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Concrete vs. Cement: What's the Difference?

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Concrete and cement are two different materials that are both very common in construction. They're often confused with one another because they're used in the same types of projects.

Concrete is a composite material made up of cement, sand, gravel, and water, while cement is a powdered ingredient used to make concrete. Concrete and cement each have different functions in construction, thus making them different materials. You use cement to make concrete, so don't mix up the two! What is the difference between concrete and cement? Get ready to enjoy this super fun science lesson with instructor Chelsey! 

What is Cement?

The main component of cement is cement made from crushed stone, gravel, and sand or ash. The second major component of cement is lime, and the other products are mainly binder and mortar, etc. Cement is used in a wide range of industries, the main ones being construction, agriculture, engineering, chemical and petrochemical industries, mining, etc. What are the advantages of using cement? Cement is much cheaper than other cement varieties, such as Portland cement. Also, cement effectively protects the final product from water and acids and from absorbing harmful chemicals. Do you think that cement is the major component of concrete? Yes, cement, with a very high amount of cement mixed with water, is considered the major concrete component.


What is Concrete?

Concrete is a mixture of concrete and aggregate. Concrete is commonly known as gray concrete in the building industry and is the type most often used in home construction, where it is also known as white concrete or tile concrete. How do you decide if a road needs to be reinforced with concrete? When a bridge, tunnel, or structure needs to be reinforced with concrete, the bridge designer or engineer reviews the structural design to determine how much concrete is needed to ensure the bridge or tunnel is not compromised. Most bridge and tunnel designers will use a load-bearing capacity study to determine the amount of concrete used to complete the project. Does a beam have to be concrete for it to be reinforced? A beam does not have to be concrete to be reinforced.


How is Cement Used in Concrete?

Concrete uses cement to make solid materials. The aggregate and paste are crushed to a fine powder, mixed, then compacted in a mold or form. Once hardened, it is ready for use.

What does cement do to concrete? Cement binds the aggregate and paste together, keeps the cement solid, and hardens the concrete to form strong building blocks. It gives concrete a hard surface that can be worked with without fear of breaking down or causing damage to structures. How much does cement cost? When installing a new concrete block or concrete foundation in your home, the cement alone might cost you $100-$150 per ton. Other materials may add up. More cement can mean more expensive concrete. Some cement products are even more expensive.