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Concrete is all around us — in our buildings, streets, basements, patios, and front steps. But most people aren’t quite sure exactly what this material is. In fact, many people mistakenly use the words "concrete" and "cement" interchangeably.

Hilltop Basic Resources, the leading provider of construction materials in Cincinnati, OH, explains below what concrete is and why it requires an aggregate such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone to work properly.

What Is Concrete?

Sand & Aggregates in Cincinnati, OHConcrete is a mixture of three ingredients: Portland cement, water, and aggregate. Portland cement is a powder comprised of limestone and clay that hardens when mixed with water and allowed to dry. Aggregates include such granular materials as sand, gravel, and crushed stone. When mixed and allowed to cure, they form a hard, durable material that is an indispensable part of the construction industry.

What Is the Role of Aggregate in Concrete?

If cement and water are the "glue" of a concrete mixture, aggregates are the materials the glue binds together. Aggregate accounts for 60 to 75% of the concrete's total volume and is usually divided into two categories: fine and coarse. It is important to add both fine and coarse aggregates to concrete, as coarse aggregates, such as crushed stone or recycled concrete, provide volume, while fine aggregates ensure the concrete has a uniform strength. The proper aggregate mixture makes the concrete easy to work with, easy to pour, and extremely durable.  

Founded in 1941, Hilltop Basic Resources is the largest concrete producer in Ohio, so they have the experience and resources to supply the construction materials your project requires, affordably and on time. The premier supplier of construction materials in Cincinnati, OH, they also have locations in Butler, KY, and Patriot, IN. Visit their website to view contact details, or call (513) 684-8200 to schedule delivery of sand, gravel, ready-mix concrete, or other materials.

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