What is Concrete?

A blend of aggregates bound together by a hydraulic binder.

Concrete is an engineering material that simulates the properties of rock and is a combination of particles closely bound together.

It is simply a blend of aggregates, normally natural sand and gravel or crushed rock. These are bound together by a hydraulic binder e.g. Portland Cement and activated by water to form a dense semi-homogenous mass.

Because of its general characteristics concrete is sometimes referred to as artificial rock. Concrete is very strong in resisting compression. In use where tensile stresses have to be accommodated reinforcement is incorporated into the concrete to absorb tension. Concrete is the most widely used construction material. It allows flexibility in structural form as it can be moulded into a multiplicity of shapes.

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Did you know?

• Concrete is the second most-used material on Earth after water
• Concrete production contributes 5% of annual anthropogenic global CO2 production
• Concrete in the middle of the Hoover Dam, opened in 1936, is still drying out!
• The largest ever, unreinforced concrete dome construction is the Pantheon in Rome, which is over 2000 years old
• Cement, if sealed in a thermos flask with water, will reach boiling point
• 99% of all ‘cracked’ concrete is associated with other construction factors and not the material as delivered
• Concrete is an extremely inexpensive material when you consider what it does. For example: 1m3 of concrete = 1000 litres of product. If you were to buy the same volume of paint, you would pay a lot more, and it wouldn’t be as durable
• Concrete sets and hardens underwater
• Concrete actually has elastic properties
• A ready-mixed concrete plant can have in excess of 2000 mix recipes available

Read on to become an expert on concrete, including its composition, types, benefits, and uses. Contact our team for guidance, request a quote, or explore our range of ready-mixed concrete today.

What is concrete made of?

Concrete comprises three primary components: aggregates, a binder, and water. Aggregates, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone, provide volume and structure. The binder, often Portland Cement, reacts with water to create a paste that binds the aggregates together, forming a solid and durable material.

In some cases, additives like plasticisers or air entrainers enhance specific properties, such as improving workability or frost resistance. This customisation makes concrete suitable for various applications, from domestic foundations to large-scale infrastructure projects.

How is concrete different from cement?

The distinction between cement and concrete becomes clear when understanding their compositions and uses. Cement is a fine powder made from limestone and clay, acting as a binding agent, while concrete is a versatile building material created by mixing cement with water, sand, and rock. 

Although closely related, they are not the same, cement is an ingredient in concrete, rarely used on its own in construction. Concrete, as a composite material, provides the strength and versatility needed for most structural applications.

For guidance on specific uses of general-purpose concrete, check out our How to Lay a Concrete Base guide.

Common uses of concrete

Concrete plays a vital role in shaping our everyday lives, often supporting structures and spaces we rely on without a second thought. Its durability and versatility make it indispensable for many applications. 

For example, concrete driveways are a popular choice for their ability to withstand heavy impact and pressure, adding long-term value to homes. Additionally, pavements crafted from concrete provide safe and reliable walkways in cities and neighbourhoods, enduring high footfall in bustling areas like city centres and transport hubs. Roads, too, benefit from concrete's resilience, offering the strength needed to endure years of heavy traffic, from busy city streets to quieter rural roads.

Concrete’s practicality extends to parking lots, which benefit from its long-lasting nature, reduced maintenance costs, and improved aesthetics. It also provides a firm foundation for buildings, ensuring structural stability and resistance to fire, rot, and extreme weather. 

For mid and high-rise buildings, concrete is the material of choice, offering unmatched safety, energy efficiency, and durability. Whether it’s supporting our homes, roads, or workplaces, concrete remains the cornerstone of modern infrastructure.

Use our concrete calculator to determine the volume of ready-mixed concrete you need for your project.