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While you may have heard the terms cement and concrete used interchangeably, they’re far from the same. If you’re constructing a building, for instance, it will never be built out of cement; this is an ingredient used to create concrete, which is used for building. As Cincinnati, OH’s, leader in building materials, Hilltop Basic Resources wants to set the record straight. Below, these experts share a helpful guide to the differences between cement and concrete.

Cement

Cement, the main ingredient in concrete, is manufactured by combining aluminum, calcium, iron, silicon, limestone, shells, and chalk. These are then mixed with iron ore, clay, and sand. When the mixture is heated in a kiln at 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit, it forms into rock, which is then ground into a fine powder cement.

The process takes multiple steps. First, limestone and clay are quarried and crushed. Crushing is time-consuming, as rocks need to be reduced to a small enough size to mix. Then the other ingredients are added, everything is thoroughly mixed, and it’s placed into rotary kilns lined with firebrick. These kilns are colossal; they can be higher than a 40-story building!

The process is closely controlled, and as the mixture moves through, some elements become gases, while the others form clinker, which appears as minuscule grey balls. Clinker is taken out of the kiln, cooled, ground, and mixed with more limestone and gypsum. Fine ground cement results; a single pound contains 150 billion grains. From here, it moves to ready-mix concrete companies.

concreteConcrete

Once the cement is finished, it’s mixed with water to create a paste. This paste is mixed with aggregates, with the final result binding together to form the rock-like concrete used for construction. While it is wet, it can be molded into any shape or form. Once it hardens, it becomes extremely durable, which is why it has such extensive uses. From small homes to highways, concrete does it all. 

The mix of ingredients is what creates this durability, so correct proportions are vital. Too much cement, for instance, will produce a smooth surface that’s weak and susceptible to cracking. The mixture is proportioned down to an exact volume, which is about 60-75% aggregates, 15-20% water, 10-15% cement, and 5-8% air bubbles. 

The difference between cement and concrete is remarkable, but when you need construction materials, it’s vital to know the difference. Hilltop Companies offers it all, from mining limestone for cement to operating ready-mix concrete facilities. From sand and crushed stone to concrete, these experts have the building materials you need for projects of every scale. Visit their website for product information or call (513) 684-8200 to place your order today!

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