What Are The Differences Between Concrete And Cement?

The words cement and concrete are often used interchangeably as if they are the same thing. Those outside the concrete or construction industry don't tend to realise that they are wrong when they do this because there are fundamental differences between concrete and cement. They are actually very different things.

Cement is an ingredient used in concrete. So, when you refer to cement roads, pavements, and buildings, you are really talking about concrete.

2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping are experts in concrete with over 25 years combined in the industry. We know all there is to know about cement and concrete.

In the blog, our specialists explore the differences between cement and concrete.

What Is The Difference Between Cement and Concrete?

As mentioned above, concrete and cement are actually very different things. Cement is a component of concrete, which is probably where the confusion stems from.

Cement is a binding substance that is combined with water to become a paste used in concrete to bind the other ingredients together.

Concrete is a building material used in a large variety of applications thanks to it being highly durable, strong and weather resistant.

Because these are two different yet closely linked elements in construction, they have very different characteristics.

Cement is found as a dry, fine powder, which isn't very strong on its own. However, concrete is created as a liquid, that is poured or pumped into the desired area where it will cure (harden). Depending on the composition of the concrete, once hardened, it will be incredibly strong.

History Of Cement And Concrete

Cement has been around for over 12 million years, as natural changes created the mixture. This was the material first used to bind things together. Over time, humans discovered other ways to make cement, with various countries developing their own mixtures for their own uses.

The most notable was in 1828 when I.K Brunel was first credited for first using Portland Cement, the most commonly used cement today.

Concrete isn't quite as old as cement, as it isn't a material that can be naturally formed. However, it is believed to have been around since 7000 BC. It was produced through burning limestone, making quicklime, which was then mixed with water and stone and left to cure.

Word of this mixture spread, and the Romans then discovered mixing cement (at the time they were using volcanic materials that had properties of cement) with stone and water to create concrete. This was an incredibly strong material, and remnants of it can still be found in the structures of the Pantheon and Colosseum in Rome.

Concrete as we know and use it now was created in 1824 by Joseph Aspdin.

How Are Each Materials Made

Cement and concrete go through different processes to be produced.

While most of the ingredients in cement are derived from limestone, the binding agent consists of a variety of materials, including sand, bauxite, chalk, marl, limestone, clay, and iron ore.

These materials are crushed and heated to a temperature of about 1500°C. The end product is known as clinker, and it is packed after being ground into a fine powder and kept ready to activate with water as needed.

Concrete is made up of a mixture of cement, water and aggregates. Water is added to the dry ingredients (aggregates and powder cement) and combined. The ratio of these ingredients can be changed to create different strengths and designs depending on what is needed.

The concrete is kept moving, so that it doesn't cure, until it is poured or pumped into its final destination. Once in place, it is left to harden. Typically concrete will take around 28 days for the material to completely cure and reach maximum strength.

Today, this process can take place in two forms; at a batching plant (where it produces ready mixed concrete) or in a mix-on-site truck. Each method has advantages, with ready mixed concrete being batched in higher quantities in a very controlled environment, and mix-on-site concrete enabling you to pay for what you lay.

Usage Of Cement And Concrete

While predominantly used as an ingredient for concrete, cement is also widely used as mortar in plastering and grout in masonry.

Concrete is used mainly in construction projects. It is the most commonly used man-made material on earth due to its strength and durability. From bridges to curbs to building structures, you will find concrete everywhere.

More recently, concrete has been used as a material for artwork, with it being used as interior design for stairs, wall signs and even artistic structures.

High-Quality Concrete From 2 Brothers

The two brothers, Liam and Callum, have been in the concrete industry for most of their lives and have a combined experience of over 25 years.

This enables them to bring a wealth of knowledge to the concrete services they provide for commercial and domestic projects.

2 Brothers Concrete and Pumping are proud to offer a high-quality mix-on-site service across the South of England. With friendly service and communication at the heart of their business, you can be confident that you will be kept in the loop at all stages of your project.

Our volumetric trucks are operated by specialists who can help you work out how much concrete you will need for your project. This means they will be able to mix the exact amount needed on your site and pour or pump it to your location.

With the exact amount in place, all you will need to pay for is the quantity used; you won't have to worry about waste concrete and disposal costs.

Additionally, we will be able to create a concrete design mix that meets your requirements using our primary aggregates, providing a clean and pure concrete mix specific to your project.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your concrete needs and get a quote. Call us on 01489 552737 or complete our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.