Concrete vs. Cement: The Differences in 2 Materials in Construction Site
It's important to realize that cement and concrete are not the same things. Cement is a component of concrete along with aggregates and paste. A variety of aggregate materials, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone, are used in the aggregates, while cement and water make up the paste.
People often confuse cement with concrete. Concrete is actually what person usually mean when they use the word cement. Concrete and cement are alternate terms for each other. However, cement and concrete are two completely different materials. A common example can help us understand this. Therefore, one should understand the basic differences between cement and concrete to avoid misunderstanding.
Manufacturing Process
Cement
Raw materials are ground, then burned in a kiln around 1400 degrees Fahrenheit to make cement, which produces cement clinker. Moreover, Gypsum is then added to the cooled clinker after it is ground to a fine powder. Dry or wet processes use in this step.
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The cement content in concrete varies from mix to mix, depending on the type of concrete. Hydraulic cement hardens and sets when water adds through a process called hydration, binds the aggregates together, forming a rock-like mixture known as concrete.
Concrete
Concrete manufacturing, therefore, refers to the process of producing fresh concrete and placing it into various forms so that it can harden into building materials. Adding gypsum to the concrete mixture can affect the amount of time it takes to harden. The addition of accelerating admixtures or retarding admixtures can also speed up or slow down this process. Crystals harden in concrete when it sets. Additive materials can accelerate or retard the growth of these crystals.
Adding an air-entraining admixture to concrete in cold-climate areas is a good idea. The admixture in this concrete helps protect the concrete from freezing and thawing by entraining millions of microscopic bubbles. Over time, the process of hardening makes concrete stronger. It is possible to harden concrete underwater and keep it strong even when wet.