konstruktsioonbetoon

Konstruktsioonbetoon, also known as structural concrete, is a composite material used in construction for its strength, durability, and versatility. It is primarily composed of cement, aggregate (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and water. The cement acts as a binder, reacting with water in a process called hydration to form a hardened matrix that encapsulates the aggregate. This process gives concrete its characteristic strength and rigidity.

The properties of construction beton can be precisely controlled by varying the proportions of its constituents, the type of cement used, and the addition of admixtures. These admixtures can modify properties like workability, setting time, strength development, and resistance to environmental factors like freezing and thawing. The aggregate, which typically constitutes the largest volume of concrete, provides bulk and significantly influences the concrete's strength and cost-effectiveness.

Konstruktsioonbetoon is widely employed in the creation of load-bearing elements in buildings and infrastructure, including foundations, columns, beams, slabs, walls, and bridges. Its ability to be cast into virtually any shape makes it ideal for complex architectural designs. The material's compressive strength is a key advantage, allowing it to withstand significant loads. However, concrete has low tensile strength, which is often overcome by reinforcing it with steel bars (rebar) to create reinforced concrete. This composite material, known as raudbetoon in Estonian, combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel, making it a fundamental building material in modern construction.