14 Questions to Ask a Commercial Concrete Contractor Before Hiring
To help ensure you feel confident that you’ve chosen the right concrete contractor, we’ve compiled a list of important questions [...]
This glossary defines key terms used in concrete construction and is organized alphabetically for easy reference.
Whether you’re a student, contractor, inspector, or project manager, understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication on the job site and ensuring the quality of concrete work.
From materials such as aggregates and admixtures to processes like curing and finishing, this guide covers the fundamental terminology of concrete technology and construction practices.
The resistance of a concrete surface to rubbing, scraping, or erosion from mechanical wear. This is especially important in high-traffic areas where surface durability is a concern.
An admixture that speeds up the setting time and strength development of fresh concrete. Commonly used in cold weather to prevent construction delays or to hasten formwork removal.
An organization that provides widely accepted standards and guidelines for concrete construction and materials. ACI plays a significant role in improving concrete quality and consistency.
Any substance added to the concrete mix to modify its properties, such as accelerators, retarders, plasticizers, corrosion inhibitors, shrinkage reducers, or air-entraining agents.
The bond between concrete and other materials, including reinforcing steel, existing concrete, or overlays. Proper surface preparation enhances adhesion strength.
A material added to concrete before or during mixing to alter its properties (e.g., workability, setting time, durability). Examples include water reducers, accelerators, and superplasticizers.
Granular material (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone) used in concrete mix to provide bulk and strength, as well as reduce shrinkage. It constitutes the majority of the concrete volume.
Small pockets of air entrained or trapped in concrete, which can enhance freeze-thaw resistance if controlled. Excess air can weaken the structure, so balance is essential.
The intentional incorporation of tiny, uniformly distributed air bubbles in concrete to improve its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and scaling from deicing chemicals.
An international standards organization that defines testing and material quality specifications for concrete and other construction materials.
Water movement to the surface of freshly placed concrete. While minor bleeding is normal, excessive bleeding can lead to weak surface layers and poor bonding.
A layer of weak concrete or sand spread over a subgrade to provide a clean working surface for pouring concrete and prevent contamination from underlying soils.
The adhesion between concrete and embedded materials (such as reinforcing bars) or between different layers of concrete. A good bond ensures composite action and strength.
A chemical used as an accelerator to speed up the setting of concrete in cold weather. It should be used cautiously to avoid corrosion of reinforcement.
A compound that can form in concrete through carbonation, where carbon dioxide reacts with calcium hydroxide. It can reduce pH and affect reinforcement passivation.
Concrete that is poured and cured in its final position at the job site, offering design flexibility and strong monolithic construction.
Keep reading: Cast-in-Place Concrete: The Process, Benefits, and More
A hydraulic binder, typically Portland cement, that reacts with water to harden and bind other materials together in the concrete mix.
Substances (like Portland cement, fly ash, and slag) that have cementing properties when combined with water contribute to strength and durability.
In concrete, it refers primarily to hydration: the reaction between cement and water that causes the mix to set and harden, releasing heat and developing strength.
Larger particles (typically gravel or crushed stone) used in concrete to improve strength, reduce shrinkage, and enhance durability.
Joints formed when a concrete pour is interrupted and the new concrete does not bond properly with the already hardened concrete. These joints must be treated to restore monolithic integrity.
Read on: What Are “Cold Joints”? (And How Do You Prevent Them?)
The process of removing air pockets from freshly placed concrete — typically through vibration — to increase density and strength and to reduce voids.
The ability of hardened concrete to resist axial loads. Commonly measured in PSI (pounds per square inch), this is a key performance indicator during testing for structural elements.
Devices embedded or installed in concrete to secure structural or non-structural elements (e.g., bolts, brackets, railings). They include types like expansion anchors, epoxy anchors, and wedge anchors.
The final texture or appearance of the surface of a concrete element after finishing operations such as screeding, troweling, or brushing.
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A blend of cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures designed for a specific performance requirement, such as high strength, durability, or workability.
A flat horizontal concrete surface used in flooring, pavements, patios, and foundations. It can be reinforced and post-tensioned for added strength.
The process of compacting freshly placed concrete to remove air voids and ensure a dense, uniform mass. Often achieved using vibrators.
A form of coarse aggregate produced by mechanically crushing larger rocks. It provides strength and angular interlocking properties in the concrete.
The ability of concrete to resist weathering action, chemical attack, and abrasion over time. Durable concrete ensures a long service life.
A white powdery deposit on concrete surfaces caused by water-soluble salts migrating to the surface and reacting with carbon dioxide. It is usually cosmetic but indicates moisture issues.
To place components such as reinforcing steel bars or fixtures into fresh concrete so that they become part of the hardened structure.
The process of water leaving the concrete surface. Rapid evaporation during curing can cause shrinkage cracks and reduce surface quality.
Gaps intentionally built into concrete structures to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, preventing uncontrolled cracking due to temperature changes or movement.
A decorative concrete finish achieved by removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the coarse aggregate. It enhances traction and aesthetics.
Concrete work done on horizontal surfaces such as slabs, sidewalks, patios, and driveways. Proper finishing techniques are key to performance and appearance.
