Types Of Concrete & Their Strengths
There are plenty of different purposes people have for concrete; it can be used for foundations, flooring, walls and more. But not every concrete mix is the same, and depending on what you are aiming to achieve, you need to get a concrete mix that is fit for purpose.
Concrete mixes can use a number of materials to give different qualities. Generally, they all include cement, water and some mixture of sand and stone.
At The Concrete Network, we provide a variety of concrete mixes tailored to commercial and domestic purposes. We can advise you on which types of concrete are best for your project and even tailor a mix to your exact requirements. For more information or to place an order, simply contact us today.
You may also be interested in
- Coloured Concrete
- Readymix Concrete
- Volumetric Concrete
- On Site Mixed Concrete
- Types Of Concrete & Their Strengths
- Waterproof Concrete
- Rapid Setting Concrete
- Foamed Concrete
- Fibre Reinforced Concrete
- Decorative Concrete
- Self-Compacting Concrete
- Roll Compacted Concrete
Commercial Concrete Types
C7/8 / Gen 0
Characteristics: Used on a wide variety of commercial and domestic projects, this wet lean mix is versatile enough for use on everything from foundations to kerbs.
- cavity filling
- kerbing
- domestic foundations
- haunching
28 day strength / 7N
C10 / Gen 1
Characteristics: Another extremely versatile mixture, this type of concrete can be used across construction and general projects, including agricultural and drainage applications.
- step foundations
- floor blinding
- drainage
- trench filling
28 day strength / 10N
C15 / GEN 2
Characteristics: If there is no embedded metal in the floors, this concrete type is perfect. It is especially popular for bare finishes where nothing will be used to cover it.
- step foundations
- paving
- pathways
28 day strength / 15N
C20 / GEN 3
Characteristics: Most commonly deployed where the ground may not be stable enough, this concrete can be used as a slabbed foundation for anything from homes to caravans.
- foundations
- paving
- shed & garage bases
- extensions
28 day strength / 20N
C25 / ST 2
Characteristics: Depending on your needs, this concrete can be utilised for flooring or as a mass fill under footings and foundations. Because of its strength it can sometimes be deployed for agricultural purposes.
- foundations
- patios
- trench filling
- house extensions
28 day strength / 25N
C30 / PAV1 / ST 3
Characteristics: Used in pavement construction and lighter applications outdoors, with PAV1 mixes there is increased protection from the freeze-thaw cycle.
- paving
- reinforced hard standings
- bases for homes
- house extensions
28 day strength / 30N
C35 / PAV2
Characteristics: Characterised by the ability to sustain heavy loads, this heavy duty concrete can be used for raft foundations and slabbing for surfaces used by heavy vehicles. PAV2 has an additive to help protect against the freeze-thaw cycles when used outdoors.
- bases for commercial buildings
- light storage areas
28 day strength / 35N
C40
Characteristics: A strong mix, this concrete can be used for construction of foundations where heavy loads or traffic will be present. It can also be used for structural support beams in construction.
- paving
- lHGV parks
- septic tank foundations
28 day strength / 40N
Domestic Concrete Types
Standard Ready-mix Concrete
Characteristics: One of the most commonly produced concretes, the mix is made at a batching plant and taken to the site in a traditional drum mixer. It’s important to order this concrete accurately and with the design of the mix prepared.
- basement builds
- larger work sites
- anywhere time and space is short
Volumetric Concrete
Characteristics: A volumetric mixer is used – fully mobile – as the batching plant. This allows you to only pay for what you use, adjusting the mix design to suit the application and site conditions.
- multi site projects
- basement builds
- large sites
Self Compacting Concrete – SCC
Characteristics: This mix has chemicals added for a quicker flow rate, this allows it to level off and self-compact. This concrete is easy to pour into place without the need for mechanical compaction.
- foundations
- pre-cast structures
- sites with limited time and labour
Decorative Concrete
Characteristics: You can achieve a whole range of colours and textures through decorative concrete. This makes it ideal for any projects where you’re looking to make an aesthetic impact.
- decorative flooring
- paving
- architectural features
Rapid-set Concrete
Characteristics: When time is short, whether for repairing structures or simply to get construction complete, rapid-set concrete is the perfect mix. Setting quicker than most concrete types, this material is also useful in winter conditions where the cold prohibits the use of normal concrete.
- concrete repair
- roadworks
- fence posts
Roll Compacted Concrete
Characteristics: With the ability to carry heavy loads, this concrete is ideal for roads. It requires less finishing and formwork and is deployed in a similar manner to asphalt. There are less emissions created when it is produced, providing environmental benefits.
- pavements
- roadworks
- airport taxiways
- car parks and industrial surfacing
Fibre Concrete
Characteristics: Containing small fibres throughout, this concrete is afforded greater strength, durability and integrity. Structures built with this concrete should also see less cracking and shifting.
- industrial surfacing
- domestic projects
- light commercial projects
Pervious Concrete (Permeable)
Characteristics: A porous concrete mix, this allows water to penetrate and thereby reduces any flooding risks. It can be used to limit water waste as a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material.
- swimming pools
- sustainable projects
- car parks
- flatworks
Fluid Concrete
Characteristics: With added plasticisers to help pouring of this concrete flow more easily, it is known for high precision, smooth finishes.
- pipe and cable laying
Foamed Concrete
Characteristics: With high thermal qualities and the ability to be mixed with a number of additives, foamed concrete is a versatile material with numerous applications.
- foundations
- void filling
- backfilling