Advantages and Disadvantages of concrete

Concrete has Lot of  properties that make it a popular construction material. The correct proportation of ingredients, placement, and curing are required in order for these properties to be optimal. Good quality of concrete has many advantages that become to its popular.

Concrete

ADVANTAGE OF CONCRETE

1. It is economical when ingredients are easily available.

2. Concrete possess high compressive strength. When properly prepared its strength approximately equal to that of a hard natural stone.

3. Concrete's long life and relatively low maintenance requirements increases its economical benefits.

4. Concrete is not a likely to rot or corrode,  or decay.

5.Concrete has the ability to be molded or cast into almost any desired shape that is required . Building of the molds and casting can occure on the work site which reduces costs of concrete.

6. Concrete is a non-combustible material which makes it fire resistance and able to withstand high temperatures.

7. It is resistant to wind, water, and inspects. Hence, Concrete is often used for storm  shelters.

8. It can pump easily hence it can be used difficult positions also.

9. It has unlimited structural applications in combination with steel reinforcement. Concrete and steel has approximately same coefficient of thermal expansion.

10. It gives good architectural appearance.   

DISADVANTAGE OF CONCRETE

Concrete does have some limitations despite its numerous advantages and every material have disadvantages. Concrete has the material of choice for many applications regardless of  some limitations. the disadvantages are :

1. Concrete has a  low tensile strength as compared to other construction materials .

2.  When concrete is fresh it shrinks on drying and hardened concrete expands on wetting.

3. It possess low strength-to-weight ratio.

4. Concrete is susceptible to cracking.

5. It has low ductility.

6. Concrete undergoes creep under sustained loading.

7. Concrete is not entirely impervious to moisture and soluble salts on it.

8. Strict supervision is required at every stage.