Special Issue "Construction Materials and Other Related Materials: Basic Theory, Applied Technology and Advanced...

Prestressed concrete is a construction technique designed to enhance the strength and durability of concrete structures. This method involves the application of a pre-set tension to high-strength steel strands used as reinforcement before the concrete is subjected to its working loads. The primary aim of prestressing is to place the concrete in a state of compression, in order to counteract the tensile forces it will experience in service. This pre-compression helps prevent crack formation in...

Mass concreting refers to the process of placing large volumes of concrete, such as in gravity dams. The heat generated during the cement hydration process and differential cooling rates within the concrete mass can lead to a temperature gradient, which can result in thermal cracks in the concrete mass.
To reduce the risk of such cracking, the concrete mix may incorporate low-heat cement and pozzolans to reduce the temperature rise. Pre-cooled angular aggregates and water-reducing admixtures...

The concrete is placed as close as possible to its final position to avoid segregation. The placed concrete is then fully compacted to expel the entrapped air, and the next layer of concrete is laid while the underlying layer is still in the plastic state. The rate at which concrete is placed and compacted is kept equal.
While placing concrete, care is taken to ensure that the concrete is laid in uniform layers, and hand shoveling and moving concrete using poker vibrators is avoided. Also,...

Concrete is a vital construction material extensively used worldwide, primarily valued for its strength, durability, and versatility, which it provides for various structural designs. Concrete generally comprises ingredients like Portland cement, coarse gravel, fine sand, and water. Concrete can be mixed by simple hand methods or industrially at computer-controlled plants. The mixture consists of aggregates and a paste made from water and Portland cement. This paste coats the aggregates and,...

Deleterious substances in aggregates can be detrimental to the quality and durability of concrete. These substances include organic impurities like loam, which interfere with cement hydration and are usually present in the sand. These prevent a good bond between aggregate and cement paste. Organic impurities can be detected using the colorimetric test, where the darkness of a solution after agitation indicates the level of organic content.
Another type of impurity is clay and fine material that...