Concept:
Composites are structurally classified by the geometry of their reinforcement phase:
• Particulate Composites: Contain reinforcement phases composed of distinct, equiaxed particles (sand, gravel, stones) distributed uniformly within a binding matrix.
• Fiber-reinforced Composites: Contain thin strands with high aspect ratios (e.g., carbon fibers).
• Laminar Composites Sandwich Panels: Consist of alternating sheet layers bonded together.
Step 1: Deconstructing Concrete Composition
Standard concrete is composed of cement paste acting as the binder (matrix phase) enclosing embedded gravel, aggregate shards, and sand grains (reinforcement phase). Since these aggregate pieces are discrete particles rather than fibers or thin sheets, concrete is categorized as a large-particle particulate composite material.