10+ Uses of Concrete in Civil Engineering
Concrete is one of the most frequently used building materials worldwide. The distinctive
characteristics like strength, durability, low-maintenance, energy-efficient, sustainability are the
reasons for wide range usage of concrete in the field of civil engineering.
In this article, we discuss the different uses of concrete in the field of civil engineering.
Uses of Concrete
The major uses of concrete are-
1. Concrete Dams
The characteristics of concrete such as high strength and unit weight make it a more suitable material
for the construction of dams. Dams are used to store water and produce electricity. The loads imposed
on the dam due to water pressure are very intense which makes concrete as a suitable material for
dam construction.
Fig 1: Uses of Concrete in Dams
2. Residential Buildings
The construction of small buildings, villas, and even high-rise buildings are done using concrete with
traditional or modern form-work as a method of construction of the skeleton from foundations to the
slabs and of course columns and beams.
Fig 2: Use of concrete in the construction of
residential buildings.
3. Commercial Buildings
The use of concrete in commercial buildings makes it safer than using most other construction
materials. It is mostly more economic than steel buildings and requires less maintenance. It is easy to
control the heat transfer from inside to outside and vice versa which reduces the energy consumed.
Fig
3: Concrete used in the construction of commercial buildings.
4. Roads or Driveways
Concrete streets, pavements, and driveways are more durable and stronger than asphalt roadways.
The long-lasting service time and the less maintenance required for concrete roads make it the first
choice of material for the construction of roads and driveways.
Fif 4: Concrete in Roads.
5. Marine Construction
Concrete has had extensive use as a construction material for seawalls, jetties, groins, breakwaters,
bulkheads, and other structures exposed to seawater. The performance record has generally been
good.
Fig 5: Underwater
structural members made of concrete.
6. Culverts and Sewers
Sewers and underground construction works need strong and durable building materials and
concrete is the ideal one. Culverts, piers, foundation, abutments are constructed using special concrete
mix.
Fig 6: Culvert constructed using concrete.
7. Foundations
The foundation of high-rise or low-rise buildings is usually constructed using reinforced cement
concrete, as it is durable and has a huge load-carrying capacity.
Fig 7: Footing concrete.
8. Fences
The development in the precast concrete industry has improved the industry of concrete fences. It is
faster to produce and install the fence elements using precast than the traditional method of concrete
fence construction. Moreover, it is beautiful and more attractive.
Fig 8: Precast concrete fence.
9. Concrete Bridges
Reinforced concrete strength, durability, ductility, weather resistance, fire resistance, and long-lasting
life cycle makes the concrete the best solution for constructing the bridges. Pre-stressed concrete,
post-stressed concrete, self compacted concrete are different types of concrete that may apply in
bridges construction.
Fig 9: Concrete Bridges.
Other Uses
1. As the concrete is an important part of a building, it is prioritized over wood as a construction material.
2. Concrete once cast and cured does not require any maintenance and can hold up against any weather
condition.
3. Concrete is a non-combustible or decaying material that makes it inert material that doesn’t burn,
mildew or feed rot.
4. Its superior structural integrity provides an added degree of protection from the severe weather as well
as an earthquake.
5. Concrete is produced from locally available materials and leaves a small environmental footprint while
still providing high-level durability.
6. Concrete can be shaped in various forms when freshly mixed.
7. A concrete floor can be stamped to create an attractive surface. It can admit natural light during the day
and transmit artificial light after work.
8. It is a durable and cost-effective material which is a necessity for underground use.