A byproduct from coal combustion used as a pozzolanic additive to improve workability, reduce heat of hydration, and increase long-term strength and durability.
Temporary or permanent molds used to hold concrete in place until it hardens. It determines the shape and surface quality of concrete elements.
Concrete in its plastic, workable state before it sets. It can be molded, compacted, and finished as needed.
A fluid mixture of cement, water, and sand used to fill voids, embed rebar, or reinforce masonry. It may also include shrinkage-compensating admixtures.
Concrete that has set and developed sufficient strength to support loads. It continues to gain strength over time if appropriately cured.
The chemical reaction between cement and water that causes concrete to set and harden. Proper hydration is essential for strength and durability.
Cement that sets and hardens through a chemical reaction with water, even under water. Portland cement is the most common type of cement.
Rigid foam blocks or panels used as permanent forms for poured concrete walls. They provide insulation, structure, and a surface for finishing in one system.
Joints that separate concrete from other parts of a structure (e.g., columns, walls, or footings) to allow independent movement and prevent cracking due to differential settlement or thermal expansion.
The physical location where concrete construction takes place. It includes materials staging, forming, placing, and curing areas.
Chemical compounds, often iron oxides, used as pigments to color concrete. They are added during mixing or applied as surface treatments.
The measure of how easily water or other substances can pass through concrete. Lower permeability enhances durability and corrosion resistance.
The workability and flow of fresh concrete. Higher plasticity allows for easier placement and finishing, but may increase bleeding.
Cracking that occurs when water evaporates quickly from the surface of fresh concrete. This can be minimized with proper curing techniques.
A method of reinforcing concrete by placing steel tendons in ducts within the concrete. After it hardens, the tendons are tensioned and anchored to apply compressive force.
A siliceous material (such as fly ash or silica fume) that reacts with calcium hydroxide from cement hydration to form additional cementitious compounds, enhancing strength and reducing permeability.
Concrete elements cast in a controlled environment and transported to the job site for installation. It allows for better quality control and faster construction.
A reinforcement technique where steel tendons are tensioned before the concrete is poured. Once it hardens, the tension is released, compressing the concrete and enhancing its strength and durability.
A unit of pressure for the compressive strength of concrete. Standard mixes range from 2,500 to over 6,000 PSI, depending on application.
Concrete that is batched and mixed at a central plant and delivered to the job site in a plastic state. It ensures quality and consistency.
Steel reinforcing bars used in concrete to resist tensile forces and prevent cracking. They come in various sizes and grades.
Concrete in which steel reinforcement is embedded to carry tensile loads. The composite action improves structural performance.
An admixture that slows the setting time of concrete. Useful in hot climates or for large pours where more working time is needed.
A tool or process used to level and smooth freshly placed concrete. Screeding ensures uniform elevation and prepares the surface for finishing.
The process of applying a protective coating or compound to the surface of hardened concrete to reduce permeability, prevent staining, and protect against chemicals, moisture, and wear.
Concrete or mortar conveyed through a hose and pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a surface. It’s used for applications like tunnel linings, retaining walls, or repair work, and can be applied either wet or dry.
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A byproduct of metal smelting used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete. It contributes to long-term strength and sulfate resistance.
A measure of the consistency or workability of fresh concrete, determined using the slump test. A slump test is a quick field test for quality control.
The breaking off of surface concrete, often due to freeze-thaw cycles, corrosion of reinforcement, or poor placement practices.
Steel embedded in concrete to provide tensile strength, usually in the form of bars (rebar) or welded wire mesh.
The soil or layer beneath a concrete slab, prepared to support its loads. Proper compaction is crucial for preventing settlement.
A structural form made of thin, curved concrete surfaces that efficiently carry loads through tension and compression. Often used in architectural and structural applications like domes or roof shells.
A hand or power tool used to finish concrete surfaces by smoothing or texturing. Troweling improves surface durability and appearance.
A building material (usually plastic or foil sheeting) placed beneath concrete slabs to prevent moisture from the ground from migrating into the slab. This helps protect the flooring and prevents mold or mildew.
An air pocket or hollow area in hardened concrete, often caused by poor compaction. Voids reduce strength and can lead to deterioration.
The total amount of concrete required for a placement, calculated in cubic yards or meters to ensure proper batching and delivery.
The ratio of the weight of water to cement in a concrete mix. A lower ratio leads to higher strength and durability but reduces workability.
An additive that enhances concrete workability without increasing the amount of water. Helps maintain strength while improving placement.
The ease with which concrete can be mixed, placed, and finished without segregation or bleeding. It is a critical property for successful concrete applications.
Understanding the language of concrete construction isn’t just for engineers and contractors; it empowers anyone involved in a project to communicate clearly, make informed decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.
From admixtures to expansion joints, each term represents a crucial element that contributes to a structure’s strength, longevity, and performance.
At FMP Construction, we speak this language fluently. Whether you’re planning a small slab or a complex cast-in-place structure, our team is ready to translate your vision into durable, high-quality results.
Contact us today to build with confidence.
