Concrete and cement are two terms that are frequently used synonymously while discussing building materials. Well, you have come to the right place if you are also wondering what is the primary difference between cement and concrete. Further, knowing the differences is essential for anyone working in the construction industry. It allows contractors and builders to make well-informed decisions while choosing materials for diverse purposes.
Cement VS Concrete
Here is an overview of cement VS concrete, shedding light on several aspects that highlight the significant differences between them.
Strength and Durability:
Concrete and cement differ significantly in terms of their strength. Although cement is an essential element of concrete, the exceptionally remarkable durability of concrete is a result of the combination of cement, particles, and water.
Cement
Cement, by itself, is not particularly strong or long-lasting. Its main function is to act as a binder, keeping the other elements together.
Hydration, the chemical process that takes place when it is combined with water, is what gives cement sturdiness. Its particles and water molecules mix to form a solid matrix that holds the aggregates collectively. But it becomes prone to crumbling and splitting over time, especially when exposed to high loads or unfavourable weather. For this reason, mixing cement with aggregates like sand and gravel is vital for boosting its:
- Tenacity
- Longevity
Concrete
When aggregates are incorporated into cement, a composite material is produced that is resistant to strong tensile forces. They serve as reinforcement by:
- Dispersing the load across the structure
- Halting the formation of cracks
Compressive strength, or the capacity of concrete to withstand compression or being squished, is the unit of measurement for concrete’s strength. Further, this enables it to hold large weights, which makes it appropriate for use in the construction sector. Besides, its resilience against abrasion, chemical erosion, and weathering is what determines its lifespan. Simply put, it is an enduring material for both indoor and outdoor applications since it can endure exposure to:
- Severe temperatures
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Corrosive substances
Read more: What Is Concrete Made Of?
Uses and Applications:
Concrete and cement have distinct applications that set them apart in the construction industry.
Cement
As stated above, the main use of cement is in the production of concrete. Besides, it is utilised in building roads, bridges, buildings, and other kinds of infrastructure. It also serves a role in the formation of mortar, which is a component used to join stones or bricks. In masonry work, mortar is paramount because it offers stability to structures. In addition, it serves the purpose of making stucco, a plaster-like substance that is used to coat buildings’ exteriors for protection as well as aesthetic appeal.
Further, its adaptability extends to its applications in the manufacture of precast concrete items, including:
- Panels
- Pipes
- Blocks
Since these items are produced off-site and then transported to the construction site, they offer practical and affordable options for a range of building projects.
Concrete
On the other hand, concrete has a wide range of applications because of its rigidity, robustness, and moldability. Moreover, it is frequently utilised in the construction of:
- Walls
- Floors
- Pavements
- Foundations
- Buildings
For structures that need to be sturdy and resilient, it is the best material since it can bear large loads without cracking or disintegrating. Projects like skyscrapers, bridges, and dams are a few that mostly depend on its durability. This can be polished, stamped, or stained to create aesthetically pleasing surfaces. Also, it may be moulded into a variety of shapes, which opens up new and inventive architectural design possibilities. Because of this, architects and designers that want to push the limits of construction frequently choose ready mix concrete. It is also suitable for outdoor areas where it would be subjected to harsh weather conditions and high traffic volume. For example:
- Parking lots
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
Cost
Cement
Usually, cement is priced per bag and sold in bags. However, its prices can change based on a number of variables, including location, quality, and brand. A bag typically costs between $5 and $15. Further, it is influenced by several factors that impact its production, distribution, and availability.
Read more: How Do I Calculate Cement Bags for Concrete of Different Grades?
- Price of Raw Materials:
The key elements of cement, namely gypsum, limestone, and clay, are susceptible to price variations. Why? Because of many reasons, including extraction costs, accessibility, and demand. Thus, fluctuations in the cost of raw materials can directly impact the overall cost of cement production.
- Energy Expenses:
Alterations in energy prices can directly impact the final price of cement.
Cement production necessitates high-temperature procedures, including kiln fire, which are energy-intensive. Therefore, its manufacturing expenses can be significantly impacted by the price of energy, such as coal, natural gas, or electricity.
- Transportation Costs:
Normally, bulk cement is shipped, railroaded, or trucked from cement manufacturing facilities to distribution centres or construction sites. Besides, the cost of transportation can be greatly impacted by the distance between the manufacturing site and the destination, fuel rates, and logistics. Long-distance deliveries can result in higher transportation costs, ultimately impacting cement’s final pricing.
- Other Factors:
In addition to these factors, market demand, government regulations, and taxes are other variables that contribute a role in determining the total price. The production and distribution may incur additional costs due to local government taxes and regulations. Furthermore, it may rise during times of high demand because of restricted supply or higher production expenses.
Concrete
The price of concrete varies from $100 to $150 per cubic yard and is often sold by the cubic yard. Moreover, the cost of reinforcements and additives, like fibres or steel bars, may greatly impact the price and raise its overall cost.
- Type of Concrete Mix:
An important consideration when determining the price of concrete is the kind of mix that will be needed for a certain project. The retail cost of various concrete mix types varies; these include:
- Specialty mixes
- High-strength concrete
- Ready mix concrete
- Regular concrete
For instance, high-strength concrete can cost more than regular concrete since it is used in situations that call for greater durability and load-bearing capacity.
- Amount of concrete:
The quantity of concrete required for a project is an additional factor that influences the price of concrete. Since it is usually sold by cubic yard, the price increases with the number of cubic yards needed. Besides, the project’s size and complexity, including the area to be covered and the number of buildings to be built, can have a tremendous effect on the final cost.
- Location of the site:
The outlay may differ depending on transportation expenses, such as distance travelled and fuel expenditures. The cost of transportation may be higher, which raises the total expense of concrete, if the project is located in a distant location with limited access to concrete plants or suppliers.
Read more: Types of Concrete Grade, Their Uses and Strengths
Bottom Line
Cement is a powder that is not suitable for manufacturing a pavement or a swimming pool on its own. It is merely one component in the concrete mix! Conversely, concrete is a mixture of water, sand, cement, and stone (gravel, rock), with assorted proportions of each ingredient depending on the project’s requirements. Hence, if you are looking for a material to provide a firm foundation for your structure, you must seek high-quality ready mix concrete. For this purpose, you have to perform thorough research to discover reputable businesses. Also, you must identify your specific needs and address your queries regarding the type of mix you desire. It will enable the manufacturers to customise the quantity of cement and other aggregates to cater to your needs.
Are you looking for concrete for your upcoming construction project? Get in touch with our representatives at Ready Mix Concrete London to attain the best quality mix at an affordable price with optimum customer service and comprehensive guidance!
