The ancient Romans developed concrete thousands of years ago. Today, the product has innumerable applications in a variety of industries.
Almost everyone knows what concrete is. But it may surprise you to learn that there are many different types of concrete intended for distinct purposes.
Keep reading to find out more about the types and uses of this versatile product. It will help you determine which kind is the best concrete for your job.
Types of Concrete
Note that concrete is distinct from cement, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Cement is a substance used to bind materials together when it hardens. Concrete combines cement, gravel, and sand into a single material. Here are a few of the main types of concrete.
Normal Strength Concrete
This type of concrete has the basic ingredients–concrete, water, and aggregate–in a 1:2:4 ratio. Once mixed with water, it takes between 30 and 90 minutes to set, depending on the cement’s properties and the surrounding climate.
The most common use for this product is for concrete building or pavement projects that have less tensile strength demands. It also can be susceptible to vibrations, so it is rarely used in complex concrete construction projects.
High-Strength Concrete
High-strength concrete can endure greater force than normal concrete without breaking. According to the American Concrete Institute, it can withstand up to 6,000 pounds per square inch of pressure.
Due to a lower water-to-concrete mixture, high-strength concrete can be more difficult to work with than normal concrete. It also dries much quicker, which can present challenges when using.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete is an architectural product that, once laid, is covered with a mold to imprint it with a particular design. The surface can be made to resemble stone, slate, tile, brick, or even wood.
For this reason, it is often used on patios, pool decks, and driveways. After the concrete dries, you can cover it with a sealant to protect it and make it last longer.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is produced in a factory using molds to achieve a specific form. The most common examples are concrete blocks, walls, poles, and staircase units.
Since all manufacturing of precast concrete items is taken care of off-site, you have to determine the best way to transport them. A reputable precast concrete company will have different methods for moving the product from A to B.
Self-Consolidating Concrete
While setting concrete you normally need mechanical vibration to work free excess air in the mixture. Self-consolidating concrete eliminates this step. It is highly flowable and non-segregating.
Self-consolidating concrete produces a smoother surface and is great for spaces that are difficult to fill. This can translate to huge cost savings related to time and labor.
Learn More About the Different Uses for Concrete
Now that you have an idea of the different types of concrete, you can decide which one is right for your project. Reach out to a prominent concrete company to learn more about each type’s uses and applications.
We hope this information was helpful to you. If so, be sure to take a look at some of our other posts on business, fashion, health, travel, and many other topics.
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