Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Its strength, durability, and versatility make it an ideal choice for a wide range of construction projects, from buildings and bridges to roads and sidewalks. But not all concrete is created equal, and different types of concrete are used for different applications.
In this article, we will explore the various types of concrete that are used in the construction industry today.
Types of concrete
There are more than 34 types of concrete currently being used in the construction industry, each with its unique properties.
- Plain cement concrete
- Normal strength concrete
- Reinforced concrete
- Lightweight concrete
- Heavyweight concrete
- High strength concrete
- High-performance concrete
- Rapid strength concrete
- Self-compacting concrete
- Roller compacting concrete
- Shotcrete
- Precast concrete
- Prestressed concrete
- Fiber reinforced concrete
- Polymer concrete
- Air entrained concrete
- Asphalt concrete
- Lime concrete (Limecrete)
- Vacuum concrete
- Pumped concrete
- Ready-mixed concrete
- Stamped concrete
- Pervious concrete
- Glass Concrete
- High-density concrete
- Self-healing concrete
- Bacterial concrete
- Smart Concrete
- Decorative concrete
- Smog eating concrete
- Hempcrete
- Green concrete
- Plum concrete
- Foam concrete
- Bamboo-reinforced concrete
- Martian concrete
- Bendable concrete
- Rubber concrete
- Transparent concrete
- Ultra-high-performance concrete
Brief introduction about all types of concrete
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC)
Plain cement concrete, also known as PCC, is a type of concrete that consists of cement, sand, and coarse aggregates in a specific ratio.
It is used in various construction applications such as foundations, flooring, and paving. PCC is known for its low cost, high compressive strength, and durability.
Normal Strength Concrete (NSC)
Normal strength concrete, or NSC, is the most commonly used type of concrete in construction. It typically consists of cement, sand, and aggregates in a 1:2:4 ratio by volume. NSC is widely used in building foundations, walls, columns, and beams.
It has moderate compressive strength and is ideal for most building applications.
Reinforced concrete
Reinforced concrete (RC) is a type of concrete that contains embedded reinforcement, usually steel bars or mesh, to improve its strength and durability.
The combination of concrete and steel makes it a strong and versatile material, used in the construction of buildings, bridges, dams, and other large structures.
Lightweight concrete
Lightweight concrete (LWC) is a type of concrete that has a lower density than normal concrete. It is made by adding lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay, shale, or perlite to the mix.
It is commonly used for the construction of precast blocks, panels, and roofs.
Heavyweight concrete
Heavyweight concrete (HWC) is a type of concrete that has a higher density as well as strength than normal concrete. It is made by adding heavyweight aggregates such as steel shot or iron ore to the mix.
It is commonly used for the construction of radiation shielding walls, ballast for offshore pipelines, and counterweights for heavy machinery.
High-strength concrete
High-strength concrete (HSC) is a type of concrete that has a compressive strength greater than 40 MPa.
It is commonly used in the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require high strength.
High-performance concrete
High-performance concrete (HPC) is a type of concrete that has superior properties compared to normal concrete, such as high strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.
It is commonly used in the construction of nuclear power plants, offshore platforms, and other critical structures.
Rapid-strength concrete
Rapid strength concrete (RSC) is a type of concrete that gains strength quickly after being placed, typically within a few hours.
01It is commonly used for emergency repairs, such as fixing highways or airport runways that require a quick return to service.
Self-compacting concrete
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a type of concrete that can flow and fill the formwork under its weight without the need for vibration.
It is commonly used in the construction of complex shapes, such as arches, domes, and columns, and is particularly useful in areas where access is limited.
Roller compacting concrete
Roller compacting concrete (RCC) is a type of concrete that is compacted by a roller instead of vibration. It is commonly used in the construction of large structures, such as dams, where the volume of concrete required is high, and the use of vibration would be impractical.
RCC is known for its strength, durability, and low permeability.
Shotcrete
Shotcrete is a type of concrete that is pneumatically applied at high velocity onto a surface. It can be either dry-mix shotcrete, where the dry ingredients are mixed at the nozzle, or wet-mix shotcrete, where the ingredients are mixed before being sprayed.
