FAQ

White cement mortar can be prepared in different mixtures according to the application areas (such as general plaster, decorative plaster, ceramic adhesive, waterproofing material, etc.). Depending on the application areas, the cement quantity is generally between 30-50% of the total dry mixture. Suitable filler materials such as calcite, silica, marble powder are used in a ratio of 50-70% of the total dry mixture. The amount of water to be added to the dry mixture may vary depending on the additives in the mixture. The water quantity should be determined carefully. If the water added to the dry mixture is excessive, it can cause hairline cracks after application.

The different color of white cement comes from the purity of the raw materials and the manufacturing process. In general, production is similar to gray cement, but the purity of the raw materials it contains is different.

White cement is a hydraulic binder produced from clay and limestone. It is an aesthetic, strong, and durable cement with high whiteness and purity values. The color difference of white cement originates from the purity of the raw materials used in its production process.

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White cement can be used for various applications. The choice of materials for the mixture may vary depending on the intended application. However, typically, the mixture is prepared by combining white cement with water and an appropriate aggregate. Different-colored concrete materials can be created by incorporating pigment into the mixture.

White cement can be used as a grout. The aesthetic properties and high strength of white cement provide many advantages when used as a grout.

To color white cement, pigments or dyes are added during the mixing process. These pigments or dyes can be either powder or liquid form and are mixed thoroughly with the white cement and other components, such as water and aggregate, until the desired color is achieved.

CEM I 52.5 R type white cement can have a higher strength level than gray cement because it is generally produced with higher purity. Therefore, white cement may be stronger than gray cement.

The raw materials of Portland cement, limestone and clay, are proportioned according to the desired chemistry. The material is then blended and baked in rotary kilns to approximately 1400 degrees Celsius. The product called clinker formed as a result of this process is allowed to cool. The clinker is then ground into a fine powder along with a small amount of a mineral called gypsum to control the setting time. We recommend you to review our blog post for more detailed information.

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In 1824, a bricklayer named Joseph Aspdin obtained a binding product by baking and then grinding the fine-grained clay and limestone mixture he prepared. When water and sand were added to this product and hardened over time, he compared the resulting material to the limestone found on the Portland Island of England, and received a patent called "Portland Cement" for this binder he obtained. Although this connector showed great developments in later years, the name "Portland" was preserved as it was.

Portland cement is made from a calcareous material such as limestone and alumina and silica found as clay or shale. Marl, which is a mixture of calcareous and clayey materials, is also used as raw material.

Cement is generally used in the production of ready-mixed concrete, construction chemicals and mortar manufacturing. It can be used in building constructions such as hospital, school, residence, shopping mall, business center, highway projects such as bridges, viaducts and tunnels, water structures such as water drainage channels, dams and canals, marine structures such as ports, piers and marinas, concrete road, airport, airstrip construction, and ready-made plaster and mortar production.

Cement should be stored in dry and sheltered indoor environments. In this case, it retains its properties for at least 6 months. Bagged products should not be stocked for more than 3 months. No more than 10 bags or 2 pallets should be stacked on top of each other. The product should be stored in its original packaging. The package should be tightly closed when not in use.

EN 197-1 standard defines 27 types of cement and their strength classes in the general cement family. According to this standard, the general cement family is grouped into five main types: CEM I Portland cement, CEM II Portland-compound cement, CEM III blast furnace slag cement, CEM IV pozzolanic cement, CEM V composite cement. CEM II main type cement group includes Portland slag cement, Portland silica fume cement, Portland pozzolanic cement, Portland fly ash cement, Portland baked shale cement, Portland calcareous cement, Portland composite cements according to the different main components it contains. The new cement standard EN 197-5 defines the newly developed Portland-composite cement CEM II/CM and composite cement CEM VI type, which benefits sustainability.

In the concrete value chain where cement is the main component, the features that make concrete the most common building material today are; It is economical, has a widespread production and distribution network, is produced with local materials, allows the easy production of building elements of the desired sections due to the plastic consistency of fresh concrete, has a very high strength and durability of hardened concrete and provides very good adherence with steel reinforcement.

EN 197-1 standard covers the composition, properties and suitability criteria for general cements. New cement standards that have been developed recently and benefit sustainability, EN 197-5 defines Portland-composite cement and composite cement, and EN 197-6 defines cements containing recycled building materials. Within the scope of special cements, it covers the composition, properties and suitability criteria of TS 21 white portland cement, EN 413-1 mortar cement, TS 13353 boron active belite cement, EN 14216 very low temperature cement and EN 14647 calcium aluminate cement.

