Essentials of Quality Concrete

This course provides an overview of concrete, including its properties and basic components, the properties required for plastic and hardened concrete, and the variables that influence the quality of concrete. It will discuss some of the mechanical and durability characteristics required of concrete for various applications. The materials used in concrete mixtures, including portland cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates, water and air will be discussed along with the general concepts of proportioning concrete mixtures. This course will introduce admixtures and explain their purpose. It explores air entraining and water reducing admixtures, accelerators and retarders, as well as other "value added" admixtures. This course also provides the basics of troubleshooting concrete slabs, such as workability, place-ability, finish-ability, and causes for cracking and other defects in concrete.