betooni

Betooni is the genitive singular form of the Estonian noun betoon, which refers to concrete, a composite construction material. In everyday Estonian usage, betoon means concrete, while betooni is used in phrases to express possession or relation, such as “betooni kvaliteet” (quality of concrete). The term betooni itself is thus mainly a grammatical form rather than a separate material.

Concrete is produced by binding cement paste with aggregates and water. The cement paste binds the aggregates as it hydrates and hardens. Common binders include Portland cement and various blended cements; aggregates are typically sand and gravel or crushed stone. Water initiates hydration, and admixtures may modify workability, setting time, strength, and durability. Types of concrete include ordinary Portland cement concrete, reinforced concrete (with steel reinforcement), prestressed concrete, high-strength concrete, light-weight or aerated concrete, and self-compacting concrete.

Key properties of concrete include high compressive strength, good durability, and fire resistance, but relatively low tensile strength unless reinforced. Durability depends on mix design, curing, exposure conditions, and material quality. Environmental considerations center on cement production, which emits substantial CO2; mitigation approaches include using supplementary cementitious materials (like fly ash or slag), recycled aggregates, and low-carbon cements or alternative binders.

Industry practice covers production steps such as batching, mixing, placing, and curing, all governed by standards that vary by region. In Europe, standards and regulations often reference EN specifications; in other regions, ASTM or national standards apply to aggregates, concrete mixtures, and structural design. Concrete is widely used in foundations, floors, walls, columns, bridges, and precast elements, reflecting its versatility and long history from ancient binders to modern construction.