It is commonly used for slope stabilization, tunnel lining, and other applications where access is limited.
Precast concrete
Precast concrete is a type of concrete that is cast into a specific shape and size in a controlled environment before being transported to the construction site.
It is commonly used for the construction of walls, beams, columns, and other building components, and offers advantages such as high quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Prestressed concrete
Prestressed concrete is a type of concrete that is subjected to compressive stress before being subjected to any external loads. This compressive stress is achieved by embedding steel wires, cables, or strands inside the concrete. The use of prestressing results in higher strength and longer span capabilities.
It is commonly used in the construction of bridges, parking garages, and high-rise buildings.
Fiber-reinforced concrete
Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) is a type of concrete that is reinforced with fibers to improve its tensile strength and toughness. Fibers can be made of materials such as glass, steel, synthetic, and natural fibers.
FRC is commonly used in applications that require high durabilities, such as industrial floors, tunnels, and precast products.
Polymer concrete
Polymer concrete is a type of concrete that uses a polymer resin, such as epoxy or polyester, as the binding material instead of cement.
Polymer concrete has high strength, low permeability, and high resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for use in harsh environments, such as chemical plants, wastewater treatment plants, and marine structures.
Air-entrained concrete
Air-entrained concrete (AEC) is a type of concrete that contains small, evenly distributed air bubbles throughout the mix.
These bubbles improve the concrete’s durability and resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, making it suitable for use in cold climates. AEC is commonly used in the construction of sidewalks, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces.
Asphalt concrete
Asphalt concrete, also known as asphalt pavement, is a mixture of asphalt binder and aggregate that is used for surfacing roads, airport runways, and parking lots. The asphalt binder is a byproduct of crude oil refining, and the aggregate can be made from various materials, including gravel, sand, and crushed rock.
Asphalt concrete is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to weathering.
Lime concrete
Lime concrete, also known as limecrete, is a type of concrete that uses lime as the binding material instead of cement. Lime concrete is porous and breathable, making it suitable for use in old buildings or historic structures where moisture control is important.
It is also used in sustainable construction as it requires less energy to produce than cement-based concrete.
Vacuum concrete
Vacuum concrete is a type of concrete that is placed using a vacuum to remove the air trapped inside the mix. The removal of air reduces the number of voids in the mix, resulting in denser and more durable concrete.
Vacuum concrete is commonly used in the construction of precast products, such as pipes and panels.
Pumped concrete
It is a type of concrete that is transported from the mixer to the construction site using a pump. The pump can be either a truck-mounted pump or a line pump and is used to deliver the concrete to areas that are difficult to access or require long-distance transport.
Pumped concrete is commonly used in high-rise buildings, tunnels, and other large construction projects.
Ready-mixed concrete
Ready-mixed concrete (RMC) is a type of concrete that is manufactured at a central plant and then transported to the construction site in a mixer truck.
RMC is commonly used in construction projects that require a large amount of concrete and where there is limited time for on-site mixing.
Stamped concrete
Stamped concrete, also known as patterned concrete, is a type of concrete that is textured or patterned to resemble other materials such as brick, tile, or stone.
Stamped concrete is commonly used in outdoor applications such as patios, walkways, and pool decks.
Pervious concrete
Pervious concrete, also known as permeable concrete or porous concrete, is a type of concrete that allows water to pass through it, rather than creating a solid, impermeable surface.
Pervious concrete is commonly used in areas where stormwater management is a concern, such as parking lots, sidewalks, and other surfaces.
Glass Concrete
Glass concrete, also known as translucent concrete, is a type of concrete that contains glass fibers or glass pieces that allow light to pass through the concrete.
Glass concrete is commonly used in architectural applications, such as building facades and interior walls, to create a unique visual effect.
High-density concrete
High-density concrete is a type of concrete that has a higher density than normal concrete. It is commonly used in applications where high strength and density are required, such as radiation shielding, counterweights, and ballast.
High-density concrete is achieved by adding heavy aggregates, such as magnetite, steel shot, or barytes, to the mix.
Self-healing concrete
Self-healing concrete is a type of concrete that can repair cracks or damage without human intervention.
