With concrete being the most used substance on the planet, it's no wonder that so many varieties and types have evolved.
But there are quite a few differences between standard "run-of-the-mill" concrete foundation slabs and hi-tech engineered colored concrete.
Newlook did a few lab tests on some of the advantages of engineered concrete and cement:
Un-Modified Cement
Modified Cement
Shear Bond Strength (Strength of a bond between 2 surfaces)
80 PSI
250 PSI
Tensile Strength (Ability to resist separation)
210 PSI
925 PSI
Comprehensive Strength (How much surface weight can be applied before breaking)
2265 PSI
4365 PSI
Flexural Strength (Ability to withstand compressive forces)
210 PSI
925 PSI
Impact Strength (Force required to break the surface)
5 in. Lbs
37 in. Lbs
Abrasion Resistance (Percentage of surface loss under abrasive wheels)
22.5% Loss
.03% Loss
PSI = Pounds per square inch
It's important not to confuse concrete with cement. Cement is only a binder (Cement holds things together like a glue) which keeps an aggregate (rocks, reBar, fiber etc.) in a stabilized form. In the same way that fiberglass needs an epoxy binder, aggregate needs a cement binder. Visit the FAQ's Section for more information on aggregates and admixtures
It's easy to understand considering that higher numbers are better with exception to Abrasion Resistance) why engineered concrete has so many advantages over conventional materials. Another trait (and many tests have been done on this as well) engineered concrete has over standard pour concrete is the resistance to moisture absorption and evaporation. This reduces, if not eliminates, those unsightly spalls and cracks that are so common in Colorado's extreme climate!
