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Become a Better Construction Manager - Learn About Concrete

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Based on 94 ratings
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Jim Rogers

Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. Today's construction professional needs to understand how this material works, how it has evolved and how it is made. The course includes discussions on the chemistry behind making concrete, and the evolution of the science behind making concrete. These are things that today's construction professional needs to understand in order to effectively manage today's projects. You will learn the meaning and origins of the terms and processes used in the industry by today's concrete producers and engineers so that you become a more effective and more professional construction pro.

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Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. Today's construction professional needs to understand how this material works, how it has evolved and how it is made. The course includes discussions on the chemistry behind making concrete, and the evolution of the science behind making concrete. These are things that today's construction professional needs to understand in order to effectively manage today's projects. You will learn the meaning and origins of the terms and processes used in the industry by today's concrete producers and engineers so that you become a more effective and more professional construction pro.

Gain a better understanding of the chemistry behind the Worlds most widely used building material and learn how its production has evolved to produce a more advanced and eco-friendly finished product.

After completing this course you will be able to...

  • Describe the difference between concrete and cement
  • List the basic components or ingredients needed to make concrete
  • Explain how concrete uses industrial by-products
  • Discuss how these by-products enhance the properties of concrete
  • Describe the chemical process through which concrete gets hard
  • Explain how chemical admixtures can be used to alter the properties of concrete
  • Define the terms used by designers and producers when they are preparing and reviewing concrete mix designs

Learn from a professional

My courses have been created as a place where everyone, whether you are an experienced professional, a young project engineer, new to a trade or a seasoned journeyman, can come to learn more about the industry that we have chosen as our profession. That's what this platform is about. These courses are meant to be a way for you to increase your knowledge of the construction industry in a variety of cutting edge topics from concrete reinforcing and prestressing, to micro trenching, to safety management systems. These are not meant to be how-to courses. These are meant to be courses that educate you on a construction topic and give you a real understanding of how something works or why its being used. This is also meant to be an unbiased platform that discusses both the advantages and the limitations of the topic being taught.

This course is a great way for you to increase your knowledge about the material science behind the production of concrete.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction

This section introduces you to the most widely used building material on the planet! In fact, concrete is the most widely used man-made material on the Earth.

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This opening section will quiz you on how much you already know (or can guess) and set the stage for the materials to be covered in the next 30 minutes.

Cement is just one of the ingredients in concrete. Cement, also called Portland Cement, is often referred to by engineers as Hydraulic Cement. This term refers to the fact that concrete hardens due to a chemical process, not by simply drying out. Since this chemical process takes place in the presence of water, it can, in fact, harden under water.

This course is one of many (current and planned) meant to educate today's construction professional about a wide variety of topics in the construction industry. The goal of this course is to educate you about the science behind the making of concrete and to inform you of some of the modern advances and practices used in the industry today.

In its simplest form, concrete is mix of paste and aggregates. One of the key things that makes concrete such a widely used material is that it is plastic and workable when it is freshly mixed, and it hardens to a strong durable material.

Concrete comes in several different forms:

  • Ready-mixed concrete
  • Precast concrete
  • Advanced products like roof tiles or counter-tops
  • Concrete's "cousins" such as grout, soil cement or flowable fill

You can download the complete Concrete Technology Guide, published by the American Concrete Institute, using the link in the RESOURCES section. This free resource is a complete guide to the terms and definitions used in the industry.

Here we learn about the ingredients in modern day concrete, including industrial by-products and chemical ad-mixtures. We also discuss the chemical process that causes concrete to get hard, known as "hydration".

Learn why we use the terms Portland Cement and Hydraulic Cement to refer to virtually all of the cement we use today.

This section discusses one of the most widely used industrial by-products in the concrete industry - Fly Ash.

Fly ash has been used in concrete for many years, but it was not well understood in the early years which led to misuse. When used properly, this industrial by-product can greatly enhance the properties of concrete, making it:

  • More durable
  • More flowable
  • Easier to finish
  • Continues to gain strength over time

Much more than just a filler, this material makes concrete better and makes it more "green" or eco-friendly.

The RESOURCES section of this lection contains several handouts that contain additional details about fly ash in concrete.

A pozzolan is also known as a supplementary cementitious material. This is a material that does not act like cement by itself, but it takes on the same behaviors and properties as cement when it is used in concrete along with cement.

