Papers by Keyword: Concrete Products

Abstract: Currently, especially for concrete pavements, new methods of finishing facing layers using special methods and technologies are beginning to appear. The added value of these elements is ensured by special coatings as well as by the choice of the final surface-hardening method. Such treated vibropressed concrete elements are more resistant to external climatic effects, they have an extreme low-maintenance treatment of the facing surface and their water absorption is significantly lower, significantly increasing the service life of these concrete elements. The aim of the article is to summarise the existing knowledge of vibropressed concrete products, the surfaces of which are treated using these technologies. Emphasis is placed on the description and effectiveness of the use of individual methods, the principles of surface hardening and possible further surface treatments for concrete products with the aim of achieving greater durability. Some properties of these vibropressed elements will be examined, including surface resistance to water and chemical defrosting agents, water absorption of concrete, surface roughness, slip resistance and the reduction of the risk of lime efflorescence formation on the product surface.

Abstract: This study was carried out as an investigation into concrete products as an appropriate alternative for plastic, rubble stone and steel in the construction of domestic water tanks, door and window frames in the Rwandan construction industry. This project is an innovation aimed at adding value to the available resources of materials and personnel to expose untapped opportunities that are beneficial to the Rwandan community and the world in general through conservation of the environment and creation of employment. In a similar sense, this effort responds to the result of too much consumption of wood products in this rapidly growing infrastructure sector and calls for alternatives such as concrete in construction of door and window frames .In order to answer the research objectives, the researchers opted to observe, carry out demonstrations/ modeling, views of the end users of the product especially for water tanks. Data gathered from this research instrument were then computed and interpreted. Along with primary data, the researchers also made use of secondary resources in the form of published articles and literatures to support the survey results. Curved interlocking concrete blocks are affordable, environment friendly, labour intensive and use locally available materials, adoptable by both the rural and urban settings, uses local materials and uses local labour hence providing employment. At the end, these products were compared with conventional materials for their costs and maintenance. The results show promise as new construction material suitable for use in Rwanda. However, use of concrete for door and window frames is new to Rwanda and should further be investigated for adoptability.