Summary:Carpenter Andy Engel loves concrete. In this article, he outlines the basics of ready-mix concrete bags, including the three-part formula, the key to achieving adequate hydration, the conditions for specific product selection, and the best options for slabs, foundations, footings, and repairs. The article provides an overview of branded ready mixes for everything from formwork to resurfacing.
Three part formula
Concrete consists of three main ingredients: Portland cement, water, and aggregate (both fine and coarse). The dosage of these ingredients is the main factor that determines the strength, durability, workability and cost of the concrete.
cement
Cement is the glue in a concrete mix. When combined with water, it forms a paste that coats the aggregate and holds the mix together.
Water
Water triggers the chemical reaction that turns the dry components into concrete. This reaction, known as hydration, is what turns the cement back into rock.
Aggregate
Think of aggregate as brick in a wall and cement as mortar. Aggregate makes up most of the structure in concrete, increasing strength and reducing cost. The individual stones in the coarse aggregate interlock, the sand fills the cavities.
Esmay be a personality flaw, but I loveConcrete. I'll endure the growl of a loaded mixer truck pulling into the driveway over the howl of a 737 flying me on vacation any day of the year. But as much as I'm excited about the delivery of 20 tons of fresh concrete to mold into a slab or building foundation, the fact is that most of my concrete jobs were too small for a ready-mix job.
As a result, I confused a whole bunch of bags of concrete mixdecks deep, for stair landings and to repair a variety of panel cuts and other damage. Lumberjacks and hardware stores used to have three choices: concrete mix, sand mix, and mortar mix. Now they have at least three choices when it comes to concrete mix alone.
What has changed? Like most things in our lives, technology has influenced bagged concrete. Frank Owens, Quikrete's vice president of marketing, says, "Bagged concrete mixes are now being developed for specific purposes." This is largely due to the development of admixtures - natural or manufactured chemicals that improve certain properties of fresh or hardened concrete, e.g . B. the workability or strength. “All components are carefully weighed and computer clocked. This allows additives to be added correctly.” Which in turn enables purpose-specific mixtures.
stronger together
The specific choice is all about strength. While other additives are commonly used to achieve specific goals, all concrete contains five main components: coarse aggregate (gravel) and fine aggregate (sand), which make up 60 to 75 percent by volume of the mix; 7% to 15% portland cement, 14% to 21% water and up to 8% air. The ratios of these components affect strength and cure time, as well as machinability and durability. The most expensive ingredient is the Portland cement, and it also has the most obvious effects: the more Portland, the stronger the concrete and the faster it hardens.
Concrete hardens due to a chemical reaction between the Portland cement (there are other compounds that work similarly but are outside the scope of this article) and water. This reaction takes time and the final strength of the concrete is measured after 28 days. However, the initial hardening of concrete is temperature dependent: the warmer the weather, the faster the reaction. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it gives off heat. This keeps concrete from freezing when poured in sub-freezing temperatures, although you can't go too far below freezing without insulating the pour (bagged mixes usually come with temperature recommendations). When the water in the mix freezes, the reaction stops and the ice crystals destroy the structure of the weak, new concrete.
The strength of a concrete mix is determined by measuring the pressure required to crush a sample of test cylinders cast from this mix and allowed to harden for 28 days. Of course, not every bag of concrete mix is tested in this way, but samples were evaluated. The minimum strength used in residential concrete work is a 2500 psi mix. All bag mixes I know of are said to be at least 4000 psi, and some specialty mixes yield more than double that strength.
Conditions may affect product selection
The two most important conditions to consider when working with concrete are weather and time. These factors are particularly evident when you are pouring a slab, as the concrete must partially cure before it can be finished. Concrete hardens faster in hot weather and you want to be sure you have time to finish placing the last mix before having to finish the first sections you've placed. Conversely, in cold weather, a slow setting mix can mean you're finishing a record in the spotlight when you really want to be home for dinner.
I also relate the conditions to the speed at which the concrete must be commissioned. For plates that are likely to see traffic in a short time –sidewalks and driveways, above all - it is worthwhile to rely on high-early strength concrete.
Finally there is budget. Concrete mixes that contain more Portland cement and other additives cost more per bag. In my area, a standard concrete mix is $4.90 for 80 pounds, while the high early strength mix is $6.80 for the same amount. There are times when you'll want to spend the extra for it, but it's not always worth it.
