Bachelor of Quantity Surveying

Building Materials
BLD62003
Lee Kim Thiam

031710

Na Yeow Sing

0320385

Ng Jia Nan

0321451

Parvesh Ferag

0320760

Steven Chan Kai Tiong

0319850

Identify and briefly explain 2 types of concrete.

1)Normal concrete

Concrete commonly mixed with common ingredients.

Consist of aggregates, sand and cements.
Uses to make floorslabs.

2)High strength concrete

High compressive strength higher than 6000pounds per square inch.

Has low water concentration.
Addition of silica fumes to prevent formation of calcium hydroxide fumes and
aggregates are carefully selected.

Uses to build columns and bridge supports.

List and explain two advantages of concrete

1.

With cast-in-place, the availability of materials are ready.

Lowered project time and enhanced the cash flow

So, deliveries can be done in time at any moment.

Since preordering and lengthy delivery time is the benchmark with steel
construction, the ready availability of concrete can save up to 20 weeks or
more from the time management.

2. Durability, Strength and low maintenance

Concrete can withstand catastrophic loading and there is less

movement with concrete structures.

Buildings have a longer life expectancy.

Concrete are weather-tight so required low maintenance and have

greater resale value than other structure.

Two problems associated with concrete

Crazing
The most repeated problems in
concrete
Occurs when the surface shows several
interconnected fine cracks
Occurs when the cement paste comes
up to the surface and it shrinks

Curling
Occurs when there is more shrinkage at the bottom
once the concrete has hardened
Differences in moisture and or temperature between
top and bottom

Maintenance of Concrete

Cleaning Polished Concrete

Dusting and damp mopping with a neutral cleaner.
Easy to maintain polished floors.
Extremely durable due to densification.

Fixing Minor Flaws

Cracks, scratches, gouges.

If it is very severe, then surface must be resurfaced with an overlay.

In some cases, accentuating floor cracks is possible.
Involves staining or sawcutting.

Concrete Finishes
Concrete finishes : Broom finish
Washed finish
Seeded with decorative stones
Stained concrete
Stamped concrete
The cost of a concrete installation will depend on the
size, finish and preparation required for the area to be
installed.

Broom Finish

Simplest finishes.
Broom is pulled across the concrete to provide texture.
The broom finishing results in fine lines in the finish of the concrete.
What is the purpose of a broom finish?
Make the surface of the concrete less slippery.
Allowing traction when being walked on.

Washed Finish

Washes the top layer of concrete away.

It doesn't require chemical retarders or special tools.
It is the common finish texture of most older city
sidewalks.