To answer to this key question, let's reduce it to few simpler questions: What is concrete Concrete is the most widely-used composite material in the construction industry. It is durable, weather-resistant, environmentally neutral and economically affordable. There are many types of concrete each designed for fulfilling specific technical, structural and aesthetic requirement(s). In the broadest definition, concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, aggregate (gravel and sand) and potable water. Fresh concrete is a workable, form-able, non-toxic paste that can be easily poured and formed as per design requirements. During the hydration process, the water reacts with Portland cement to form a crystallized and permanent matrix holding aggregates together. In few days after casting the concrete, the concrete body reaches the pick of its strengths provided curing process is supervised by experienced and trained team in a conditioned environment. Concrete compressive strength can easily surpass the compressive strength of many naturally occurring rocks; a compressive strength of 70 MPa can be easily achieved in a precast concrete factory and many cast-in-situ concrete elements achieve a compressive strength of 40 MPa and more. What is reinforced concrete Despite the amazingly high compressive strength, concrete like all ceramics, lacks the tensile strength. To improve this physical property, concrete is reinforced with steel rebars and more recently, with synthetic fibers or composite rebars. What is floating concrete structure A floating concrete structure is a solid body made of reinforced concrete and an inner chain of chambers filled with a lightweight impermeable material. The core of the technology of design and manufacture of floating concrete structures, is the calculation and design of the structure to produce a heavy structure, sometimes 200 tons, that meet ALL below requirements:
|