Stay hydrated, but not too hydrated
Sakrete senior vice president Cory Olson says, "Overwatering is a common mistake." In theory, only enough water is needed to fully react with the amount of Portland cement in the concrete mix. Water added beyond this will result in a weaker concrete. TheExcess water expands the volume of the wet concrete, and some of it stays in place for a time after the concrete has set. But eventually the excess water evaporates, leaving behind concrete that is less dense and not as strong.
hydration
The key to achieving the psi strength listed on a concrete bag is to keep the water to cement ratio as low as possible without sacrificing workability. Adding too much water can cause a variety of problems. When wet concrete compacts, water - the least dense component of the mix - is displaced upwards. If there is much excess water, it can form vertical channels and, as it rises, becomes trapped beneath the layered aggregate, creating voids.
However, adding only the chemically necessary amount of water results in a mixture that is too stiff to mix and work by hand. More water is almost always needed to make a usable mixture. However, modern bagged concrete mixes typically contain some form of plasticizer, a chemical that makes the mix more workable with less water. The instructions on the sachet will tell you how much water to use. Start there and only add more water if absolutely necessary. If you find that you still need to add water, Olson recommends using a high strength mix where some loss of strength can be acceptable.
Also, adding too much water can cause processing problems, especially with slabs. As the concrete hardens, much of the excess water will rise to the surface and you cannot finish the concrete until the water is gone. This can be a problem, especially in hot, humid weather as the underlying concrete can become too hard to work before the surface water has evaporated. In these conditions, I literally wiped water off a slab with my wife's ShamWow. (Yes, we are still married.)
Nevertheless, it is important to keep the concrete wet while setting. Concrete should be kept wet for 5 to 7 days after pouring. Common approaches are to cover the concrete with plastic and flood the gap, or to cover it with burlap and keep it wet. This is not done very often in residential work, but keeping freshly-cast concrete wet for the first week makes a difference in its long-term strength.
Wet enough to work
Aside from water, sachet mixes contain just the right amount of each ingredient, carefully dosed. But you can still mess it up by adding too little or too much water. Don't just pull out the garden hose and spray and pray to get it right. Use a graduated measuring cup to portion out the amount of water the manufacturer recommends on the bag.
concrete for foundations
silica security
Silica dust has become a building safety
concern of this decade, and with good reason. Silica is a crystalline mineral found in rock and sand. When inhaled, it can scar lung tissue and make breathing difficult. Dry concrete mixes (as well as concrete demolition dust) contain respirable silica.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends (and OSHA requires) the use of respirators with N-95 particulate filters when working around silica dust.
In most cases, for foundations, you can use regular garden concrete mix. It is the least expensive, and there are usually no special finishing requirements. And even when the temperature is below freezing, the surrounding ground is usually warm enough for the concrete to cure with some hay or straw to insulate the top layer.
There are two exceptions. For example, if you want to build a terrace on the foundation the next day, it is worth using high-early strength concrete. And when the foundations are just posts in the ground that are backfilled with concrete, such as For fences or stilt barns, some quick setting mixes are an attractive option as they can be tipped into a water filled hole around the braced post. and the mail is safe within half an hour.
concrete for slabs
In most cases standard concrete mix works well for slabs, but in cold weather it is worth using a mix with high early strength as it sets faster. Conversely, hot weather mixes with high green strength may set too quickly for proper finishing. However, these mixtures enable faster start-up of the slab. This can be useful for sidewalks, driveways, and even air conditioning panels when you're in a hurry.
I only recommend a quick setting mix for the smallest slabs - the 15 to 45 minute setting time does not provide nearly enough time to finish the surface of the concrete.
Another option for slabs is crack resistant compounds. These contain fibers that help prevent surface cracking, which is more visible on smooth, troweled surfaces than on brushed work. Remember that these fibers are not a substitute for steel mesh or rebar where greater structural strength is required.
Aerated concrete used to be something you could only get out of a ready-mix truck. The purpose of the air entrapment is to make concrete less susceptible to freeze-thaw damage and it is a useful addition to outdoor concrete slabs in cold climates. Air entrainment requires special additives and also previously required mixing for several minutes with the truck's high speed rotating drum to enfold a bunch of air bubbles. there todayare air-entraining additives available in bag mixes that do not require the high-speed tumbling cycle of a concrete truck and that work with regular hand mixing.
