Cement and concrete are not direct competitors in terms of lifespan because cement is merely an ingredient used to manufacture concrete. Pure cement powder or neat cement paste without aggregate is brittle, shrinks heavily, and cracks easily, meaning it cannot function effectively as a standalone structural building material. Concrete, by combining cement with strong sand and gravel aggregates, creates a durable composite stone capable of withstanding heavy loads and environmental weathering for decades or even centuries when properly maintained. Therefore, concrete is the permanent, long-lasting structural product, whereas raw cement powder on its own degrades quickly when exposed to moisture and air.
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