This section is an introduction to the different types of chemical add-mixtures used in concrete and their effects on the product in both its workable state and its final hardened state. This includes the following classes of admixtures:

  • air-entraining
  • accelerating
  • retarding
  • water reducing
  • plasticizers
  • other speciality chemicals

Water is needed to make the concrete mix plastic and flowable, but too much water decreases strength. A proper water to cement ratio is needed to ensure required strength of the finished (hardened) material.

The concrete and cement industries are working to become more sustainable. These efforts focus on four main areas:

  1. Reduction in the energy needed to manufacture cement by 37% since the 1970's
  2. The use of old tires as fuel in cement kilns diverts this waste from landfills and reduces reliance on fossil fuels
  3. The use of industrial by-products as partial replacements for cement in the concrete diverts these products from land fills and enhances the properties of concrete
  4. Durability - the longevity of concrete results in structures that last a long time, reducing the need to rebuild

Answer these questions to see how you measure up against the learning objectives given at the beginning of this course.

Thanks for completing this course! If you have reviewed all of the instructional materials and downloadable content, you should now have a better understanding of concrete and its components, including supplementary cementitious materials and chemical admixtures.

If you enjoyed this course, please consider leaving a positive review! If you have questions, make sure to post them in the discussion board for this course. I check for questions everyday; or you can use the message feature to send me a note or question.

Thanks, and be sure to look for our other courses. Additional topics are added each month.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the chemistry behind making concrete, which is essential for construction professionals to manage projects effectively and understand the materials they are working with
Discusses the evolution of concrete production, enabling construction professionals to understand modern advances and practices used in the industry today
Examines the use of industrial by-products like fly ash in concrete, which enhances properties such as durability and flowability, and promotes eco-friendly practices
Covers the sustainability efforts in the concrete and cement industries, including reducing energy consumption and utilizing waste materials, which is relevant to modern construction practices
Requires learners to download the Concrete Technology Guide published by the American Concrete Institute, which may require extra effort to locate and download

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Reviews summary

Concrete fundamentals for construction pros

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundational understanding of concrete for construction professionals. Many found the explanations of concrete chemistry, ingredients, and the difference between concrete and cement to be particularly clear and easy to grasp. Reviewers frequently praise the instructor's knowledge and experience, highlighting how the content is presented in a practical context that is directly applicable to their work on construction projects. While some note it serves as a great introduction and refresher, others suggest it could benefit from a deeper dive into certain areas. Overall, the feedback indicates this is a well-received course for those seeking to understand the material science behind concrete.
Serves as a solid starting point.
"A great introductory course to the material science of concrete."
"Good refresher for those who haven't thought about concrete chemistry in a while."
"It's a solid overview but not an in-depth deep dive."
"Perfect for getting a basic understanding before tackling more complex topics."
Efficiently covers key information.
"The course is short and gets straight to the point."
"Liked that it was concise, fitting into a busy schedule."
"Covers the essential information without unnecessary fluff."
"The length is good for a quick but effective learning experience."
Directly applicable to professional work.
"This knowledge is immediately useful on my construction site."
"Helped me understand the mix designs I see daily."
"I feel more confident discussing concrete with engineers and suppliers now."
"Gave me practical knowledge I can apply in managing projects."
Explains complex concepts simply.
"The explanations on concrete chemistry and hydration were surprisingly clear."
"Helped me finally understand the difference between cement and concrete."
"The breakdown of admixtures and their effects was very helpful."
"Simple but detailed explanation of how concrete hardens."
Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging.
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and explains things clearly."
"Great instructor, very experienced and knows how to teach this stuff."
"I appreciate the instructor's real-world insights."
"The course is taught by a pro who clearly understands the material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Become a Better Construction Manager - Learn About Concrete with these activities:
Review Basic Chemistry Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of the chemical reactions involved in concrete production, particularly cement hydration, which is crucial for grasping how concrete hardens.
Show steps
  • Review basic atomic structure and chemical bonding principles.
  • Study the properties of common chemical compounds.
  • Practice balancing chemical equations.
Review 'Concrete Technology' by A.M. Neville
Gain a deeper understanding of concrete properties and behavior by studying a comprehensive textbook on concrete technology.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to concrete composition and hydration.
  • Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter.
Compile a Glossary of Concrete Terms
Solidify your understanding of concrete terminology by creating a comprehensive glossary of terms used in the industry.
Show steps
  • Gather terms from course materials and external resources.
  • Define each term clearly and concisely.
  • Organize the glossary alphabetically.
  • Add illustrations or diagrams where appropriate.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow Online Tutorials on Concrete Mix Design
Enhance your practical knowledge of concrete mix design by following online tutorials and examples.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online tutorials on concrete mix design.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorials to create sample mix designs.
  • Compare your designs with industry standards.
  • Document your findings and lessons learned.
Research Sustainable Concrete Practices
Deepen your understanding of sustainability in the concrete industry by researching and presenting on eco-friendly practices.
Show steps
  • Research current sustainable concrete practices.
  • Identify the benefits and limitations of each practice.
  • Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
  • Present your research to peers or colleagues.
Read 'Cement Chemistry' by H.F.W. Taylor
Explore the advanced chemistry of cement and its hydration process to gain a more profound understanding of concrete's behavior.
View Cement Chemistry: Calcium silicates and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Focus on chapters detailing the hydration process.
  • Take detailed notes on chemical equations and reactions.
  • Relate the chemical processes to concrete properties.
Create a Video Explaining Concrete Admixtures
Reinforce your knowledge of concrete admixtures by creating an informative video explaining their types and effects.
Show steps
  • Research different types of concrete admixtures.
  • Write a script outlining the key points to cover.
  • Record and edit the video using appropriate visuals.
  • Share the video with peers or on online platforms.

