ABSTRACT
The study of concrete as a material encompasses a deep and complex subject, but since this book is fundamentally about mould-making, the information included in this chapter is focused only on the basic information needed to follow the descriptions and discussions in the rest of this book. The information here is geared to the uninitiated. If you are already familiar with concrete – its design, manufacture, and handling – then you are unlikely to find anything you do not already know in this chapter.
Concrete is as old as classical antiquity, being a fundamental part of Ancient Roman construction. But it is, in many respects, a “new” material as well, undergoing constant advances in its composition and performance. Concrete is not one thing, but many; there are numerous “concretes” available, with new ones being invented all the time. Concrete mixes are chemistry, and as such are dependent not only on specific ingredients and their proportions in the mix, but on the ambient and environmental conditions during mixing and placing.
In terms of construction practice, concrete tends to be specified and handled differently in different parts of the world, so beyond the basic information contained in this chapter, the reader is encouraged to find more complete information and technical resources appropriate to your own location and building culture. You can find some general (technical) concrete references at the end of this chapter.
