Just taking a quick look around any city, it’s obvious to notice the amount of concrete that has been used in its construction. Concrete and concrete mixers have shaped the landscape that surrounds us, but it’s safe to say that not every project uses the same amount of concrete, and there are some incredible structures which have outdone the rest.
There are many ways to construct a building to make it strong, so why is concrete used so often? This article will take a closer look at what makes concrete such a popular material, and look at the kinds of building projects that rely on concrete and concrete mixers the most. It includes information on 5 man-made structures which have used the most concrete during construction.
Why Is Concrete Such A Popular Building Material?
Concrete is by far the most famous building material in the world, and it is estimated that over 25 percent of the world’s structures are made out of concrete. It is easy to see why this material has taken the world by storm. It can be used in almost any building project, from large commercial buildings, roads, and bridges, to small homes and foundations. Without it, our suburbs and cities would look very different. Here are just a few reasons why concrete is used so extensively:
It is extremely strong: It is an extremely strong material and even gets stronger as time goes by and it continues to cure. This makes it perfect for large construction projects which need strong foundations.
It is durable: Compared to other commonly used building materials concrete is one of the most durable materials. Wood and steel can be susceptible to rot and rust, whereas concrete can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. The lifespan of concrete structures often exceeds any other structure.
It is cheaper than most other materials: Concrete is very cost-effective, and takes less time to build with than other materials. Due to its low maintenance costs building with concrete can also save you money over more extended periods.
It is highly versatile: Just about anything can be built out of concrete, from the most impressive highways and skyscrapers to something as small as a garden sculpture or pathway. Since its production concrete has proven to be one of the most versatile materials when it comes to building, many architects use the endless possibilities that come with concrete construction.
It is better for the environment: As the need grows to be more environmentally friendly, building with concrete mixers can be an effective way to lessen your environmental impact. Concrete lasts a long time, meaning you can reduce the number of unnecessary materials used during repairs. It is also made out of raw and locally sourced materials, reducing the amount of pollution used in processing and transportation. It is also 100 percent recyclable, making this one of the best options for eco-friendly projects.
Which Types Of Construction Makes Use Of Concrete And Mixers The Most?
Due to its many benefits and versatile nature, concrete is used in a large variety of construction projects, but where can you find the most concrete being used today? Some top areas you can find concrete include:
- Roads
- Skyscrapers
- Sidewalks
- Pavements
- Parking Lots
Usually, it is the heaviest and largest building project which uses the most amount of concrete to build. The larger the structure, the more concrete is needed to support its weight and stabilise the building. The following types of buildings are where you can expect to find the most amount of concrete mixers and cement being used.
Skyscrapers
Reinforced concrete is by far the most effective material for constructing high-rise buildings. Reinforced concrete is made by adding strong steel rods embedded into the concrete when it is poured, this enhances the strength of the concrete, preventing any cracks or crumbling which may appear. The high strength of concrete allows architects to construct high-rise buildings of extreme heights. Building skyscrapers can also be an extremely dangerous job, but building with concrete is relatively safe when compared with other materials. This factor improves the safety of the entire construction site, making concrete the number one choice for large high-rise buildings.
Parking bays
Concrete parking bays are long-lasting, as concrete is less likely to deteriorate than other materials. It has become the leading choice in parking lots as it lasts much longer than asphalt, or other paving options. It is also much easier to build with and business owners and investors can save on costs when erecting parking bays out of concrete. Its smooth surface reflects light easily, causing better visibility and lighting conditions in a parking bay. Keeping this area well-lit can improve safety and help prevent theft or damage to cars parked in the area.
Roads and Pavements
Roads and pavements comprise a large part of our urban landscape and connect cities and towns for easy access and transportation of goods. Most of our transport happens on roads, and they must be kept in good working order if we hope to benefit from them consistently. Concrete aids in the building of long-lasting and durable roads and pavements, it’s a popular material due to its long-lasting nature and ability to withstand heavy traffic. Strong, long-lasting roads can help a nation save money on maintenance, and improve road safety in many areas.