Career center

Learners who complete Become a Better Construction Manager - Learn About Concrete will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Construction Superintendent
A Construction Superintendent oversees all onsite operations of a construction project, ensuring work is completed safely, on time, and within budget. They need a deep understanding of building materials and processes. This course on concrete fits perfectly, as concrete is the world's most widely used building material and an awareness of its chemistry, production, and modern advances is critical for effective supervision. It helps the superintendent speak with authority about material choices and how they impact a project's overall goals. This course can ensure a construction superintendent understands concrete mix designs and the use of industrial byproducts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Superintendent
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, directs, and coordinates activities concerning the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. The course helps a project manager gain insights into concrete, its properties, and its applications which enhances decision-making. By understanding the nuances of concrete production, like the role of chemical admixtures and industrial by-products, they can optimize material selection, scheduling, and quality control. The section on sustainability can inform decisions to reduce waste and costs. Project managers are better prepared to discuss mix designs and understand the terms used by designers and producers of cement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Construction Estimator
A Construction Estimator prepares cost estimates for construction projects. Knowledge of materials is crucial for accuracy. This course directly addresses this need by building understanding around concrete, the single most used construction material worldwide. Estimators can leverage this knowledge of concrete to assess material costs, waste, and potential cost savings via the right mix. They can speak confidently with suppliers and subcontractors using the industry terminology learned in this course. This course on concrete mix designs also helps an estimator evaluate project specifications and accurately assess the impact of material choices on a project's budget.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Estimator
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, develop, and supervise infrastructure projects. A thorough understanding of concrete is essential for designing durable and safe structures. By learning about the chemistry, components, and evolution of concrete, civil engineers can make informed decisions about material selection and design specifications. The course's coverage of sustainable practices and industrial by-products enables them to create eco-friendly and cost-effective designs. This course helps civil engineers understand the terms used by designers and cement producers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Construction Inspector
Construction Inspectors examine and monitor construction projects to ensure compliance with building codes, specifications, and safety regulations. This course helps inspectors understand the properties of concrete, enabling them to identify potential issues related to mix design, curing, and material quality. The coverage of industrial by-products and chemical admixtures provides insights into how these additives affect the performance of concrete. Learning about the language used by designers and producers may help inspectors better assess cement work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Inspector
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers research, develop, and test materials used in construction. The course may be useful, as it provides a foundational understanding of concrete composition, including the role of cement, aggregates, chemical admixtures, and industrial by-products. It helps materials engineers grasp the chemical processes involved in concrete hardening and how various factors influence its properties. Materials engineers might use insights from this course to develop innovative concrete mixes with enhanced durability and sustainability. The course may help engineers understand how by-products enhance the properties of concrete.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Engineer
Concrete Finisher
Concrete Finishers smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, sidewalks, and patios. Although primarily hands-on, understanding the science behind concrete helps them troubleshoot issues and improve the quality of their work. This course may be useful, as finishers learn about the different components of concrete, how chemical admixtures affect its workability, and why the water to cement ratio matters. The course may also introduce them to new techniques and materials, such as advanced concrete products and eco-friendly mixes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Concrete Finisher
Quality Control Manager
