Concrete is one of the most versatile, durable, efficient, cost effective construction materials available. With a world wide production rate of 5 billion cubic tons per year, it is the second most consumed substance on earth after water. The U.S. alone uses about 340 million cubic yards (260 million cubic meters) of ready-mixed concrete each year. It is used in highways, streets, parking lots, parking garages, bridges, high-rise buildings, dams, homes, floors, sidewalks, driveways, and numerous other applications.

Concrete has no intrinsic form and its ultimate shape and texture is dictated by the formwork into which it is poured. As a result, finished concrete can assume almost any color, shape or texture. This versatility gives concrete designers and contractors a medium with unlimited potential.

In this section you can learn about the properties of concrete and ways to make it work for you.