betonie

Betonie, commonly referred to as concrete in many languages, is a widely used construction material composed of a cementitious binder, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Admixtures may be added to modify workability, setting time, or durability, and reinforcement such as steel bars or fibers can be included to improve tensile strength.

Manufacture and curing involve batching the ingredients, mixing to a uniform mixture, placing into formwork, and curing to allow cement hydration to develop strength. Ordinary Portland cement is the most common binder, but other binders and supplementary cementitious materials (like fly ash, slag, or silica fume) can reduce environmental impact or tailor properties. Concrete can be plain or reinforced, and it is also produced as prestressed, high-performance, or lightweight variants.

Key properties include high compressive strength, good fire resistance, and durability in many environments, while its tensile strength is comparatively low unless reinforced. Proper curing, adequate cover for steel reinforcement, and protection against freeze–thaw cycles, sulfates, and alkali–silica reactions are important for long-term performance. Finishes range from smooth to textured, and concrete can be cast in place or produced as precast elements.

Common applications span foundations, floors, walls, bridges, tunnels, dams, roads, and architectural components. Environmental considerations focus on cement production emissions, the use of recycled or secondary materials, and extending service life. Quality is governed by standards and testing, including compressive strength tests and compliance with guidelines such as EN 206 or ASTM C39.

Historically, concrete traces its roots to ancient civilizations, with modern Portland cement-based concrete emerging in the 19th century and becoming a dominant material in the 20th century due to its versatility and relatively low cost.