Dam walls
Dams are built using large concrete mixers and large volumes of concrete. Concrete is the best material to use for dam wall construction as it is one of the only materials strong enough to withstand the high water pressure of storing such large volumes of water. Using concrete and concrete mixers to construct a dam allows for high walls to build, this is especially useful for large dams set in deep gorges.
Bridges
Because concrete is such a versatile and durable material, it allows bridges to be built that can last for more than 100 years. It is the best option when it comes to constructing large projects. Concrete bridges allow for even weight distribution, making them safer and stronger than bridges made from other materials.
5 Building Projects Across The Globe: Concrete Use
Across the globe, architects have experimented with concrete to produce some of the most creative and experimental building projects. These impressive structures have only been possible thanks to the flexible and versatile nature of concrete. The following 5 buildings have used the most concrete during their construction, and the results are truly impressive.
The Burj Khalifa
This famous skyscraper in Dubai is an impressive tourist attraction for many. Not only was it used one of the largest amounts of concrete during construction, but it is also the tallest man-made building in the world, standing at a height of around 830 metres. Over 110 000 tons of concrete were used during construction, along with special tools such as a concrete pump and concrete mixers, making this structure an architectural phenomenon. The project was completed over 5 years.
The Hoover Dam
This huge concrete dam is situated in the Black Canyon in the USA, between Arizona and Nevada. The dam was completed in 1936 and built in an arch shape for increased strength. Its size is extremely impressive, and it weighs around 6,600,000 tons, most of which is solid concrete. The concrete used in this dam has even gained strength over the years after testing, making it one of the most remarkable concrete structures in use today. This dam also provides an important source of electricity to surrounding areas.
The Pantheon
This is one of the world’s most famous ruins, situated in Rome, Italy, and visited by hundreds of travellers and tourists each year. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient ruins to visit in Rome and shows us a splendid example of the first uses of concrete and concrete mixers in history. It was built using 4,535 tons of concrete and remains one of the world’s largest concrete dome structures.
The Willis Tower Skyscraper
Another skyscraper which has used the benefits of concrete to reach impressive heights is the Willis Tower in Chicago. The project was completed in 1973 and was the tallest building in the world for 25 years. The structure relied on reinforced concrete tubes to build, and it rests on large reinforced concrete foundations. |It is one of the world’s most famous buildings, making use of concrete mixers and reinforced concrete to complete.
The Panama Canal
This canal has played an important role in transportation, connecting North America and South America between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It was opened in 1914 and is still considered a famous concrete structure today. It is still in use every day to aid ships and boats, reducing their travel time between the two oceans.
Concrete Mixers: Important Tools Needed To Construct Concrete Buildings
Modern Building projects and architects today often use concrete along with a wide variety of tools and advanced construction methods which allow them to achieve their required results. The following are only a few examples of important construction equipment you will surely find on any building project, both large and small.
Concrete Mixers: They consistently mix the cement and aggregate for higher quality concrete, you can also avoid the concrete from hardening before it is properly poured.
Compactor Machines: These are mainly used in foundations, and they help to settle the concrete mixture, for a flat and smooth surface.
Concrete Vibrator tools: These help to ensure no air is trapped within the concrete which could weaken the structure later on.
Screeds: A flat tool or board that is used to smooth the concrete once it has been put into place.
How Can Concrete Mixers Make The Building Process Faster
Concrete used to be mixed in small batches using shovels, and this took up a lot of time and led to variation between batches. With the invention of concrete mixers and today’s advanced technology, mixing concrete is now faster and more precise than ever before. Even small projects make use of mixing cement using concrete mixers because it leads to better quality concrete. Concrete can be mixed in a variety of strengths and grades, and this is easily done with the help of the right mixing machine. A good quality mixer will speed up the process as well as improve the quality of your concrete, saving you time and money as you can prevent any mistake mix.
About BS Power
BS Commercial Power is one of the leading suppliers of high-quality concrete mixers in South Africa. All of our concrete mixers come in a range of sizes, allowing you to find the best option for a small home renovation project, or something much larger like commercial construction. Choose between a Baumax or Honda Engine when deciding on your purchase.