Final answer:
Concrete typically gains about 50-70% of its strength in the first week, which is critical for its long-term durability. Ultimate compressive strength can reach about 20 × 10^6 N/m², but shear strength is lower at about 2 × 10^6 N/m², indicating potential vulnerability to shear forces.
Step-by-step explanation:
Concrete is a versatile construction material widely used for its durability and strength. When discussing how quickly concrete gains its compressive strength, it's important to know that concrete increases its strength over time, depending on the mix, environmental conditions, and curing process. Typically, concrete gains about 50-70% of its strength within the first week. This initial period is critical for ensuring that the concrete doesn't experience any disturbances that could impact its strength development.
The ultimate compressive strength of concrete can reach approximately 20 × 10^6 N/m², suggesting that once fully cured, concrete structures are robust and unlikely to break under compression. However, the ultimate shear strength is much lower, around 2 × 10^6 N/m², indicating that concrete could be more vulnerable to chipping or breaking if exposed to shear forces. Proper curing and appropriate design are thus essential to ensure the longevity and safety of concrete structures.