Why is concrete used in construction?

Concrete is a material commonly used in construction for a variety of purposes. One of the most common types of concrete, Portland Cement, which makes up about 95% – 98% of most concretes, is made from limestone and clay. When mixed with water, the components in Portland cement undergo a chemical reaction that results in their solidifying into calcium silicates and aluminates.

After this reaction occurs, calcium hydroxide forms which are why concrete needs to be protected from moisture by applying sealant or waterproofing agents after it has been poured. Once it dries though, there are many reasons why concrete is used in construction.

The main reason why concrete is used as opposed to other materials such as wood or metal is that it is incredibly strong. Concrete can support thousands of pounds per square inch, while wood and even steel cannot. For example, the Eiffel Tower has many concrete supports that hold up its massive weight.

Another reason why concrete is used in construction is that it’s inexpensive compared to other building materials. It doesn’t require a lot of labor to make which makes it cheap for construction companies to use when constructing numerous objects such as buildings or sidewalks. Additionally, there are many types of concrete that are stronger than others depending on their purpose, but all are cheaper than other popular building materials such as brick or marble.

The uses of concrete are incredibly diverse in a broader sense too.