Concrete is one of the world’s strongest materials and comes in various strengths to meet a wide range of needs so how is the strength of concrete measured? At Doncaster Quickmix, we have been a leading supplier of concrete for many years. You can count on us to meet your concrete needs and supply the strength that you require. When you’re working on a construction project, you need to ensure the concrete that you’re using is tough enough to withstand the loads that it will be supporting. Concrete is measured by the weight it can withstand after being laid, cured, and dried for 28 days.
Most people measure the compressive strength of concrete to determine how tough it is and how well it will withstand loads. Cylindrical concrete specimens are broken in a machine when compressive strength is tested. Compressive strength is measured in psi (pounds per square inch). Measuring compressive strength tells us whether a concrete mixture meets the requirements of a specific task. The higher the psi is, the stronger the concrete is. Stronger concrete does normally cost more, but it also has more longevity.
Most projects require a minimum of 2,5000 psi. Concrete structures located in colder parts of the world require a higher psi. This is because they need to survive a larger number of freeze and thaw cycles. Concrete walls normally need a psi rating of 3,000 to 5,000 psi, with pavements requiring 4,000 to 5,000. Compressive strength is typically tested after a week and re-tested after four weeks. The American Concrete Institute has defined the highest strength of concrete as concrete offering a compressive strength of over 6,000 psi.
Measuring the tensile strength of concrete tells us how well concrete can resist breaking or cracking when it’s under tension. If a tensile force is bigger than the tensile strength of the concrete, cracks are likely to form. Concrete often has a lower tensile strength than compressive strength. This in turn is why concrete structures facing considerable tensile stress often have to be reinforced with materials noted for high tensile strength. Steel is an example of this kind of material.
Concrete is stronger when there’s less water in the mix. A strong concrete mix will have a low water-to-cement ratio alongside strong aggregate. Hydration enables concrete to reach its full strength. Cement and water must undergo this chemical reaction for high strengths to be achieved.
Big construction projects often require steel reinforcing mesh. Reinforcement is also carried out using steel rods known as reinforcing bars. Sometimes, the mesh is used alongside these bars. Mesh and rebars don’t rust inside the concrete. This is because the curing of the concrete protects the reinforcements from oxygen. Not all concrete projects require reinforcement. The projects that do need steel reinforcement tend to be large ones. Cracking can often be prevented if the mesh is used to reinforce the concrete. Concrete slabs that are likely to face a heavy workload and lots of traffic are more likely to require reinforcement.
Concrete remains the most commonly used manmade material on the planet. As well as being used to construct roads and buildings, it is also used to build bridges, drains, pavements, and kerbs, as well as many other structures. The main materials used to create concrete include Portland cement, water, and aggregate. The aggregate can come in the form of rock, sand, and gravel. A workable paste is created when the materials are mixed together. This becomes harder over time. The material has remained popular around the world for several reasons. It has a long life and requires little maintenance. Concrete is also cheaper than many other materials used for construction projects. It can be shaped with ease before it hardens and it is non-combustible.
At Doncaster and Rotherham Quickmix, we’ve been supplying concrete in Doncaster and Rotherham for a decade. We are well-known for our concrete mixing expertise as well as our outstanding customer service. Using purpose-built equipment to create the exceptional quality you require, we are ready to help you get your project off the ground. We can also supply you with screed, cemfloor, interlocking concrete blocks, dry and gypsol screed, and self-compacting concrete.
Whether you’re a domestic or commercial customer, we can supply you with concrete of the highest quality. In many cases, we are able to offer same-day delivery, ensuring your concrete arrives on site promptly and efficiently. Our customer service experts are always on hand to assist you if you ever do have any queries about the products we supply. We can blend your concrete to your exact requirements, frequently supplying products for flooring and foundations in Rotherham and Doncaster. We have worked with a wide range of prestigious clients over the years. These include local councils and highway agencies. Contractors and the general public both come to us as their trusted concrete supplier.
We can offer some of the most competitive prices for concrete in Rotherham and Doncaster without ever forcing you to compromise on quality. Also, all of our concrete meets BS 8500 standards and offers outstanding durability and longevity.
Finally, you can find out more about our concrete in Doncaster or Rotherham by giving us a call on 01302 972997 (Doncaster) or 01709 807977 (Rotherham). You can also reach us by completing the form on our website. We are eager to assist you if you need help with ordering the right kind of Rotherham or Doncaster concrete, so don’t hesitate to contact us to get the right solution.
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