People often think cement and concrete are different words for the same material. The truth is that despite having many similarities, these products are different. In fact, cement is one of the ingredients that form concrete.
What is the secret to having perfect, high-quality concrete? How can you get it just right for your project? Whether you are building something from scratch, working on a major renovation, or doing repairs, you should know the difference between cement and concrete and the roles they play.
Cement and Concrete 101
What makes up concrete?
Before you can make concrete, you’ll need to learn the recipe. There are three main ingredients in concrete. Mixing them right makes it have the proper chemical reaction. You’ll want to be familiar with them when working with cement and concrete.
- Aggregate – Aggregate is a mixture of organic materials like rocks, sand, and pebbles. It is the main ingredient in concrete, making up about ¾ of it.
- Cement – When limestone and water mix, cement is the result. It forms a paste and acts as a binder. Cement is an important ingredient in concrete.
- Water – Water is critical in making both cement and concrete. It makes them workable. The water should be clean and clear.
The Perfect Concrete Recipe
It is important to use the correct ingredients in the correct amounts when mixing concrete. Mixing incorrectly can affect concrete strength and leave it prone to sulfate attack. The water ratio in the mixture can have negative effects during the hardening process. When there is too much water, the concrete will be much weaker. It will also take too long to dry and harden.
If there is too little water, the concrete is too dry and is far more likely to crack and crumble. If you use water with too many impurities, the concrete weakens and stains over time. It is important to use clean and clear water to mix concrete.
Correctly calculating the water ratio is paramount when mixing concrete. Ratios of .40–.60 are typical.
Different Types of Concrete
Mixing concrete can be a simple process. You can buy all of the ingredients and mix them yourself or purchase ready-mix concrete. Ready-mix can be a more affordable option and is also quicker. Still, there are dozens of other kinds of concrete.
Fiber-reinforced concrete is made of water, cement, and aggregate. The reinforcement materials may be steel, glass, or synthetic fibers. Fast-track concrete can be very convenient since it hardens quickly. It is useful when the concrete needs to meet opening strengths sooner.
What Makes Up Cement?
Cement includes components like limestone, silicon, calcium, aluminum, and iron. These also include silica sand, iron ore, chalk, clay, and shells. Cement is manufactured with a carefully calculated mixture of limestone, sand, and clay. The ingredients are mixed in a cement mixer and heated in a kiln.
Portland cement has been around since the mid-1800s. It has become the generic term for the most common type of cement. Portland cement is also the most commonly used type of hydraulic cement.
Concrete and Cement: Facts You Should Know
Although concrete and cement are similar, they are different substances. Cement is a primary ingredient to make concrete, but it is not concrete itself. Concrete has been around for centuries, contains cement, and is the most widely used construction element in the world.
Facts About Cement:
- Cement is a necessary ingredient in concrete.
- Its ingredients include sand, clay, and limestone, which are rich in calcium and silica.
- Cement is less strong; cement sidewalks are more likely to crack than concrete.
Facts About Concrete:
- Concrete has been around for centuries.
- Compared to cement, concrete is more durable.
- Concrete is the best choice for larger-scale projects.
For more information and for help getting your concrete project completed, reach out to the experts at AM Construction & Concrete.
