betonimassa

Betonimassa, or concrete mix, denotes the fresh, workable combination used to form concrete in construction. It consists of cementitious binder, water, and aggregates, with possible chemical and mineral admixtures to adjust workability, setting characteristics, and durability. In its plastic state it can be shaped and compacted; after curing it becomes a solid composite material in which the aggregates are bound by the hardened cement paste.

Composition and properties are driven by the water–cement ratio, the type and grading of aggregates, and any additives. Common components include cement, water, fine and coarse aggregates, and admixtures such as plasticizers, air-entraining agents, retarders, accelerators, and supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag, silica fume). The workability, strength, permeability, and durability of Betonimassa depend on these choices. Mortar and grout are related materials with different aggregate content and are not always categorized as Betonimassa in the strict sense.

Classification typically distinguishes normal-weight and lightweight concretes, as well as varying strength grades (for example, by national or European standards). Fresh concrete is assessed by properties such as slump (workability) and air content, while hardened concrete is characterized by compressive strength, durability, and shrinkage behavior. Large-volume or mass concrete requires careful temperature management to minimize thermal cracking during curing.

Applications include cast-in-place structures, precast elements, foundations, slabs, and structural components. Standards such as EN 206 and related national codes govern composition, performance, testing, and design. Environmental considerations focus on cement-related CO2 emissions, and practices such as using supplementary cementitious materials and recycled aggregates to improve sustainability.