You can check whether the product type of the cement you will purchase is suitable for your usage area according to EN 197-1 by examining the application areas in the "Technical Data Sheet (TDS)" that you will obtain from the cement manufacturer. In addition, you can evaluate its suitability for your project conditions with the declaration of conformity to the standard, production process certification, chemical and physical properties, safety instructions, storage conditions and shelf life information in this document. For Çimsa products, please visit our page.

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Sustainable cement production is achieved through the use of alternative raw materials and alternative fuels, reducing the use of clinker, which is a semi-finished product in cement, and energy efficiency. In order to protect natural resources, wastes and by-products of other sectors whose chemical content is close to the natural raw material content of cement are used as alternative raw materials. Taking advantage of the caloric values ​​of industrial wastes and using them as alternative fuel in cement kilns is becoming more and more important day by day to reduce the damage caused by CO2 emissions to the environment. We recommend you to review our blog post for more detailed information.

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In order to maintain the sustainability of nature, taking advantage of the caloric values ​​​​contained in wastes and using them as alternative fuel in cement kilns reduces CO2 emissions and is one of the main actions that must be taken to protect the environment. Some of the alternative fuels that can be used in cement production; used/waste tires, wood waste, textile waste, plastic waste, paper/cardboard waste, waste oils, used solvents, bleaching soil, bilge waste, contaminated waste and treatment sludge.

Among concrete properties, permeability is an important parameter that directly affects the lifespan of cementitious systems. Permeability, which is related to the structure and amount of voids in the concrete, reduces the structure's resistance to chemical attacks such as sulfate and chlorine. In order to ensure the durability of concrete, it is very important to apply cementitious systems suitable for the area of ​​use and to make the concrete as impermeable as possible. For more information, we recommend our related blog post.

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After a few hours of mixing, concrete components form a solid structure that loses its plastic properties. The chemical reaction that causes this and occurs as a result of the reaction of cement and water is called "hydration". Cement paste, which was initially soft plastic, becomes less plastic as time progresses and solidifies and hardens.

Cement strength; It is determined by testing the concrete prisms obtained by casting the mortar made using cement, standard sand and water into standard molds and curing it in the concrete press. 2, 7 and 28-day strength results are evaluated. In the EN 197-1 standard, 3 strength classes, 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5, and limit values ​​are defined to check their conformity.

When cement is mixed with water, the resulting cement paste becomes fluid or 'plastic' for a short period of time. During this time the cement paste can be shaped/moulded. As the chemical reaction between water and cement continues, the cement paste solidifies and eventually hardens. When cement paste loses its plastic properties and begins to solidify, it is called setting. The expression start of setting gives the starting time of setting. The phase amounts of cement clinker, the amount of gypsum added and the fineness of the cement affect the setting times.

Portland cement is a fine, powdery material produced by heating a mineral mixture containing certain proportions of lime, alumina, iron and silica at high temperatures and then grinding the resulting material (clinker) into fine powder. The material is usually mixed with water, sand and gravel to produce concrete.

Although all Portland cements are subject to standard (EN 197-1) classifications and provide product property limit values, not all Portland cements are the same. Cement properties occur with many different combinations of component materials, each giving different performance criteria that allow concrete to be produced to meet different performance requirements. These properties include concrete's sulphate resistance, strength development rate and resistance to chemical attack, etc. may affect.

Secondly, even the same cement grades can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Elements that can cause cement variation include raw material differences, chemical differences in the kiln feed, differences in production processes, and differences in the grinding and grinding additive used. Since consistency (stability) is one of the most important criteria for cement production, cement manufacturers attach importance and invest in plant equipment and quality control to ensure the most consistent product possible.

No, cement is actually a component of concrete. Concrete is basically a composite material that is a mixture of cement, aggregate, water, minerals and chemical additives.

Cement paste, which is a mixture of cement and water, is not very strong on its own. It is generally used in making concrete, mortar and plaster by combining it with sand, aggregate and other additive materials.

Water causes cement to harden through a process called hydration. Hydration is a chemical reaction in which the main compounds in cement form chemical bonds with water molecules and bind themselves together to form a hardened structure.

