Limitations of Concrete
Disadvantages of Concrete are as follows:
- Concrete has a very low tensile strength and requires the use of reinforcing bars in concrete tensile zone.
- Expensive formwork is required for casting and molding and to hold the concrete in place until it hardens sufficiently.
- The low strength per unit of weight of concrete leads to heavy members and is an important consideration for tall buildings and long-span structures resulting in disadvantages of Concrete
- The properties of concrete vary widely due to variations in its proportioning and mixing.
- The placing and curing of concrete is not as carefully controlled as is the production of other materials such as structural steel and laminated wood.
- Another Disadvantages of Concrete is that Concrete is not ductile.
- Concrete is quasi-brittle and exhibits a strain-softening behavior
- Compared to steel, the concrete has significantly low toughness. Toughness of concrete is only 1-2% of steel.
- Shrinkage in concrete causes crack are developed and strength loss.
- Concrete requires installation of formwork to mould it in a shape and to support its self-weight.
- Full strength development in concrete requires proper curing for up to 28 days which means that concrete requires extra care and a good amount of water which makes it a disadvantage.
- The process of manufacturing concrete is not environment-friendly as it uses a lot more energy and emits greater volumes of carbon dioxide than other construction materials such as steel and glass.
- Concrete is susceptible to cracking. There are different types and causes of cracking
- Concrete is bulkier that steel or wood, increasing dead load of structure.
- Can experience concrete creep – increase in deformation over time with sustained loading.
- Can experience shrinkage – decrease in volume due to loss of absorbed water.
Let us know in the comments what you think about the concepts in this article!