The spelling of the word "littoral concrete" may seem confusing at first, but understanding its pronunciation can help make sense of it. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is written as /ˈlɪtərəl ˈkɒnkriːt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a stressed "o" sound in the second syllable. The last syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound, and the word ends with a "t" sound. "Littoral" refers to the coastal region, so "littoral concrete" would refer to concrete used in coastal construction projects.
Littoral concrete refers to a type of concrete specifically designed and developed for use in coastal and marine environments. It is primarily utilized in the construction of structures that are exposed to harsh seawater conditions, such as docks, piers, sea walls, and bridges that are located along the shoreline.
The term "littoral" is derived from the word "littoral zone," which refers to the area where land and water meet, often known as the shoreline. In this context, littoral concrete is engineered to withstand the unique challenges posed by exposure to saltwater, wave action, and other environmental factors prevalent in coastal regions.
Littoral concrete typically incorporates certain additives and admixtures that improve its resistance against the deteriorating effects of saltwater, such as corrosion of reinforcing steel bars within the concrete. These additives may include materials like fly ash, slag, silica fume, or other pozzolanic compounds that enhance the concrete's durability and reduce the risk of degradation.
Furthermore, additional reinforcement methods, such as galvanized or stainless-steel rebars or fibers, may be added to enhance the concrete's structural integrity and its ability to resist cracks and fractures caused by the cyclic stresses of waves and tides.
The purpose of using littoral concrete is to ensure the longevity and structural stability of coastal infrastructure, protecting it from the detrimental effects of exposure to saltwater and harsh marine environments. By using this specialized type of concrete, engineers and constructors can ensure the successful construction and maintenance of structures intended for coastal areas.
In geol., a particular variety of rock formed by the cementation of sea-sand or shells.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "littoral concrete" is a combination of the term "littoral" and the material "concrete".
Etymologically, "littoral" originates from the Latin word "littoralis", which means "of or belonging to the seashore". It is derived from "littus", meaning "shore" or "coast". In English, "littoral" refers to the area where land meets the sea, including the beach, coastline, and nearby waters.
"Concrete", on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "concretus", which means "compact" or "condensed". It comes from the past participle of "concernere", which translates to "to put together" or "to join".
When used together, "littoral concrete" refers to a type of concrete that is specifically formulated and designed for use in coastal or marine environments.