Concrete as a fundamental construction material

Its role in modern infrastructure development

Ancient use of concrete-like materials

Evolution to modern Portland cement concrete

Types of cement e.g., Portland cement, blended cement

Properties and functions of cement in concrete

Classification of aggregates fine and coarse

Impact of aggregate properties on concrete performance

Role of water in hydration process

Quality requirements for mixing water

Chemical admixtures e.g., superplasticizers, air entrainers

Mineral admixtures e.g., fly ash, silica fume and their benefits

Achieving desired workability, strength, and durability

Balancing proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures

Trial and error method

Mathematical and statistical approaches

Environmental conditions temperature, humidity

Project requirements structural, aesthetic

Definition and measurement of workability

Factors affecting workability e.g., water content, aggregate shape

Causes and prevention of segregation

Impact of bleeding on concrete quality

Chemical reactions during setting and hardening

Factors influencing setting time e.g., temperature, admixtures

Compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength

Factors affecting strength development e.g., curing conditions

Resistance to environmental attacks e.g., freeze-thaw, chemical

Methods to enhance durability e.g., proper mix design, curing

Definition and causes of shrinkage and creep

Impact on structural performance and cracking

Types of batching volume and weight batching

Mixing equipment and processes

Methods of transportation e.g., truck mixers, pumps

Placing techniques e.g., pumping, pouring

Importance of compaction for concrete density

Curing methods and their impact on concrete properties

Raw material inspection and testing

In-process quality checks during production

Fresh concrete tests e.g., slump test, air content test

Hardened concrete tests e.g., compressive strength test, durability tests

Definition and characteristics of HPC

Applications in high-rise buildings and bridges

Advantages of SCC in terms of workability and placement

Applications in complex formwork and congested reinforcement

Types of fibers e.g., steel, synthetic and their benefits

Applications in pavements and industrial floors