Learn to Work with Cement and Concrete
- Use as a reference book
- Read for a concise yet extensive overview
A book for builders, landscapers, bricklayers, concreters, pavers and other trades - amateurs or professionals
CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 APPLICATIONS FOR CEMENT AND CONCRETE
Introduction
Cement
Cement Terminology
Mortar
Concrete
CHAPTER 2 EQUIPMENT, MIXING & SAFETY
Introduction
Manual Tools
Machinery
Mixing Concrete & Mortar
Safety
CHAPTER 3 CEMENT CHEMISTRY
Cement Constituents
Cement Standards
Other Types of Cement
Different Types of Lime
Concrete Additives (Admixtures)
CHAPTER 4 CURING & TESTING
Setting & Curing of Concrete
Curing Methods
Strength of Concrete
Assessing The Effectiveness of Concrete Curing
CHAPTER 5 CONCRETING TECHNIQUES
Introduction
Pouring and Compacting
Formwork
Precast Concrete
Waterproofing Concrete
CHAPTER 6 STRENGTHENING CONCRETE
Introduction
Concrete Foundations
Reinforcing Concrete Slabs
Other Concrete Strengthening Methods
CHAPTER 7 FINISHING METHODS
Finishing Concrete Slabs
CHAPTER 8 REPAIRING DAMAGED CONCRETE
Examining Damaged Concrete
What Causes Concrete Damage?
Concrete Repair Materials
How to Repair Cracked Concrete
Further reading and study
More eBooks available
Courses available
What's the difference between Concrete and Cement?
Concrete is a versatile substance with a multitude of applications like buildings, moulded furniture and décor, garden pools and ponds, pathways, driveways, roads, floors, and foundations.
Cement is a binding material. It is the material of choice in building where it is commonly used in building construction, engineering, and landscaping. When combined with aggregates (typically sand and/or stone) and mixed with water, it creates concrete or mortar.
When it is first mixed, concrete is pliable and can be shaped. As it cures, it hardens. Hardening takes place because of a chemical reaction between water and cement. This is called hydration. Most mixes harden within the first 12 hours, but they continue to become harder over the next few weeks. Typically, mixes have reached their optimal strength at 4 weeks (28 days).
Why this Book?
Many other concreting books are complex and technical written for engineers, and not as readily understood by a trades person.
Thus book has been written carefully, in simple easily understood language; and been selective in what it covers. It explains everything you need to know to understand the materials, tools and applications, in order to do a proper job and produce results that are durable and of good quality.
It provides a foundation that can be added to with experience and if you need it - further studies. It's an excellent reference for students studying construction, or others wanting to learn through their own informal studies.