The grain size of cement varies between 6.5-90 μm. The majority of them are between 20-30 μm. The activity of cement grains and their ability to provide higher strength as a result of hydration depend on their fine grinding. The finer the grains, the more hydrated they are. In a large grain, water does not penetrate inside and the middle part does not get hydrated. The excess of the hydrated part increases the strength. Fineness is crucial for strength development, especially in the early stages of hydration.

The “fineness” parameter gives us information about the size of the cement particles. It has a significant impact on strength. Typically cement is ground to very fine particle sizes to increase its ability to react with water. Smaller particle size improves the strength development of cement paste. Finer-ground cements tend to set or develop strength more quickly than coarser-ground products.

Clinker is the main ingredient of cement and is called semi-finished product. It is a granular material formed by baking farin powder, obtained by grinding clinker, limestone and clay together, in a rotary kiln at 1400 -1500 degrees Celsius.

CaO, one of the oxides in Portland cement, is obtained from the limestone in the raw material mixture, and SiO2 and Al2O3 are obtained from clay. There is also some Fe2O3 in the raw material. These four oxides are the main oxides that make up the main components of cement.

C3S, C2S, C3A and C4AF, which are formed in the clinker structure as a result of firing, are the main components of Portland cement and directly affect the hydration reaction process. Silicates (C3S and C2S) are formed by the combination of SiO2 and CaO oxides, constituting approximately 80% of the clinker. Aluminates make up approximately 20% of cement. Alumina, CaO combines with C3A and iron oxide to form C4AF.

When the main components of cement, C3S and C2S, combine with water, the hydration products of cement are formed as calcium-silica-hydrate (C3S2H3) and calcium hydroxide (CH). The strength gained by cement paste depends on the amount of calcium-silica-hydrate (C-S-H gels).

Hydration of cement consists of 5 different processes: mixing process, dormancy process, hardening process, cooling process, and densification process. For more information, we recommend our related blog post.

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Cr VI (Chromium 6) found in cement is monitored by the industry due to its harm to human health. As of January 3, 2022, iron sulfate has started to be added to cements with the European Union Directive, which does not allow the sale of cements with Cr6+ (Cr VI) content more than 2ppm after hydration.

The heat released during the hydration of cement, which is an exothermic reaction, is called heat of hydration. How much heat of hydration a cement will release depends on the amounts of the main components (C3S, C2S, C3A and C4AF) in the cement paste and how long the hydration has taken place. The average and highest heat of hydration values ​​of Portland cement can be stated as approximately 100 cal/g and 120 cal/g.

The “Insoluble Residue” parameter allows us to detect silicon-containing materials in cement. According to EN 197-1 standard, there is a maximum limit of 5% for CEM I group Portland cement and CEM III group blast furnace slag cement.

The “Chloride” parameter gives the amount of chlorine in the cement and is max. in the EN 197-1 standard because it causes reinforcement corrosion in concrete systems. It is limited to 0.10%.

“SO3 (sulfur trioxide)” is the parameter used to determine the gypsum ratio in cement. It has an effect on setting times. According to EN 197-1 standard, the amount of sulfate (SO3) in cement is limited.

“Loss on Ignition” gives the amount of calcareous substances added to the cement. In the EN 197-1 standard, the ignition loss for CEM I group portland cement and CEM III group blast furnace slag cement is limited to a maximum of 5%.

“Volume expansion” indicates the volumetric expansion caused by MgO and S.CaO in the cement. It is important to prevent concrete from expanding and cracking. According to EN 197-1 standard, MgO content should not be more than 5% and free calcium oxide (CaO) content should not be more than 1.0% by mass.

Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) is a type of cement obtained by producing clinker with limestone and bauxite raw materials. The CAC formula mainly consists of CaO·Al2O3.

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Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) has numerous applications. It is particularly used in various construction chemical products such as repair mortar, grout mortar, plug mortar, and rapid ceramic adhesive, where early high strength is required. CAC is also used in refractory concretes that maintain integrity at high temperatures and in floor concretes exposed to heavy loads.

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Calcium aluminate cements (CAC) differ chemically, physically, and mineralogically when compared to Portland cements (OPC). The main raw materials of Portland cement are clay and limestone, with CaO and SiO2 being the main oxides derived from these raw materials. In the production of calcium aluminate cement, bauxite, which is a source of alumina, is used as a raw material. The main oxide is Al2O3.

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Calcium aluminate mortar is used for various specialized applications where high temperature resistance, rapid setting, and exceptional chemical resistance are required. It is commonly employed in refractory installations, furnace linings, kiln repairs, and other high-temperature environments due to its ability to withstand elevated temperatures without significant loss of strength.