When to order ready mixes
I recently got a job and had my two apprentices hand mix 40 bags of concrete in a wheelbarrow. I think they hated me at the end of the day. If we had a blender now, 40 bags wouldn't have been such a big deal. Still, that was a mistake on my part. Forty 80 pounds. Bags of concrete mix are almost a meter of concrete. The bag mix costs about $250. A meter of ready mix would have cost about $500 with short load charging and saved many hours of work.
For any job of a yard or more, ready mix is the way to go as long as there's access for a concrete truck and batch plant nearby. Just be ready when the truck shows up because it will cost you extra if you have to wait and there is only a limited amount of time before you have to get the mixed concrete out of the truck - once it's wet, the chemistry that makes it up hard won't stop.
concrete for repairs
Products for use in repairs often have to work in thinner applications than standard concrete mix (most standard mixes require a depth of at least 2 inches). Typically, you want a product that will set quickly so that the area can be used as quickly as possible, and you want to work an area small enough that you can finish the concrete before it sets.
If you have at least 2 inches of depth, a quick setting concrete mix is a good choice. Non-shrink grout is a better choice in situations where the edges of the repair need to spring into an existing surface. Non-shrink grout can also be applied with a grout bag to fill cracks, and its high compressive strength (up to 8000 psi) makes it a good choice for structural repairs. Cracks caused by
Ongoing concrete movement is best repaired with flexible products such as Watco Concrex Flex.
There are also polymer-modified blends that are particularly sticky and useful for overhead and vertical repairs. Finally, for slabs that develop holes and chips over time, resurfacing mixes are available that are poured onto the slab and rubbed flat.
It's in the bag
The name on a mixed bag may not tell the whole story. Here's a quick breakdown to help you make your choice.
Concrete mixes for everyday useare very versatile and inexpensive, good for everything from slabs and foundations to walkways and stairs. The minimum thickness is 2 inches.
Mixtures with high early strengthare good for foundations, but especially useful for slabs that need to be up and running quickly and for cold-weather placement. The minimum thickness is 2 inches.
Crack resistant mixturesFibers included to increase tensile strength and reduce (but not eliminate) the need for steel reinforcement. The minimum thickness is 2 inches.
Fast setting mixesare ideal for setting posts in the ground. No premix is required; Just add water to the hole, followed by the concrete mix - or vice versa depending on the instructions. The minimum thickness is 2 inches.
Fast setting structure mixtureswork well for small patches in high traffic areas. With a setting time of about half an hour, they are not suitable for larger casts. The minimum thickness is 1-1⁄2 inch.
Air-entraining mixturesUse an admixture to incorporate tiny air bubbles and increase freeze-thaw resistance. The minimum thickness is 1-1⁄2 inch.
repair mixturesare used to patch existing concrete and can often be feathered out to a thin edge. Some cure quickly while others are stickier and work well on vertical surfaces.
resurfacing mixesare used to fill and level porous and chipped panels. They are mixed to a thin consistency and spread with a squeegee to a thickness of1⁄2in. to a feather edge.
Andy Engel is a senior carpenter at HVP Corp. in Kent, Connecticut.
Photos by Melinda Sonido unless otherwise noted.
More about concrete:
Choosing the right float for your next concrete project- Wood, resin, magnesium and aluminum versions of this essential masonry tool all have their pros and cons.
How to safely pour concrete against siding- Find out what type of flashing you can install between new concrete steps and existing siding or siding to prevent rot and other water damage.
How to pour concrete on a slope– It is best to order concrete with a low water content, i.e. concrete with a low water content.
Von Fine Homebuilding Nr. 290
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FAQs
What is the best concrete for house foundation? ›
GRADE: C25 CONCRETE
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.
QUIKRETE® Architectural Finish (No. 1220-55) is a polymer modified, Portland cement based repair material designed to provide a smooth finish to tilt-up wall panels, precast or poured concrete, and masonry surfaces. Available in: 40 lb.
What is the best concrete mix for residential driveway? ›A Mix With A Moderate Water-To-Cement Ratio Is Optimal
The best concrete mix for your driveway is one that has a water-to-cement ratio of around 0.45. This means that you should have 45 pounds of water for every 100 pounds of cement.
