5 Factors That Have Changed Concrete Over Time

The leading industry in the construction market, ready-mixed concrete has been through countless changes over the years. Although it may not be evident, the ready-mixed concrete industry is constantly changing as technology and engineering progress. If you ask any concrete contractor, you will be amazed at the changes that have occurred in the previous years. Here are five things that have changed concrete throughout the ages.

1.    Composition

Concrete has existed for slightly more than a century, and for the most part, its composition has stayed the same. There have, however, been some changes to concrete that have helped improve its usability and safety.

Over time, concrete has changed its basic composition. This is one of the most important changes, primarily because concrete used to be a mixture of lime, gravel, and sand. Modern concrete, however, is made up of numerous other materials, including rebar and cement. These changes to the composition of concrete have resulted in improved durability and strength.

2.    Design

The design of concrete has also undergone major changes. In previous years, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) set standards for concrete. In modern times, however, concrete designs are considerably more flexible and able to be adapted to various environments. These changes have allowed for more efficiency and versatility.

Other important changes in the design of concrete include:

• Versatility. Instead of only being suitable for roads and bridges, concrete can now be used to create walls and flooring.
• Durability. Concrete can now withstand a significant amount of wear and tear, especially when placed in areas with high foot traffic.
• Recyclability. Concrete can now be recycled instead of being disposed of in landfills. This greatly reduces the amount of pollution in the atmosphere.

3.    Industry Expansion

As previously mentioned, concrete has been around for more than a century and has become an essential aspect of many businesses. It is now used in a plethora of industries, including transportation, construction, and manufacturing. The business of concrete has expanded rapidly, largely due to improvements in technology and increased demand. There are countless factors that have contributed to the growth of the concrete business, such as improved infrastructure and a greater demand for products that are durable. Presently, concrete is the world’s most widely produced building material.

4.    Moving Away From Traditional Concrete

Although cement has been a key element of the construction industry, there are indications that various industries are currently moving away from using cement as a building material. Cement is responsible for binding rock, soil, and other materials to create a structure, but in recent years, many have expressed concerns about its use.

One of the chief concerns regarding the use of concrete is its environmental impact. Producing concrete releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming and climate change. Concrete can also be dangerous to industrial workers over time. This is primarily because workers are exposed to toxic chemicals and large amounts of dust, leading to respiratory issues and other health concerns.

5.    Sustainability and Durability

One of the growing trends in the ready-mixed concrete business is the increasing popularity of colored concrete. This trend is largely driven by the growing demand for sustainable building materials. Many producers of concrete have decided to incorporate recycled materials in concrete, which can reduce the amount of waste produced. Recycled concrete is also more durable than regular concrete.

Many new products that improve the quality of concrete are now reaching the market as well. Some of these products include fiber-reinforced concretes and precast concrete panels. Both of these products make buildings more resistant to weathering and earthquakes and more durable.

Reach Out to a Concrete Contactor

RTS Construction is a premier concrete contractor you can trust. We always aim to keep our services prompt, professional, and affordable. Reach out to us today to get your concrete project started.