Concrete Strength vs Durability

Concrete Strength vs Durability

Strength and durability are two different aspects of concrete quality.  

Concrete is traditionally evaluated by its strength, or its ability to resist stress without failure. It is commonly assessed through compressive and flexural strength tests. Factors affecting strength include mechanical and physical properties of aggregates, water-cement ratio (mortar strength), and bonding between cement paste and aggregates.

Durability, on the other hand, is the ability of concrete to resist chemical attack, abrasion, or other deterioration processes. Factors affecting durability include presence of deleterious and reactive components in raw materials used, water-cement ratio (porosity and permeability), and the aggressiveness of the external environment.