Are you puzzling over which type of concrete to use for your next project? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
At Kettle & Black, we’ve seen plenty of head scratching when it comes to choosing the right concrete mix. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand the different types of concrete available and their uses.
What is Concrete?
Before we get into the different concrete types, let’s ask the question: what exactly is concrete?
Concrete is a mixture of cement, water and aggregates (like sand and gravel). The proportions of these ingredients and any additional materials determine the properties of the final product. That’s why you get different types.
Got it? Good. Here are the different types of concrete, along with their advantages:
1. Normal Strength Concrete
This is your everyday, run-of-the-mill concrete. It’s the most common type used in construction and is perfect for a wide range of applications.
Best for: Foundations, driveways, pavements and general construction work.
Strength: Typically between 20 to 40 MPa (megapascals).
2. High-strength Concrete
When you need a bit more oomph in your concrete, a highstrength mix is the way to go. It’s designed to withstand heavier loads and more wear and tear.
Best for: High-rise buildings, bridges and heavy-duty industrial flooring.
Strength: Usually above 40 MPa, with some mixes reaching up to 100 MPa or more.
Pro tip: This type of concrete often requires special curing conditions, so it’s best left to the professionals.
3. Lightweight Concrete
As the name suggests, this concrete is lighter than standard mixes. It’s made using lightweight aggregates or by creating air pockets within the concrete.
Best for: Reducing the overall weight of structures, especially in high-rise buildings or long-span bridges.
Weight: Typically between 1440 to 1840 kg/m³, compared to 2400 kg/m³ for normal concrete.
4. Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)
This is a bit of a wonder-mix in the concrete world. It’s designed to flow and settle into place without the need for vibration or compaction.
Best for: Complex formwork, areas with dense reinforcement and reducing noise pollution on construction sites.
Advantage: Saves time and labour costs by eliminating the need for mechanical compaction.
5. Fibre-Reinforced Concrete
This type of concrete has small fibres mixed in to improve its strength and durability. These fibres can be made from steel, glass, synthetic materials or even natural fibres.
Best for: Reducing cracking in concrete, improving impact resistance and enhancing overall durability.
Applications: Industrial flooring, precast concrete, shotcrete and tunnel linings.
6. Ready-Mix Concrete
This isn’t a specific type of concrete per se, but rather a method of preparing and delivering concrete. It’s mixed off-site and delivered to your location ready to use.
Best for: Most construction projects, especially when you need a large volume of concrete or don’t have the time or space for on-site mixing.
Advantages: Consistent quality, reduced on-site labour and less waste.
Did you know? At Kettle & Black, we specialise in ready-mix concrete delivery across Lincolnshire. Give us a ring, and we’ll sort you out.
7. Pervious Concrete
Also known as porous concrete, this type allows water to pass through it. It’s an eco-friendly option that helps with stormwater management.
Best for: Car parks, walkways and areas where you want to reduce surface runoff.
Environmental benefit: Helps recharge groundwater and reduces the need for separate stormwater management systems.
Choosing the Right Concrete for Your Project
Now that you know your concrete, how do you choose the right type for your project? Here are a few things to consider:
Project requirements
What’s the purpose of the concrete? Will it need to bear heavy loads or resist specific environmental conditions?
Budget
Some specialised concrete types can be more expensive than others.
Environmental factors
Consider things like temperature, humidity and exposure to chemicals or salt water.
Local building codes
Make sure your chosen concrete meets all relevant regulations.
Expert advice
When in doubt, consult with professionals.
Get the Right Mix with Kettle & Black
Choosing the right concrete can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. At Kettle & Black, we’re your partners in construction. Our team of experts is always ready to help you select the perfect concrete mix for your project, whether it’s a small DIY job or a major commercial undertaking.
We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality concrete across Lincolnshire, including Lincoln, Sleaford, Newark-on-Trent and the surrounding areas. With our BSI accreditation, competitive pricing and commitment to pouring only what you need, you can trust us to get the job done right.