At 30 minutes old, a yard of 4-inch slump 1-2-3 concrete will typically contain about 6½ sacks of cement, 1850 pounds of stone, 1220 pounds of sand, and 300 pounds (36 gallons) of water. At 28 days, its 0.49 w/c will deliver a compressive strength of 4500 psi.
What is the 20 30 40 rule in concrete? ›The typical concrete mix is made up of roughly 10% cement, 20% air and water, 30% sand, and 40% gravel. This is called the 10-20-30-40 Rule–though proportions may vary depending on the type of cement and other factors.
What is the thumb rule for concrete? ›Thumb Rule For Concrete
Concrete volume can be easily calculated if you know the plan area. Thumb rule for calculating concrete volume = 0.038 m3 per square foot of plan area. Thus total volume of concrete to build 600 sqft house is 22.8 m3.
It is important to note that IS 456 mandates that the minimum grade of concrete has to be M20 for RCC structures and buildings.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a house? ›Standard concrete floor slab thickness in residential construction is 4 inches. Five to six inches is recommended if the concrete will receive occasional heavy loads, such as motor homes or garbage trucks. To prepare the base, cut the ground level to the proper depth to allow for the slab thickness.
How thick should a concrete house foundation be? ›As a practical consideration, residential designers need to keep in mind that concrete foundation walls are typically 6, 8 or 10 inches thick (nominal). The typical concrete compressive strength used in residential construction is 2,500 or 3,000 psi, although other strengths are available.
What PSI should concrete be for a house slab? ›Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Suspended slabs, beams, and girders (as often found in bridges) require 3,500 to 5,000 psi. Traditional concrete walls and columns tend to range from 3,000 to 5,000 psi, while 4,000 to 5,000 psi is needed for pavement.
What are the 2 most common types of finish put on a concrete floor? ›
Some of the newest and most dramatic finishes for concrete floors use advanced materials and finishing techniques that might best be left to a professional. Two of the most popular new finishes right now are metallic epoxy coatings and concrete polishing. You're probably familiar with the epoxy coatings.
Is 4 inches of concrete thick enough for a driveway? ›As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a thickness of five inches is recommended. To eliminate standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.
Is it cheaper to buy or mix your own concrete? ›Ready mix concrete is usually the more expensive option, with the transportation costs and logistics involved generally costing more than the tools and labour associated with site mix concrete. However, for larger projects, ready mix concrete can become better value.
Is 2 inches of concrete enough for a driveway? ›Residential Driveway: Standard Concrete Driveway Thickness
The minimum thickness for a residential concrete driveway is 4 inches. However, 5 or 6 inches is recommended if you live in an area with heavy traffic or large vehicles. For extra strength and durability, you can go up to 8 inches.
3,000 PSI. The residential workhorse of concrete, 3,000 PSI can be used for driveways, patios and sidewalks. Its durability will help shrug off the freeze-thaw cycle of harsh winters. This is a fine choice for any general construction use.
Is 3 inch concrete slab enough? ›A 3- to 4-inch slab will work for the floor of a storage or tool shed, workshop, garden shed, or playhouse.
Does 3 concrete need rebar? ›Rebar is not necessary for every concrete project. The general rule of thumb is that if you are pouring concrete that is more than 5 inches in depth, you are probably going to want to add in some rebar to help reinforce the entire structure.
Does higher PSI concrete crack less? ›Concrete strength is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI the more durable your concrete will be and will thus be resilient to cracking.
How long does it take 4 inches of concrete to set? ›Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event, and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.
Why does concrete need 28 days? ›Because concrete compressive strength is at 99% in 28 days, it is very close to its final strength which could be in 1 or 2 years time. So engineers rely on the results of compressive strength test after just 28 days and use this number in any design calculations.
How long does it take 3000 PSI concrete to set up? ›
But to answer the question of, “How long does concrete take to set?” concrete setting time is generally 24 to 48 hours.
How thick should concrete be for foot traffic? ›The optimal thickness for a general use concrete sidewalk is four inches. The purpose of your sidewalk is the main determining factor of the thickness you need. Typical sidewalks provide a smooth solid surface for foot traffic and light-weight wheel traffic like bicycles and hand carts.
How long does it take for 6 inches of concrete to set? ›Concrete is usually dry enough after 24 to 48 hours to walk on. For concrete to dry and reach its full strength, it typically takes about 28 days per inch of slab thickness.
What does C stand for in concrete grade? ›C Grade concretes are measured using cubic concrete testing. This is where samples of concrete are taken from batch of concrete and tested to ensure the concrete is of suitable strength.
