Primary processes turn raw materials like wood and metal ore into industrial materials like lumber and steel. Secondary processes are the next step. They change industrial materials into products, or parts for products. There are four types of secondary processes. Combining is the process of putting materials together either chemically or mechanically. Forming is the process of changing the shape of a material, but nothing is added or taken away. Separating is the process of changing the shape of a material by removing small pieces. Conditioning is the process of changing the inner structure of a material. The conditioning process is done with heat, chemicals, or force.
Concrete and pre-formed concrete products are made using at least three of these secondary processes. Combining is done to create the concrete mixture of Portland cement, sand, stones, and water. Forming occurs when the concrete mixture is poured into forms to create such things as concrete blocks and sidewalks. Conditioning takes place as the chemical elements in the mixture cause it to cure and harden.
Concrete is the most commonly used building material in the United States . However, it was not invented here. It has a long history going back to the ancient world. Over time, the mixture has been changed to strengthen it, overcome its disadvantages, and improve it in many ways.
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For this WebQuest, your job is to investigate the processes used in creating concrete. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will answer the questions included here. You will also complete one of the activities described at the end of this WebQuest.
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Read through the following questions. Then research the Internet resources that are provided for you. As you explore the sites, look for answers to the questions. Keep a record of any sites where you find answers by noting the title and URL (Internet address). For example:
(title) Technology Student Association
(URL) www.tsaweb.org
- Which ancient civilization made concrete an important architectural material?
- A key ingredient in concrete is Portland cement. What is it made from?
- When was Portland cement invented?
- What form of concrete is most commonly used?
- What is the role of water in the concrete mixture?
- What percentage of the concrete mixture is usually aggregate?
- What is the purpose of a slump test?
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Visit the Web sites listed here to find information that will enable you to answer the questions. Be sure to keep a record of any sites you use.
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Several activities are described below. Complete one of these activities (your choice) to demonstrate the understandings you've gained by going on this WebQuest.
- As part of a team and with your instructor's help, mix a sample of concrete and conduct a slump test.
- Mix a small amount of concrete. Pour it into a form of your own making. Let the concrete cure and remove the form. Design and carry out a simple compression test to check the concrete's integrity. Does your pour hold up? If not, do an analysis to determine why.
- Do some research to learn how concrete is measured. Determine how much would be needed to create a driveway 15-feet long, 10-feet wide, and 6-inches thick.
- Create a poster showing the different forms in which concrete is sold. Label the forms and indicate their uses.
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