Glossary
Concrete Glossary
Aggregate, control joint, slump, spalling, screed and more: the words concrete crews use, explained in plain English. Search or scroll.
- Aggregate
- The sand, gravel or crushed stone mixed into concrete. Exposed aggregate shows the stones at the surface.
- Air entrainment
- Tiny air bubbles added to the mix that help concrete survive freeze-thaw cycles.
- Base
- The compacted gravel layer under a slab that gives even support and drainage.
- Bleed water
- The thin layer of water that rises to the surface after concrete is placed.
- Broom finish
- A textured surface made by dragging a broom across fresh concrete for traction.
- Bull float
- A long-handled float used to level and smooth the surface right after screeding.
- Control joint
- A planned cut or groove that gives shrinkage cracks a straight place to happen.
- Cure
- The process of concrete gaining strength over time as the cement reacts with water.
- Curing compound
- A liquid sprayed on fresh concrete to hold in moisture while it cures.
- Dowel
- A smooth steel bar across a joint that lets slabs move while staying level with each other.
- Edger
- A hand tool that rounds the edges of a slab so they resist chipping.
- Expansion joint
- A gap filled with flexible material that lets slabs move against walls and other concrete.
- Form
- The wood or steel mold that holds wet concrete in the shape of the slab.
- Frost depth
- How deep the ground freezes in winter. Footings go below it so they do not heave.
- Heave
- Upward movement of soil or concrete, often from frozen or swelling ground.
- Integral color
- Pigment mixed into the concrete so the color runs through the whole slab.
- Overlay
- A thin cement-based layer applied over old concrete to renew the surface.
- Plastic shrinkage crack
- A crack that forms while concrete is still setting, usually from fast drying in wind or heat.
- Psi
- Pounds per square inch, the standard measure of concrete strength.
- Rebar
- Steel reinforcing bar placed in concrete to hold it together when it cracks.
- Release agent
- Powder or liquid that keeps stamps from sticking and adds accent color.
- Screed
- To level concrete by pulling a straight edge across the top of the forms.
- Sealer
- A coating that protects concrete from water, salt and stains.
- Slump
- A test of how wet and workable a mix is, measured by how far a cone of concrete settles.
- Spalling
- Flaking or peeling of the surface layer of concrete, often from freeze-thaw and salts.
- Stamped concrete
- Concrete pressed with mats to look like stone, brick, slate or wood.
- Subgrade
- The natural soil under the base, which must be firm and even before the base goes on.
- Wire mesh
- A welded wire grid used to reinforce light flatwork.
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