Calcium Aluminate Cement: Key Considerations

Çimsa Cement has been producing calcium aluminate cement at its production facility in Mersin for over 20 years and ensures its sales in more than 60 countries.

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In systems with calcium aluminate cement, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and other accelerating additives are used to speed up the setting process. Additionally, CAC provides faster setting characteristics by preparing ternary binder systems with Portland cement and gypsum.

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The advantages of calcium aluminate cement include fast setting, high early and final strength, high temperature resistance, reduced Alkali-Silica Reactionand sulfate resistance.

The main components of concrete are cement, water, aggregate and additives. Cement hardens by reacting with water and binds the aggregates. Water initiates the hydration process of cement and ensures the workability of concrete. Aggregate consists of sand and crushed stone (or gravel), which make up the majority of the volume of concrete. Admixtures are used to improve the properties of concrete. Mixing these components in the right proportions determines the durability and performance of concrete.

The function of water in concrete is to initiate the hydration process of the cement, allowing it to harden and gain binding properties, and to increase the workability of the concrete. The hydration process occurs through the chemical reaction of cement and water, and this reaction determines the durability and strength of concrete. The amount of water should be carefully controlled; While too much water reduces the strength and durability of concrete, insufficient water can reduce the workability of the mixture. Therefore, using water in the correct proportions is critical to the quality of concrete.

The function of aggregate in concrete is to increase the durability of concrete, improve its mechanical properties and make concrete a more economical building material. Fine and coarse aggregates combine with cement and water in the concrete mixture, creating a homogeneous structure and filling the volume of concrete. Additionally, aggregates increase the thermal stability of concrete, reduce the risk of cracking and increase wear resistance. Therefore, selection of aggregates with the correct size, shape and distribution is important.

Coarse aggregates are larger sized materials such as gravel or crushed stone, usually with grain sizes larger than 5 millimeters. These types of aggregates are used to increase the strength of concrete and fill its volume. Fine aggregates, on the other hand, are generally smaller sized materials such as sand, with grain sizes generally smaller than 5 millimeters. Fine aggregates fill the gaps between cement and coarse aggregates, ensuring that concrete has a compact, dense structure. Using these two types of aggregates together ensures that the concrete has a homogeneous structure and obtains the desired strength and workability.

The types of cement used in concrete vary, such as Portland cement, blast furnace slag cement, Portland fly ash cement, Portland calcareous cement and sulfate-resistant cement. These cement types are used in concrete mixtures to suit different structural requirements and environmental conditions.

The setting time of concrete refers to the time in which the cement and water of the concrete mixture come together and begin to harden and lose its workability. Setting time varies depending on a variety of factors and is generally affected by factors such as the mixing ratio of the concrete, type of cement, environmental conditions and additives used. While fast-setting concrete mixtures are preferred in construction projects that require early load-bearing capacity, slower-setting mixtures are generally used in projects with long concrete processing (placement, compaction and finishing) times.

The curing period of concrete is a process that continues after the concrete is casted until a durable structure is formed by hardening through the chemical reaction of cement and water. During this process, the concrete should not be allowed to dry, it is important to complete the hydration and gain the desired strength by moistening it under appropriate conditions. Curing time varies depending on factors such as cement type, concrete mix ratio, ambient temperature and humidity. Typically, concrete is considered to be most vulnerable in the first 24 hours and usually requires up to 28 days to reach full strength. A good curing process increases the strength and durability of concrete and reduces the risk of cracking, so it is important to pay attention to the curing process after casting.

The compressive strength of concrete is a criterion that determines how much pressure the concrete can withstand under the influence of an external force. Compressive strength is usually expressed in megapascals (MPa) and is determined by laboratory tests on concrete samples. The compressive strength of concrete varies depending on factors such as the cement ratio in the mixture, the type and size of the aggregates used, the water-cement ratio, and the curing and hardening process of the mixture. Concrete has a compressive strength requirement determined according to its usage area, and this strength value is important to ensure structural durability. For example, while buildings generally use concrete with a certain compressive strength, high-strength concrete is generally preferred for structures with higher load-carrying capacity, such as bridges and dams.

