As it is known, concrete is a widely used construction material for its incredible qualities. It has relatively high compressive strength and significantly lower tensile strength. It offers more versatility than any other material on the planet. But can you just pick up any concrete mix for your next construction project? Definitely not! You must do due diligence to get the most out of your concrete supply! It’s possible to have a high-quality mixture that saves both money and time. Here’s what to know.
The Importance of Mix Design Proper mix design is essential when ordering concrete for your commercial building project. There are several mixes available with a range of 3000 psi to 5000 PSI. Most concrete is a combination of strength, reinforcement, slump, and chemical additives. All these factors combine to create the right mix for your building project.
Compressive strength (PSI) The higher the concrete mix’s PSI, the more durable and stronger it is. It also shortens the set time.
Slump (Thickness) Most mixes have a 5-inch slump, especially in hot temperatures. In cool weather, a slump higher than six may affect the project’s completion time. It also increases the chances of shrinkage cracking.
Fiber and Wire Mesh As the concrete cures, the excess water evaporates. This causes the slab to shrink a little. As this shrinkage occurs, it causes the slab to move across the base material. These shrinkage cracks are inevitable. Wire and fiber mesh don’t prevent these cracks, but they’ll hold the concrete together well. So, when cracks happen, there’s no vertical displacement or separation.
Chemical Additives These substances either slow down or speed up the concrete’s setting times. They also decrease the amount of water in the mix and make the concrete more elastic.
Should You Pump Concrete? It’s also important to consider whether you need a pump for your concrete supply. This manually powered tool is great for hard-to-reach areas. While you don’t need it to complete your building project, it is helpful when mixing the concrete supply. Concrete is a durable and versatile material with several applications. That’s why it’s important to determine the type of concrete you need for your specific building project. This will ensure a high-quality product that sets you above your competitors.
If you want to know more about the proper concrete supply and mix, Gunner-Concrete is ready to help you! We have over 70 combined years of experience in Concrete, and possess a deep understanding of road repair and maintenance contracts, and can provide recommendations and suggestions to our customers as they need.