Cement is mixed with sand, gravel, and water to make concrete.
Concrete is a fundamental construction material composed of four primary ingredients: cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), and water. The cement acts as a binder, chemically reacting with water in a process called hydration to bind the sand and gravel together into a hard, stone-like material. The sand and gravel provide bulk and strength to the concrete, while water is essential for the hydration process.
The proportion of each ingredient is crucial to the final strength and durability of the concrete. A common mix ratio for achieving high strength is 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel, and 0.5 part water (1:2:3:0.5). However, this ratio can be adjusted based on the specific requirements of the project, such as desired strength, workability, and exposure to environmental conditions. Admixtures can also be added to concrete to modify its properties, such as accelerating or retarding the setting time, improving workability, or increasing resistance to freezing and thawing.
