Final answer:
The relationship between concrete strength and hard aggregate is that hard aggregates contribute significantly to the strength and wear resistance of the concrete. This makes it suitable for high traffic areas and environments subject to abrasion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between concrete strength and hard aggregate involves the durability and wear resistance of the concrete. When aggregates are hard, they contribute to the strength and wear resistance of the concrete, making it more suitable for environments where abrasion or high traffic is expected. This can be contrasted with lightweight concrete which, while having benefits such as reduced load and better thermal protection, may not offer the same level of strength and wear resistance as concrete with hard aggregates. Concrete strength is not necessarily related to its ability to be troweled, nor does the hardness of aggregates directly correlate to plasticity. Moreover, the advances in concrete technology over the past century have made its use more reliable and predictable, allowing for faster construction rates and longer-lasting structures.