Tensile strength of concrete is a measure of how much resistance concrete can resist a tensile force. The tensile strength of concrete is generally not as high as the compressive strength because concrete is less resistant to tension. Tensile strength is determined using laboratory tests on concrete samples and is usually expressed in megapascals (MPa). The tensile strength of concrete relates to the ability to control the formation and spreading of cracks within the concrete. Concrete can crack under tensile loads, and these cracks can affect the concrete's durability and structural integrity. Therefore, the tensile strength of concrete is important in structural design and safety. Tensile strength can be increased by steel reinforcement inserted into concrete because steel increases the tensile strength of concrete and controls the formation of cracks.

The modulus of elasticity of concrete is a material property that measures the elastic behavior of concrete. This module defines the relationship between stress and deformation of concrete and determines how much deformation concrete can exhibit when a tensile force is applied. The modulus of elasticity, also often called Young's modulus, can have different values ​​in compression and tension of concrete. The modulus of elasticity of concrete is determined by laboratory tests on concrete samples and is usually expressed in gigapascals (GPa). This module is important in the structural design process and calculation of reinforced concrete structures because it is used as a fundamental parameter in determining the behavior and durability of structures.

Water-cement ratio is the ratio of the amount of water used in the concrete mixture to the amount of cement. This ratio is an important factor that determines the strength, durability, workability and final properties of concrete. The water-cement ratio may vary depending on specific applications and requirements. Higher water-cement ratios can increase the workability of concrete but reduce its strength and durability. Low water-cement ratios increase the strength and durability of concrete, but may reduce the workability of the mixture. The optimum water-cement ratio must be carefully determined to ensure the strength, durability and workability of concrete required for a particular application. In the design of a good concrete mix, the water-cement ratio is selected and controlled in accordance with factors such as structural requirements and environmental conditions. This allows the concrete to achieve the desired performance and durability.

Slump test is a standard test method used to evaluate the workability of concrete. This test measures the consistency of fresh concrete and determines its ability to plastic deform within a certain period of time. During slump testing, a conical shaped metal mold is used and filled with concrete. The formwork is then slowly lifted and the degree of slump of the concrete is measured. Slump value gives information about the workability of concrete and indicates the usability of concrete during placement. A higher slump value indicates a more fluid and workable concrete mixture, while a lower slump value indicates a more viscous and hard concrete mixture. Slump testing is widely used in construction projects to check the quality of concrete mix and ensure proper workability.

Air content in concrete refers to the proportion of air voids present in the concrete mixture. These air voids may be in the form of small voids trapped within the concrete as air bubbles. Air content is usually expressed as a percentage and is determined by laboratory tests on concrete samples. The air content in concrete varies depending on a variety of factors, but generally has a percentage value between 1 and 3. This air content affects the strength and freeze-thaw resistance of concrete. While low air content generally helps concrete to have higher strength, ensuring controlled void formation in concrete by using air-entraining additives increases the resistance against volumetric expansions that will occur due to the freeze-thaw effect.

The workability of concrete refers to its ability to be easily transported, placed and finished during construction. It includes properties such as consistency, fluidity and stickiness, which determine how easily the concrete can be shaped, spread and compressed during pouring, spreading and compacting into the molds. A concrete mixture with good workability is one that can be manipulated effortlessly without segregation, and at the same time maintains the necessary strength and durability after hardening with its homogeneous feature. Achieving the optimal level of workability is essential for ensuring efficient construction processes, minimizing labor and equipment costs and producing high-quality concrete structures.

The maximum size of coarse aggregates used in concrete typically ranges from 16 millimeters to 22 millimeters, depending on the specific requirements of the project. These aggregates, which include materials such as gravel or crushed stone, provide structural stability to the concrete mix. The selection of the appropriate maximum coarse aggregate size depends on factors such as the thickness of the reinforced concrete section and spacing of reinforcing bars or other embedded elements, and the desired concrete strength and durability. Generally, larger maximum aggregate sizes are used for thicker concrete sections, while smaller sizes are used to achieve thinner sections or smoother surfaces.

Minimum cement content in concrete refers to the least amount of cement required to provide adequate strength and durability in concrete. This content is determined depending on factors such as the desired strength of the concrete, the environmental conditions to which it will be exposed, and the additional mineral additives or chemical additives used. Minimum cement content is required to ensure adequate hydration and binding of concrete components and to meet the loads and environmental impacts applied to the concrete. It serves as a critical parameter in concrete mix design and ensures that the resulting concrete meets specific performance requirements and standards for the planned application.

