When you walk by a cement truck you may see a semi-solid substance being laid into a predetermined space.
You may hear these two terms being used interchangeably when referring to sidewalks. In actuality, cement and concrete are two very separate things that we in the pavement industry use to differentiate materials. When you walk by a cement truck you may see a semi-solid substance being laid into a predetermined space. To really know all there is to know about concrete and cement, read on, and learn the difference.
What is cement?
Cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. That’s why it’s called a cement truck; it’s the state cement is in before it becomes pavement. Cement is a mixture of paste and water that adheres the different particles of concrete together to make a solid. You can find other forms of cement in some art stores; rubber cement, contact cement and gesso are a few different kinds. Contact cement is a great example for the bare minimum of what it means–it’s a thick, yellow paste that glides on two sides of what needs to be adhered, and after it becomes tacky, it bonds two objects together immediately. There must be an exact amount of cement for concrete to be functional, because too much can cause instability and too little can cause a rocky surface.
What is concrete made of?
Simply put, it’s a mixture of cement and waste by-products like silica and fly ash. You may also see tiny stones in some concrete mixtures, which add a certain aesthetic to the pavement. Concrete is incredibly durable using these ingredients. A similar process was used by the Romans to create still-standing structures like the Coliseum. There are also a number of aggregates that add to the mixture. The water that is used must be free of impurities, as these can affect drying time as well as the quality of the concrete.
Do you need to lay concrete? PTG Enterprises will help!
PTG stands out as an industry leader due to our methodology of pavement management planning: a systematic, long-term approach to managing and extending the life of your pavement. We will work with you to develop a comprehensive strategy to extend and maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces.
If you have any questions about winter asphalt maintenance, please contact PTG Enterprises today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also check us out on Facebook andTwitter.
