Concrete Resurfacing

Concrete is a material which has many uses, but mainly in building construction. Concrete consists of a chemically inert particulate substance which is tough and hard, and known as an aggregate. Aggregates tend to be made from different types of gravel and sand, and are then bonded together by cement and water. Concrete is a tough substance, but is also susceptible to damage such as cracks and holes created by weathering, vehicles, and so on. Concrete is comprised of two main materials; cement and an aggregate. Aggregates are typically sand, stone that has been crushed, slag, gravel, shale or clay which have been burned or ashes. Finer aggregate is used to make smooth surfaces and concrete slabs. Coarser aggregate is used for massive structures or large selections of cement.

The History of Concrete: The history of concrete begins with the history of cement. Clay was originally used as a bonding surface or cement by both the Babylonians and the Assyrians. Lime and Gypsum cement were used by the Egyptians. A British engineer by the name of John Smeaton made what is the first modern concrete in the year of 1756 by mixing a course aggregate in the form of pebbles and powdered brick into the cement. In the year of 1824, an English inventor by the name of Joseph Aspdin invented what is called Portland cement, which is still the dominant cement which is used in the production of concrete. This first true artificial cement was created by Aspdin by burning clay and ground limestone together. The process of burning the materials has changed the chemical properties, creating stronger cement than what crushed limestone on its own could produce.

Ferroconcrete: Ferroconcrete, also known as reinforced concrete, is concrete which has been created with an imbedded metal such as steel. Joseph Monier in 1849 invented Reinforced concrete, and a patent was received in 1867. Monier was a Parisian gardener who was known for making gardening containers out of concrete which was reinforced by an iron mesh. Reinforced concrete was created in order to combine the bendable strength that metal provides along with the compressional strength offered by the concrete in order to withstand loads which are heavy. Joseph Monier’s invention was exhibited at the Paris Exposition in 1867. Monier used his reinforced concrete invention for more than simply gardening containers like pots and tubs. Monier was also known for promoting the use of reinforced concrete in railway ties, floors, arches, bridges and pipes.

Concrete has many applications, ranging drastically in size. Concrete is even gaining popularity for counter tops and indoor flooring. Concrete has also been adapted into a form of resurfacing, in order to bring old flooring to life with new color and texture. Concrete resurfacing is quickly gaining notoriety as a popular way to change the look and feel of a floor, and resurfacing concrete is a great way to fix a cracked driveway or clean up the garage floor as well.