The water-cement ratio in concrete is important because it directly affects the strength, durability and workability of concrete. This ratio represents the ratio of water to cement used in the mixture, with lower ratios indicating less water used relative to the cement. Maintaining the correct water-cement ratio is crucial to ensuring optimal hydration of cement particles, which is essential for creating a strong and durable concrete structure. A higher water-cement ratio may increase workability but reduces the strength and durability of concrete. In contrast, a lower water-cement ratio provides stronger and more durable concrete, but excessive reduction can make the mixture difficult to handle and prevent proper compaction. Therefore, control of the water-cement ratio is essential to ensure the overall quality and performance of concrete in construction projects.

Concrete additives perform various functions aimed at improving concrete properties and performance. These chemical additives are included to achieve the desired effects during mixing of the concrete mixture. Plasticizer (water reducing) admixtures increase both concrete strength and workability by reducing the water-cement ratio. Setting accelerators speed up the hardening time of concrete, which can be useful in cold weather conditions or situations requiring rapid construction. Setting retarders delay the hardening of concrete and provide longer workability times. It also contains additives that entrain tiny air bubbles into the concrete mix to increase freeze-thaw resistance. As a result, admixtures offer a way to flexibly and efficiently tailor concrete mixtures to meet specific construction requirements, improving durability, workability and overall performance.

The most commonly used is achieved by wetting the concrete surface with a continuous spray of water for a period of time, generally lasting up to seven days. Wet curing maintains the hydration process by providing concrete with a constant source of moisture, ultimately increasing concrete strength and resistance to cracking. Another method involves preventing moisture loss through evaporation by covering the concrete surface with moisture-retaining materials such as cloth or plastic sheets. This method is often used in hot or windy conditions, it protects the concrete from shrinkage. The advantages of each method vary depending on factors such as environmental conditions, project requirements and time constraints.

High temperatures accelerate the hydration and strength development of concrete and increase early strength. In contrast, low temperatures slow down hydration and prolong the strength development time of concrete. However, extreme temperatures create challenges; excessive heat leads to rapid moisture loss and potential cracks. Cold weather prevents hydration, delays concrete gaining strength and reduces strength. When preparing the concrete mix, measures such as shading and cooling for hot weather and insulation and heating for cold weather are used to maintain appropriate temperatures for strength development.

Normal weight concrete and lightweight concrete differ in their density and concrete components. The oven-dried unit volume mass of normal weight concrete, the most commonly used concrete, varies between 2000 kg/m3 and 2600 kg/m3. And, it consists of traditional aggregates such as crushed stone, gravel, crushed sand and natural sand. In contrast, the unit volume mass of lightweight concrete is lower, varying between 800 kg/m3 and 2000 kg/m3. This density reduction is achieved by incorporating lightweight aggregates such as expanded clay, volcanic slag, pumice, perlite, vermiculite into the concrete mixture and/or using air entraining additives. Lightweight concrete offers advantages such as improving thermal insulation, reducing the load on structures and increasing fire resistance. This makes it suitable for various construction applications where load reduction is desired, for example prefabricated building elements. However, lightweight concrete may have slightly lower strength than normal weight concrete, so its application and structural requirements need to be carefully considered.

Concrete air content involves adding small trapped air bubbles to the concrete mix, usually achieved through the use of air content additives. These air bubbles serve several beneficial purposes, increasing the durability and workability of concrete. For example, air content increases the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete by providing space for water to expand when it freezes, reducing the likelihood of internal pressure building up within the concrete and subsequent cracking. Secondly, it increases the workability of the concrete mixture, allowing easier placement and compaction of the concrete.

The choice between precast and cast-in-place concrete depends on factors such as project scale, timeline, budget, and specific design requirements. It involves the controlled pouring of structural elements such as prefabricated concrete, beams, columns and panel walls in a production area away from the construction site. These prefabricated elements are then transported to the construction site and assembled into the structure. This method offers advantages such as increased quality control, speed of construction and reduced labor requirements on the construction site. On the other hand, cast-in-place concrete is poured and shaped directly at the construction site. This method provides more flexibility in terms of design.

Shrinkage refers to the volume reduction that occurs when concrete dries and loses moisture, causing dimensional changes such as cracking and shape change. This process occurs due to the evaporation of water from the concrete mixture.

Slump testing is performed by filling a conical mold with freshly mixed concrete, compacting it, then lifting the mold vertically and measuring the slump of the concrete after the mold is removed. This test provides information about the consistency and fluidity of the concrete mixture and is carried out according to EN 12350-2 standard.

