concretos

Concretos is the plural form used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions to refer to concrete, a composite construction material composed of a binding cement paste, aggregates such as sand and gravel, and water. The term is used regionally to describe the material, while in English the singular term concrete is more common and concretes is seldom used.

Concrete is produced by mixing cement with water to form a paste that coats the aggregates. Through hydration, the paste hardens and binds the aggregates into a rigid matrix. Admixtures may be added to modify properties such as workability, setting time, air content, and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles. Portland cement is the most widely used binder in modern concrete.

Various forms of concretos are employed to meet structural and durability requirements. Normal-strength concrete provides basic performance, while reinforced concrete uses steel reinforcement to carry tensile forces. Prestressed concrete, high- or ultra-high-performance concretes, self-compacting concrete, and lightweight formulations are used in specialized applications. Key properties include high compressive strength, good durability, fire resistance, and variable tensile strength depending on reinforcement and mix design. Strength classes and mix proportions are defined by local standards.

Historically, concrete has ancient roots in Roman construction, with modern Portland cement development in the 19th century enabling more uniform and scalable fabrication. In construction practice, quality control, curing conditions, and proper material sourcing are essential to achieve long-term performance.

Sustainability considerations focus on reducing cement-related CO2 emissions, using supplementary cementitious materials, recycled aggregates, and innovative binders. Concretos thus encompass a range of concrete products and technologies used worldwide in infrastructure and buildings.