What is the difference between Type S and Type N concrete? ›Type N mortar is a general-purpose mortar that provides good workability and serviceability. It is commonly used in interior walls, above-grade exterior walls under normal loading conditions, and in veneers. Type S mortar is used in structural load-bearing applications and for exterior applications at or below grade.
How thick does a concrete slab need to be to not crack? ›In residential concrete, 4 inches is the minimum thickness for walkways and patios. Garage slabs and driveways should be 5 to 6 inches thick if any heavy truck traffic is anticipated, otherwise 4 inches is adequate.
What is the strongest foundation for a house? ›It's widely agreed that poured concrete is the strongest foundation option for a house, and it can be customized to meet the needs of any home. It's likely always going to be strong enough to support any type of house built on top of it as long as it's poured properly.
Can concrete be too thick? ›If the slab is too thin, it may break under load and fail before its time. If the slab is too thick, it costs more than it should. Slab thickness is a major factor in the cost of a concrete floor, so there's often pressure, which can become intense, to make the slab as thin as possible.
How thick does a foundation need to be for a 2 story house? ›Two-story buildings require a minimum of 15-inch wide footings for 1,500 LBV soil. For 2,000 LBV soil or greater, two-story buildings may have 12-inch minimum wide footings.
Will your pipes freeze if you have a slab? ›If you have a slab on grade foundation, your pipes will be more than six inches below ground. Heat from the ground and from the house will keep the temperature of the soils under the foundation above freezing. You do not need to worry about freezes affecting your underground pipes.
How thick is too thick concrete? ›
It is essential that you keep your concrete slab at no more than six (6) inches of thickness.
Is 4000 psi concrete waterproof? ›Also, 4000 psi concrete is borderline waterproof, so it also helps to prevent damp basements. Water vapor will readily move through a block wall, but with nearly waterproof concrete in a poured wall, that vapor transmission is much more difficult.
What is 8000 psi concrete used for? ›It is estimated that a 50-story structure with 4-foot diameter columns using 4000 psi concrete can reduce column diameters by approximately 33% by using 8000 psi concrete (Peterman). High –strength concrete is occasionally used in the construction of highway bridges.
Is 5000 psi concrete waterproof? ›They are stronger than concrete blocks but still water vapor can find its way through. Concrete is considered waterproof at 4,400 psi. An engineered foundation known as Superior Walls is poured at 5,000 psi. Technically, their walls are waterproof.
What is the best flooring to put on a concrete floor? ›To sum it up – carpet, engineered hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring are all great options to install over a concrete substrate that can last for years when properly maintained.
What Sheen is best for concrete floors? ›' In most circumstances, the best concrete floor finish is polished concrete.
What do you put between concrete and flooring? ›However, you will need an underlay for lino flooring on concrete on the form of a thin vapour barrier to protect it from moisture. To install your underlay, measure how much you need and cut the underlay into strips, add at least 5cm extra to give yourself some space.
What's the smoothest concrete? ›What is the smoothest concrete finish? The trowel finish is the most popular and smoothest concrete finish. After the concrete is laid, a trowel is used to smoothen out the fine-level concrete surface.
What is the most popular concrete finish? ›Troweled Finish
Trowel finish is the most common and popular finish of concrete used for major types of applications. After the concrete is laid in the formwork and leveled, the trowel is used to smooth and fine-level the surface of concrete.
Stamped concrete is the most expensive form of concrete finishing due to the amount of time involved to carefully and uniformly place the stamped pattern. Stamped concrete, however, achieves a highly aesthetic look that is perfect for applications such as outdoor patios.
Do you need wire mesh for 4 inch slab? ›
No, they do not. Larger projects or slabs may need steel reinforcement to provide support or extra strength. Wired mesh can also help resist cracking. However, not every piece of concrete necessarily requires that extra boost.
Do you need gravel under concrete driveway? ›Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.
Do you need rebar for 4 inch slab? ›No, you do not need rebar for a 4-inch slab of concrete on grade. A 4-inch-thick slab cast on the ground and in permanent contact with it will float and rebar is not required. Rebar is recommended on concrete measuring 5 – 6 inches thick.
How much does it cost to pour 2000 square feet of concrete? ›A concrete slab costs between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot, with an average cost of $6.60 per square foot. The national average cost of a concrete slab is $6.60 per square foot for materials and labor. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $4.34 and $7.73 per square foot for concrete installation.
