To enhance its properties, specifically strength, you can add certain materials to concrete.
Key Additions for Strength and Quality
Based on the provided reference, there are specific materials that can be added to concrete mixes or are crucial components when aiming for increased strength.
Boosting Strength with Portland Cement
For example, if you are using a pre-mixed or "bagged" concrete product, you can add more Portland cement to the mix. This increases the cement-to-aggregate ratio, which is a common method to make the resulting concrete stronger and more durable once cured.
The Role of Hydrated Lime
In addition to Portland cement, you can also incorporate hydrated lime into the concrete mix. Hydrated lime can improve the workability of the concrete and contribute to its overall characteristics, though the primary strength component remains the cement.
Selecting the Right Aggregates
While sand is typically a standard component of concrete rather than an addition to an existing mix, the type of sand used significantly impacts the final strength. According to the reference, to achieve the strongest concrete possible, the sand component should be sourced from volcanic lava that has a high silica content. This highlights that the choice of aggregates is just as important as the binder additions.
Materials Mentioned for Addition or Inclusion:
- More Portland cement (can be added to bagged concrete for strength)
- Hydrated lime (can be added)
- Sand sourced from volcanic lava with high silica content (used for making the strongest concrete)
These additions and specific component choices allow for tailoring the properties of the concrete to meet different requirements, particularly concerning strength and durability.
