Chapter 16
Concrete
Cement concrete is an artificial building material that is obtained by mixing together cement, water and some other inert materials. The mixture in a plastic condition when allowed to set becomes as hard as stone. By suitably adjusting the proportions of various ingredients, concrete with sufficient compressive strength for various uses can be developed. The strength of concrete depends mainly on its ingredients, their relative quantities and the manner in which they are mixed and placed.
Because of its high strength, it is used extensively for construction of roads, heavy structural member-like columns, gravity dams, etc., and also for foundations.
In addition to its strength, concrete also possesses other qualities such ...
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