Quality Control Managers oversee the testing and inspection of materials and processes to ensure they meet specified standards. Since concrete is so widely used in construction, this course may be useful. It provides a solid understanding of its composition, production methods, and potential issues. Quality control managers can apply this knowledge to develop effective testing protocols, interpret test results, and identify deviations from quality standards. The coverage of industrial by-products helps managers assess environmental standards.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants advise construction companies on how to reduce their environmental impact. This course may be useful, as it directly addresses the sustainability aspects of concrete production, including the use of industrial by-products, waste reduction techniques, and efforts to lower energy consumption. This course may also provide insight into the use of old tires as fuel in cement kilns. Consultants can utilize this knowledge to develop and implement green building strategies, promote the use of eco-friendly concrete mixes, and help companies achieve sustainability certifications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineers investigate subsurface conditions and materials to assess the stability of soil and rock. This course has some value, since concrete interacts with the ground in many construction projects. The course may help these engineers understand how concrete behaves under different environmental conditions, how it interacts with soil, and how to design foundations that ensure structural integrity. Geotechnical engineers could use this background to better assess the risks of settlement, expansion, and other ground-related hazards. The course can inform on the industrial by products in cement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer
Architect
Architects design buildings and other structures, and require an understanding of material properties and construction methods. While the course may be helpful, it is specialized for construction managers. Architects could use the information to make informed decisions about the selection of concrete mixes that meet aesthetic and performance requirements. The course's coverage of sustainability may inform design choices that minimize the environmental impact of a building.
See salaries and explore the career path for Architect
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop plans and programs for land use, transportation, and community development. An understanding of building materials may be useful, given the prevalence of concrete in urban environments. An urban planner could use the course to evaluate the environmental impact of different paving and construction materials. The course's coverage of sustainable practices may inform the development of green infrastructure initiatives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Construction Lawyer
Construction Lawyers handle legal issues related to construction projects, such as contract disputes, liability claims, and regulatory compliance. A general understanding of building materials and processes may be tangentially useful in resolving disputes. These lawyers can apply the fundamental knowledge of concrete to better understand construction-related legal issues. This course could inform them of the difference between cement and concrete.
See salaries and explore the career path for Construction Lawyer
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers oversee the planning, financing, and construction of real estate projects. While this course is not directly related to real estate development, a developer can gain basic knowledge about concrete as a building material. Developers may use this knowledge to better understand project costs, timelines, and potential risks associated with concrete construction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Real Estate Developer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals, how-to guides, journal articles, and other documents that communicate complex and technical information. Technical writers may use this course as background when writing about concrete. If the writer is assigned documents about the material, then the course would fill in gaps in their knowledge. They could learn about the terms and processes used in the industry by cement producers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Become a Better Construction Manager - Learn About Concrete.
Cement Chemistry
Save
Provides a detailed and comprehensive overview of the chemistry of cement and its hydration products. It delves into the complex chemical reactions that occur during cement production and hardening. While more valuable as additional reading, it offers a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes underlying concrete behavior. This book is often used by researchers and advanced students in cement science.
Cement Chemistry: Calcium silicates and anhydrous...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cement Chemistry: Calcium silicates and anhydrous...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Effort
40 total mins
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Instructor
Jim Rogers
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the chemistry behind making concrete, which is essential for construction professionals to manage projects effectively and understand the materials they are working with
Discusses the evolution of concrete production, enabling construction professionals to understand modern advances and practices used in the industry today
Examines the use of industrial by-products like fly ash in concrete, which enhances properties such as durability and flowability, and promotes eco-friendly practices
Covers the sustainability efforts in the concrete and cement industries, including reducing energy consumption and utilizing waste materials, which is relevant to modern construction practices
Requires learners to download the Concrete Technology Guide published by the American Concrete Institute, which may require extra effort to locate and download
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