How much does it cost to pour 1000 square feet of concrete? ›The average cost to lay down a 1,000-sq-ft concrete slab is around $3,000, which is around $3 per square foot. However, this price can increase drastically if you also need to grade your property, lay down a gravel sub-base, finish the surface of the concrete, or add on services like installing radiant heat.
How much does it cost to pour 100 square feet of concrete? ›Concrete cost per square foot. Expect to pay between $4.65 and $6.85 per square foot to have a plain concrete slab poured. To get an even better idea of how much your project will cost, get quotes from local contractors that can come see the site.
How long before you can drive on 4000 psi concrete? ›Concrete professionals suggest waiting at least seven days after the crew is finished before parking or driving your personal vehicle(s) on your new concrete. The reason for this is because one week is the time period it takes for your new concrete to achieve 90% of its full potential strength.
How far apart should rebar be placed in concrete? ›Place rebar in a grid pattern with a spacing between bars of approximately 12 inches. In either case, blocks should be used under the reinforcement to keep centered within the concrete. Synthetic fibers have also proven to be beneficial in driveways as a way to reduce shrinkage cracks.
What is the best concrete PSI for driveway? ›The typical concrete strength used for a driveway is in the 3000 psi to 4000 psi range, although temperate areas of the country may use lower strengths.
What is the difference between 4000 and 5000 psi concrete? ›Pavement and floor slabs in homes and business are made of concrete at 4,000 PSI and able to withstand traffic and support heavy loads. Concrete that exceeds 5,000 PSI is used in special construction projects that require building materials that are able to withstand heavy impact and extreme wear and tear.
Is it cheaper to mix your own concrete or buy ready mix? ›
With the cost of living increasing and the price of construction materials rising, one of the least expensive ways to get concrete is to mix your own.
What does M stand for in concrete grade? ›Grade of concrete is denoted by prefixing M to the desired strength in MPa. For example, for a grade of concrete with 20 MPa strength, it will be denoted by M20, where M stands for Mix. These grade of concrete is converted into various mix proportions.
Is 2 inches thick enough for concrete? ›What is the minimum thickness for concrete? A: Concrete is typically applied at a thickness of 2 inches or more, but the thicker it is, the stronger the slab will be. Four inches is most common for a slab. The thinner applications would include drives, walkways, slabs and footers, just to name a few.
What is the thinnest concrete can be poured? ›How thin can you pour concrete over concrete? Your new layer needs to be at least 2 inches thick. If it's any thinner than that, it'll easily crack under pressure and won't adequately bond to your surface.
What is 8000 PSI concrete used for? ›It is estimated that a 50-story structure with 4-foot diameter columns using 4000 psi concrete can reduce column diameters by approximately 33% by using 8000 psi concrete (Peterman). High –strength concrete is occasionally used in the construction of highway bridges.
What is 6000 PSI concrete used for? ›PSI 6000 can be used for any application requiring concrete in a minimum thickness of 50 mm (2”), such as slabs, footings, steps, columns, walls and patios. Each - 25 kg (55 lb) bag of QUIKRETE® PSI 6000 will yield approximately 12.2 L (0.43 cu ft) of mixed concrete.
What is Type N concrete used for? ›Type N is described as a general purpose mortar mix and can be used in above grade, exterior and interior load-bearing installations. It is also associated most commonly with soft stone masonry. This type is ideal for anything that is exposed to severe weather and high heat.
What is Type M concrete used for? ›Type M Masonry Cement is commercial-grade cement that can be used, when mixed with sand, to create high strength mortar mixes. This cement is designed for very heavy loads and has higher compressive strength than most masonry cements.
What is Type V concrete used for? ›Type V Portland cement is used when concrete needs to have resistance to high levels of sulfates in the surrounding soils, along with a minimum ratio of water to cementitious materials as specified in the American Concrete Institute requirements.
How many 50 lb bags does it take to make a yard of concrete? ›How many bags of concrete are in a yard? To produce one yard of concrete, you'll need to use about 45 80-pound bags (or 90 40-pound bags).
Do you need to wet new concrete? ›
DO spray new concrete with water. Moist curing is a common method of concrete curing. It involves wetting the concrete slab often with water (5-7 times per day) for the first 7 days.