Activities | Science | Civil Engineering

Mortar and structural skeleton of a house

Concrete and mortar have been used as building materials for thousands of years. In ancient civilizations these materials were used mainly on floors, walls and foundations.  Currently concrete and mortar are one of the most widely used materials in construction and have a wide range of applications.

What are the constituents of concrete?

Binder - Cement

Aggregates - Sand and gravel

Water

What are the main properties of concrete?

Load transmission

Compressive strength:  Its strength and durability depend on the proportions of its constituent materials. The mix proportions of constituent materials is called dosage. 

What is reinforced concrete? Concrete + Armour (steel)

Activity instructors: Rogério Sousa and Pedro Costa (Lab.EC)