LESSON 1

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT

Concrete-like materials date back to ancient civilizations, with the Romans perfecting concrete using
volcanic ash. In the 18th century, interest in concrete resurfaced, leading to experiments in hydraulic
cement. The 19th century saw the proper development of reinforced concrete, with French innovators
patenting methods of embedding iron mesh into concrete. After World War II, reinforced concrete saw
significant expansion, especially in large infrastructure projects. Modern reinforced concrete
construction focuses on sustainability and incorporates advanced materials such as fiber-reinforced
polymers.

PRINCIPLES OF REINFORCED CONCRETE

Reinforced concrete combines the strengths of concrete and steel to withstand compressive and tensile
forces. In a reinforced concrete beam, the upper part experiences compression and is primarily resisted
by concrete, while the lower part experiences tension and is resisted by steel reinforcement. Steel
reinforcement prevents cracking and structural failure by handling tensile forces. Chemical bond
between concrete and steel is essential for stress transfer. Deformed steel bars enhance mechanical
interlocking with concrete, improving bond and reducing slipping.

REINFORCED CONCRETE

ADVANTAGES

 High strength in compression and with steel reinforcement for tensile forces.
 Durability and resistance to weathering, chemical attacks, and fire.
 Versatility in shaping and construction methods.
 Fire resistance and economic efficiency.
 Thermal mass for regulating indoor temperatures.
 Adaptability to precasting and load-bearing capacity

DISADVANTAGES

 High weight leading to increased costs for foundations and transportation difficulties.
 Time-consuming construction process and environmental impact.
 Proneness to cracking and low tensile strength on its own.
 Complex design requirements and potential for reinforcement corrosion.
 Limited flexibility for modifications after construction

COMPOSITION OF CONCRETE

 Concrete is an artificial stone made out of a mixture of cement, sand, gravel water, or other inert
materials.
 Cement acts as the binding agents and undergoes hydration to harden the concrete.
  Aggregates including fine and coarse aggregates contributes to density and strength.
 Water is essential for hydration, with the water-cement ratio being critical for determining
strength and durability.
 Admixtures modify properties such as setting time, workability, and strength.

CURING TECHNIQUES

Curing involves maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve
its desired strength and durability. Proper curing prevents the premature drying of concrete, which can
lead to surface cracking, reduced strength, and long-term durability issues

1. Water Curing
Water curing keeps the concrete surface continuously moist.
This is one of the most effective methods for curing because it
ensures that the concrete remains hydrated, allowing the
chemical reactions of cement hydration to continue. This is
commonly used for slabs, pavements, and other large,
horizontal surfaces.
 PONDING
 SPRAYING/MISTING
 WET COVERINGS

2. Sealing/ Membrane Curing

Sealing curing involves applying a membrane-forming
compound or plastic sheeting to the surface of the concrete
to prevent moisture loss. This technique is suitable for large
surface areas where continuous water curing may be
impractical. They are often used for roadways, bridges, and
other infrastructure projects.

 CURING COMPOUNDS
 PLASTIC SHEETING (POLYETHYLENE)
 3. Covering Curing
Covering curing involves protecting the concrete surface with
insulating blankets, hessian, or other coverings to retain
moisture and moderate temperature changes. This is commonly
used when concrete is exposed to harsh weather conditions,
especially in cold climates.
 INSULATING BLANKETS
 HESSIAN ORBURLAP

REINFORCING MATERIALS

Reinforcing materials are essential in concrete construction to enhance the strength and durability of
concrete structures by improving their resistance to tensile, compressive, and shear forces. These
materials are typically embedded within the concrete to create reinforced concrete, which can withstand
various loads and stresses that unreinforced concrete would not.

1. STEEL REINFORCEMENT
 Deformed Bars (Rebar)

Steel rebar is the most widely used reinforcing material in concrete construction. Rebar is
typically manufactured with deformations (ridges or patterns) on its surface to improve its bond
with the concrete. Rebar comes in various diameters (commonly ranging from 6 mmto32 mm)
and lengths, depending on the structural requirements. Rebar is available in different grades
based on yield strength (e.g., Grade 40, Grade 60), with higher grades providing greater tensile
strength

 Welded Wire Mesh

Welded wire mesh consists of steel wires arranged in a grid pattern and welded at intersections.
It provides reinforcement across a large area.

 Steel Fibers

Steel fibers are tiny, short pieces of steel added to the concrete mix. They distribute throughout
the concrete and reinforce by bridging cracks.

2. GLASS FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (GFRP)

GFRP is a composite material of glass fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. It is non-corrosive,
lightweight, and has high tensile strength. GFRP does not rust like steel, making it ideal for use in
harsh environments (e.g., marine structures, chemical plants) where corrosion is a concern

3. CARBON FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER (CFRP)

CFRP comprises carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix. It has high tensile strength, is
lightweight, and is corrosion resistant. CFRP is more potent and stiffer than GFRP but also more
expensive. It is often used where high strength-to weight ratios are required.