Glossary of Terms for Local Concrete Contractors
abrasive aggregate
Abrasive aggregate is used make the concrete surfaces more abrasive. Sometimes special aggregates are added to poured concrete and cast concrete for decorative purposes.
Also known as: abrasive aggregates
accelerator
Accelerator decreases the setting time of concrete by increasing hydration.
Also known as: accelerators
admixture
Admixture is something other than water that is added to concrete to control properties such as setting and workability.
Also known as: admixtures
aggregate
Aggregate is a combination of crushed rock, sand and gravel that is mixed with cement to make concrete.
binder
Binder is hardened cement paste.
Also known as: cement paste
bleed
Bleed is when water seeps to the top of the cement paste because of the settling.
cement
Cement is inorganic compounds finely powdered which harden when combined with water.
cement-aggregate ratio
Cement-aggregate ratio is the ratio of aggregate to cement and is measured by weight.
cement paste
Cement paste is cement and water which develops in strength until it becomes hardened cement paste.
clay
Clay is a kind of soil that consists of very fine particles.
concrete
Concrete is made from aggregate components and cement and is used for sidewalks and walkways, etc.
concrete pavers
Concrete pavers are paving stones made from concrete and are used for walkways, driveways, etc.
Also known as: concrete paving stones
concrete sand
Concrete sand is a sand that is used for aggregate.
crushed rock
Crushed rock is used in concrete as an aggregate.
cure
Cure is keeping the concrete moist while it is initially hardening.
dormancy period
Dormancy period is the time that concrete remains workable.
forms
Forms are holders for concrete where it is allowed to harden.
gravel
Gravel is fine pieces of rock and can be used as an aggregate.
gypsum
Gypsum is added to cement to regulate its setting.
Also known as: calcium sulfate dihydrate
limestone
Limestone is a rock that is made of the mineral calcium carbonate.
paver
Paver or paving is when cement is poured to make a firm and even surface.
Also known as: paving
slump test
Slump test is to test the concrete to determine its workability.
stained concrete
Stained concrete is colored concrete and is can be used in driveways and other areas. Stained concrete is available in vibrant colors and can also be chosen to complement the style and color of your home.
Also known as: stained concrete patterns
stamped concrete
Stamped concrete is often used in place of concrete pavers as it can look like brick, tile or blocks and can be stamped with a pattern. A foundation of concrete is poured and then stamping the pattern while it is still damp.
Also known as: stamped concrete patterns
stenciled concrete
Stenciled concrete is used to mimic other paving materials like brick or tile by using stencils.
Also known as: stenciled concrete patterns
workability
Workability is how easily fresh concrete can be used and molded and put into forms.
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