At the end of the CONCRETE section, you should be able to ...

Identify the basic raw ingredients used to manufacture cement

Identify the four main chemical "compounds" in cement and explain what each
contributes to the behavior of the fresh and hardened cement

List the five main types of cement and distinguish between them on the basis of
their properties

Explain the terms "initial set" and "final set"

Distinguish between setting and hardening

Explain the primary purpose of the aggregate in normal-strength concrete

Summarize the procedures for performing a slump test and explain what the results
signify

Explain the term “workability” as it applies to portland cement concrete

Explain the term “segregation” as it applies to portland cement concrete

Explain the term “bleeding” as it applies to portland cement concrete

Identify the factors that contribute to segregation and bleeding

Identify the properties of concrete affected by air content and explain why they
are thus affected

Calculate air content, unit weight, and yield using the gravimetric method

Summarize the procedures for mixing, placing, and curing concrete cylinders

Identify the environmental factors needed for concrete to properly cure

List several methods for field curing concrete in a proper environment

Summarize the procedure for performing a compression test in the lab

Calculate compressive strength from laboratory compression test results

Identify the testing factors that affect measured concrete strength in the laboratory


Summarize the procedure for performing a splitting tensile test in the lab and
reduce the data
Calculate tensile strength from laboratory split tension test results

Explain why "modulus of rupture" is not the same as "tensile strength"

Summarize the procedure for obtaining a stress-strain curve in the lab


Calculate elastic modulus from laboratory stress-strain results using the ASTM
method
List the four fundamental objectives of concrete mix design

Explain the basic tenets of economical mix design and the rheological concepts
behind them

Calculate, using the ACI volumetric method, a concrete mix design that will satisfy
stated criteria

Adjust a concrete mix design to account for field moisture conditions