial factors which affect the functionality of concrete. Usually, a water cement ratio of 0.45 to 0.6 is applied for superior workable concrete devoid of applying any admixture. More the ratio of water/cement, greater will be the water content per volume of concrete and the functionality of concrete will be better.

Higher water/cement ratio is usually applied for mixing concrete by hand to simplify the mixing process. The water/cement ratio is minimized, if the mixing is done through machine. These universal methods of applying water content per volume of concrete is utilized only for nominal mixes. For designed mix concrete, the durability of concrete is very vital and therefore water cement ratio is specified with the design. In general designed concrete applies low water/cement ratio to obtain that desired strength and durability of concrete.