Concrete is a construction material composed of cement as well as other
cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate, sand, water, and
chemical admixtures. The word concrete comes from the Latin word "concretus".
which means "hardened" or "hard". Concrete can be designed to withstand the
harshest environments while taking on the most inspirational forms. Engineers are
continuously pushing the limits with the help of innovative chemical admixtures and
supplementary cernentitious materials
often incorporated in the concrete mix to reduce cement contents, improve
workability, increase strength and enhance durability. There are many types of
admixtures being used in concrete. Strict air-pollution controls and regulations have
produced an abundance of industrial byproducts that can be used as admixtures such
as silica fume and rice husk ash. The use of such byproducts in concrete construction
not only enhances the properties of concrete, but it also reduces cost, keep
environment clean, and can avoid the byproducts form being land-filled.
Furthermore, admixtures can replace a portion of the cement content and it will
greatly reduce the cost especially for mass amount of concret
