Concrete Delivery Common Terms
Accelerator
The chemical substance added to the concrete mix design that increases the hydration rate while reducing set time.
Admixture
Material added in small quantities to the mix design to create a modification to the chemical or physical properties when the concrete cures. Three common admixtures used in concrete production are for:
- Air entrainment;
- Curing time; and
- Plasticity.
Aggregate
The crushed stone, expanded materials, particles, rock, and/or sand that generally makeup 75 percent of concrete by volume. Aggregates improve the formation and flow of the cement paste while also improving the structural performance.
Cement
Find ground powders that harden when mixed with water.
Cement-Aggregate Ratio
The proportion of cement amount to the aggregate amount in a mix design, determined by weight or volume.
Compressive Strength
A structural material’s ability to endure compression from external forces.
Concrete Finish
The hardness, smoothness, and/or texture of the concrete surface.
Concrete Mixture
The percentage of cement powder included in the concrete.
Curing
Occurs when proper moisture and concrete temperature are met in the early stages to ensure the concrete’s final strength develops.
Curing Blanket
A layer of suitable material, such as burlap, sawdust, or straw, placed on top of fresh concrete then moistened to maintain constant humidity and temperature for hydration.
Exposed Aggregate Finish
This type of finish washes the cement/sand blend from the aggregate’s top layer. It’s frequently used in exterior surfaces, such as driveways and patios.
Formwork
Temporary forms or structures, usually made with plastic, metal, and/or wood, used during concrete placement to secure the concrete shapes to the desired final form.
Hydration
The chemical reaction that happens when cement powder mixes with water.
Initial Set
The initial amount of stiffening between the cement powder and water. It’s generally declared as an empirical value that shows the hours and minutes necessary for the cement paste to harden enough to resist the predetermined penetration depth of a weighted test needle.
Placement
The method of placing and consolidating concrete.
Plasticity
The property of fresh concrete which defines how easily it molds and/or resists deformation.
Reinforced Concrete
Concrete with added steel bars to enable a higher tolerance for stress and tension.
Release Agent
A material used to prevent the placed concrete from bonding with the forms and other surfaces.
Set Time
The length of time necessary for the concrete to harden or set enough to resist a measurable amount of penetration.
Slump
The distance freshly mixed concrete settles after lifting a slump cone from the test sample, measured in inches.
Unit Water Content
An amount of water per unit volume usually stated in gallons or pounds per cubic yard. It doesn’t include any aggregate water absorption.
Vibration
Vigorous agitation of concrete during the placement process using mechanical electric or pneumatic devices to create vibratory impulses. The impulses help evenly distribute and consolidate the concrete inside the formwork.
Your First Call For
Quality Concrete
Whether your next project needs bulk concrete or a small amount of concrete, make Fulford & Jones, Inc. your first call in Wilson, NC, and surrounding areas.