Concrete degree of compressibility testing involves filling a standard prism-shaped container with concrete and compacting it using an immersion vibrator or vibration table. The degree of compressibility is determined by measuring the ratio of the volume of the prism-shaped container to the volume of fully compacted concrete. This test evaluates the ability of the concrete mixture to be effectively compacted, especially when vibrating equipment is used. It is measured according to EN 12350-4 standard.

The maximum resistance that hardened concrete can show against deformations that may be caused by axial loads on it is called concrete compressive strength. Typically, cylindrical or cubic concrete samples are determined by subjecting them to compressive stress until fracture occurs, the test is carried out according to TS EN 12390-3 standard. On the other hand, flexural strength evaluates the resistance of concrete to bending. This strength is important in applications where concrete elements such as beams and slabs are subjected to bending loads. Flexural strength is determined by exposing prismatic concrete samples to bending stresses until fracture occurs, the test is carried out according to TS EN 12390-5 standard.

Curing plays an important role in concrete structure to achieve strength, durability and long-term performance. It ensures the retention of moisture in the concrete and prevents rapid evaporation. By maintaining the moisture environment, it ensures the completion of the hydration process, which allows concrete to improve its strength and durability. It also prevents the concrete surface from drying too quickly, reducing the risk of plastic shrinkage cracks and surface defects. By improving the overall quality of concrete, it helps to obtain a more durable and solid structure over time.

When casting concrete in hot weather, precautions should be taken to prevent rapid evaporation of the mixing water and premature setting of the concrete mixture. The most common measures include cooling of aggregates, use of chilled mixing water, shading of stock/work area. On the other hand, in cold weather concrete pouring, the focus is on preventing the concrete mixture from freezing. Because this negatively affects the strength. Heated aggregates and mixing water, insulation of molds, use of setting accelerators or antifreeze additives are applied to maintain strength development. Both approaches aim to ensure that concrete reaches the desired strength, durability and quality despite harsh environmental conditions. TS 1248 standard determines the rules for the preparation, casting and maintenance of concrete in abnormal weather conditions.

Plasticizing additives are a very important component in concrete production with their ability to reduce mixing water, which increases the workability and strength of concrete. These additives disperse cement particles more effectively, reducing the water/cement ratio. Workability allows concrete to be placed, compacted and finished more easily, reducing labor and increasing construction efficiency. Additionally, by reducing the water content in the mixture, it contributes to the production of higher strength concrete and reduces permeability, increasing durability.

Concrete's water permeability is a critical factor in determining its durability and long-term performance. Highly water permeable concrete allows water to easily penetrate, which can lead to corrosion of embedded steel reinforcement, freeze-thaw damage, alkali-silica reaction, and concrete deterioration. Excessive water permeability also increases moisture-related problems such as mold and dampness. Therefore, reducing the water permeability of concrete is important to ensure its resistance to harmful effects and extend its service life. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including appropriate concrete mix design, use of water-reducing admixtures, adequate compaction and appropriate curing methods. By minimizing water permeability, concrete structures can maintain their durability and appearance over time, thus increasing their durability and reducing the need for expensive repairs and maintenance.

Short-term shrinkage of concrete refers to the instantaneous volume reduction that occurs shortly after the concrete is placed and begins the curing process. This shrinkage occurs due to evaporation of excess mixing water from the surface of the concrete and initial hydration reactions. It usually occurs within the first few days or weeks after placement and can lead to crack formation if not properly controlled. It is prevented by proper curing and moisture control. On the other hand, long-term shrinkage refers to the gradual volume reduction that usually continues for months or even years after the concrete has hardened. This shrinkage results from ongoing drying and hydration processes within the concrete matrix, causing cracks and deformations over time.

Workability is a measure of how easily concrete can be mixed, placed and compacted without segregation or sweating. Fluidity is a measure of how concrete can flow and spread homogeneously under its own weight. It generally means the ability to spread without requiring vibration or compression. Workability generally focuses on the ease of processing, while fluidity depends on the fluidity of the concrete mix. Both features are important for proper placement and compaction of concrete during construction, with the best outcome depending on factors such as project requirements, placement conditions, and desired outcome.

The compressive strength of concrete is determined by dividing the maximum applied load by the cross-sectional area of ​​the sample. This measurement is usually expressed in psi or MPa and indicates the concrete's resistance to pressure.