Fact Check: "Concrete is a composite material made of aggregates, water, and cement."
What We Know
Concrete is widely recognized as a composite material that consists of aggregates, water, and cement. According to Concrete: Scientific Principles, concrete is formed when a binder (cement paste) "glues" together a filler, which can be either fine or coarse aggregate. The primary components of this binder are cement and water. The process of hydration, where water reacts with cement, is crucial for the hardening of concrete, transforming it into a solid structure.
Furthermore, the Wikipedia entry on concrete confirms that concrete is composed of aggregate bound together with a fluid cement that cures over time. The aggregates can vary in size and type, including sand, gravel, or crushed stone, and they play a significant role in the concrete's properties and performance.
Analysis
The claim that concrete is a composite material made of aggregates, water, and cement is supported by multiple reliable sources. The information from Concrete: Scientific Principles provides a detailed breakdown of the components of concrete, emphasizing the roles of cement and water in binding the aggregates together. The source is credible as it is an educational resource from a reputable institution, which enhances its reliability.
Additionally, the Wikipedia article is a well-cited and frequently updated resource that provides a broad overview of concrete's composition and uses. While Wikipedia can sometimes be subject to bias or inaccuracies, the specific information regarding concrete's composition is corroborated by other authoritative sources, including construction and engineering references.
The definition provided in Texas Lehigh further reinforces the claim, stating that concrete is indeed a composite material made up of cement, water, aggregates, and sometimes admixtures. This consistency across multiple sources adds to the reliability of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Concrete is a composite material made of aggregates, water, and cement" is accurate and well-supported by credible sources. The definition aligns with established scientific principles and industry standards regarding the composition and properties of concrete.
