DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE STRENGTHS AND THEIR USES

GRADE: C10 CONCRETE

• Strength: 10 Newtons after 28 days.
• C10 is a very popular mix used in domestic and commercial construction. This concrete is generally used for non-structural construction elements like patio slabs and pathways.

GRADE: C15 CONCRETE

• Strength: 15 Newtons after 28 days.
• An ideal concrete mix for floor blinding and kerb mix.

GRADE: C20 CONCRETE

• Strength: 20 Newtons after 28 days.
• Concrete at this strength is often applied on domestic floors and foundations where the weight of overall structures on the concrete will be lighter. C20 is ideal for domestic workshop and garage bases as well as driveways and internal floor slabs.

GRADE: C25 CONCRETE

• Strength: 25 Newtons after 28 days.
• A multi-purpose concrete that is used on a wide range of commercial and domestic construction sites. C25 is often used as a foundation concrete mix when pouring foundations (footings). It is also the ideal concrete for domestic slab foundations for house and bungalow floors.

GRADE: C30 CONCRETE

• Strength: 30 Newtons after 28 days.
• The lowest strength concrete to consider for pathways and roadways on which heavy vehicles will be driving on regularly – such as yards, farms or HGV slipways. As a stronger mix C30 is very durable and can resist climate changes and heavy weathering.

GRADE: C35 CONCRETE

• Strength: 35 Newtons after 28 days.
• A structurally strong, heavy use mix that is ideal for commercial structures and sites that will need to withstand heavy use. It is commonly used for structural piling and creating external slabs and walls. Other uses include commercial slabs including metal reinforcement and agricultural and construction industry containment areas such as yards and barns.

GRADE: C40 CONCRETE

• Strength: 40 Newtons after 28 days.
• C40 is a strong grade of concrete that is mostly used on commercial construction sites, where it will be utilised to create foundations and beams for support and roads. C40 is also used in chemically harsh environments where the additional strength can combat and contain acidic and hazardous chemicals – such as farmyard slurry and septic tanks.

VOLUMETRIC CONCRETE

A fully mobile volumetric mixer is used to supply volumetric concrete to multi-site projects. Volumetric concrete offers flexibility as you only pay for what you use, essentially the batching plant comes to you and the mix can be adjusted to suit the site or individual application.

If you need two different types of concrete for a project, volumetric concrete means it can be mixed to your specification from the same delivery.

SELF-COMPACTING CONCRETE

Self-compacting concrete is a C40 concrete that has chemicals added to increase the flow rate. The addition of these chemicals means C40 concrete is able to level off without the use of mechanical equipment, reducing the time and labour required.

The most common use of self-compacting concrete is in pre-cast structures and foundations.

DECORATIVE CONCRETE

In projects where an aesthetic impact is required, decorative concrete can be used to achieve a range of pleasing colours and textures. Particularly useful in decorative flooring and paving, decorative concrete is often required for architectural features and for creating striking design statements.

This type of concrete is becoming more fashionable and people are constantly innovating and finding new ways to use decorative concrete in projects and designs. Additional processes such as etching and polishing can add an element of design flare and personality to a surface.

RAPID-SET CONCRETE

With a quicker setting time than most mixes, rapid-set concrete is perfect for when time is short. When repairing structures, rapid-set concrete is used to ensure the project can be finished quickly and safely. Another benefit of using rapid-set concrete is that it can be used in winter conditions, when the cold would prohibit the use of many other kinds of concrete mix.

ROLL COMPACTED CONCRETE

Used in a similar way to asphalt or tarmac, roll compacted concrete is ideal for roads, pavements and airport taxiways. The finished surface of roll compacted concrete has the ability to withstand heavy loads and it requires less finishing and formwork.

Roll compacted concrete has the added environmental benefit that it produces less emissions when it is created.

FIBRE CONCRETE

Structures built with fibre concrete should see less cracking and shifting, as the mix is strengthened with small fibres throughout. The fibres are evenly distributed throughout the fibre concrete during the mixing process, and a variety of different fibres can be used to achieve different strengths and finishes. The increased strength and durability of fibre concrete gives it the integrity needed for industrial surfacing as well as domestic and light commercial projects.

PERMEABLE CONCRETE/

PERVIOUS CONCRETE

As a porous mix, permeable concrete or pervious concrete allows water to penetrate through it. Pervious concrete can be used to reduce flooding risk in storm water management and helps to limit water waste. These properties make permeable concrete an environmentally friendly and more sustainable building material.

Permeable concrete is popular for use in sustainable projects, but is also widely used in car parks, swimming pools and flatworks.

FOAMED CONCRETE

The high thermal qualities of foamed concrete make it a versatile material with multiple potential applications. Foamed concrete can be mixed with different additives according to the required use, for anything from foundations to void filling and back filling. It is a low-density material with a relatively low strength and foamed concrete can be pumped over long distances.

Foamed concrete can flow through trenches and around pipework and other obstructions, it also self-levels without needing to be compacted.

CONCRETE ADDITIVES

It is also possible to introduce additional materials and chemicals into the mix if special qualities are required.

• Plasticisers – this makes the mixed concrete more workable and free-flowing. Ideal if it needs to be laid quickly.
• Fibres – these can increase the concrete’s strength and help prevent cracking.
• Retardants – these additives slow down the curing process of concrete, giving you more time to work.
• Accelerants – these additives speed up the curing process, ensuring the concrete begins to cure much faster than normal.

If you require further information don’t hesitate to contact the Master Mix Concrete team where an experienced member can offer you advice and instruction. Remember to always consult with a professional builder that has experienced your site and requirements first hand.