This is achieved through the use of various techniques, such as the addition of microcapsules filled with healing agents or bacteria that produce calcium carbonate to fill the cracks.
Bacterial concrete
Bacterial concrete is a type of concrete that uses bacteria to produce calcium carbonate, which fills the pores and cracks in the concrete, making it stronger and more durable.
Bacterial concrete is a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete, as it requires less energy to produce and reduces the need for maintenance and repair.
Smart Concrete
Smart concrete, also known as sensing concrete, is a type of concrete that is embedded with sensors or other monitoring devices that can provide information about its structural health, such as stress levels, temperature, and moisture content.
Smart concrete is commonly used in the construction of bridges, highways, and other critical infrastructure.
Decorative concrete
Decorative concrete is a type of concrete that is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and decorative, rather than purely functional.
It can be stamped, colored, textured, or polished to create a variety of effects and finishes, making it suitable for use in interior and exterior applications, such as flooring, countertops, and walls.
Smog-eating concrete
Smog-eating concrete, also known as photocatalytic concrete, is a type of concrete that contains a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide, which reacts with sunlight to break down pollutants in the air, reducing air pollution.
Smog-eating concrete is commonly used in urban areas to improve air quality and reduce the negative impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment.
Hempcrete
Hempcrete is a type of concrete made from the woody core of the hemp plant, called the Hurd, mixed with lime and water. It is a lightweight, low-density material that is easy to work with and has excellent insulation properties.
Hempcrete is also a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete, as the hemp plant is fast-growing, renewable, and requires little water or pesticides to grow.
Green concrete
It is also also known as environmentally friendly concrete, is a type of concrete that incorporates recycled materials, reduces carbon footprint, and requires less energy to produce compared to traditional concrete. The use of green concrete aims to reduce the negative impact of concrete production on the environment.
Plum concrete
It is concrete is a type of concrete made by using waste plum stones as a coarse aggregate in the mix. Plum concrete is a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete, as it reduces the need for natural resources and helps to divert waste from landfills.
Foam concrete
It is also known as cellular concrete, a lightweight concrete that contains small air bubbles or foam. Foam concrete is made by mixing a cementitious material, water, and foam, which is produced by mixing a foaming agent with water.
The air bubbles in foam concrete provide thermal insulation, sound absorption, and a reduction in the overall weight of the concrete, making it useful in applications where weight is a concern, such as in roof insulation or geotechnical applications
Bamboo reinforced concrete
Bamboo reinforced concrete is a type of concrete that uses bamboo as a reinforcing material. Bamboo is used to replace traditional steel rebar, which can be expensive and has a higher carbon footprint. Bamboo-reinforced concrete is sustainable and can be used in building structures like walls and beams.
Martian concrete
Martian concrete is a type of concrete that is specifically designed for use in extraterrestrial environments such as Mars. It is made using materials that can be found on Mars, including regolith (the loose soil and rocks on the planet’s surface) and sulfur.
The goal of developing Martian concrete is to create building materials that can be produced on Mars and used in future space missions.
Bendable concrete
Bendable concrete, also known as Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), is a type of concrete that can flex and bend without cracking. It is made using a mix of cement, sand, water, and polymer fibers that allow it to be more ductile than traditional concrete.
Bendable concrete is used in applications where the ability to withstand movement and deformation is necessary, such as in earthquake-resistant structures.
Rubber concrete
Rubber concrete is a type of concrete that contains shredded rubber as an aggregate material. The rubber comes from recycled tires and is mixed with traditional concrete ingredients like cement and water.
Rubber concrete is lightweight and has good insulation properties, making it suitable for use in building walls and floors. It also has good shock absorption properties, making it useful in applications where impact resistance is important, such as in playgrounds or sports fields.
Transparent concrete
Transparent concrete, also known as translucent concrete, is a type of concrete that allows light to pass through it. It is made using optical fibers embedded in the concrete, creating a material that is both strong and light-transmitting.
Ultra-high-performance concrete
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is an even stronger and more durable version of HPC. It is made using a highly dense mix of cement, sand, and steel fibers, and can withstand extreme conditions and heavy loads.
