In this workshop, I learnt about the many uses of concrete in the construction industry and how new technological research and improvements can help facilitate the construction process to make it more effective and cost-saving.
We were first introduced to the cement production process. It was a hefty process starting from harvesting limestone from quarries until cement powder is created.
Clinkers -
1) Quarry - CaCO3, SiO2
2) Excavation
3) Transporting
4) Crushing
5) Prehomogenisation
6) Grinding
7) Preheating - 5 Stages
8) Filter
9) Rotary Kiln - 1450C (Clinkerisation Reaction)
10) Cooler - 80C (Quenching)
11) Clinker Storage - 35000MT
12) Addition of Additives
13) Grinder - Cement Mill ( 7% residue on 45 micron sleeve)
14) Cement Storage
There are also many grades of concrete that differs in cement : sand : aggregate ratio
Grade 5- 1:4:8
10 - 1:3:6
15 - 1:2:4
20 - 1:1.5:3
25 - 1:1:2
30 - 1:1.8:3.3 (1:2:3)
(Structural Grade)
Common problems in concrete works:
- Broken tiles
- Colour Fade
- Weed Growing
- Uneven Floor
- Disorder
- Mould Growth
- Cracks
- Discolouration
We were also introduced to 3 new products by Lafarge - Hydromedia, Arteria, and Agilia.
Hydromedia is a concrete with cement and aggregate only. This allows water to flow through during rainy days, avoiding puddles of water that may cause trouble. The water then evaporates during the day.
Arteria is coloured concrete. This eliminates the painting process and problems such as the fading of paint.
Agilia is very watery concrete. This type of concrete is far easier to cast compared to normal concrete. It does not need the vibration process to compact and thus reduces the noise produces during the process of casting concrete. This is extremely useful in urban areas where there are dense population nearby the construction site.
In conclusion, we gained substantial knowledge about concrete and also the new improvements made in the market.
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