C40 is the ideal choice for constructing large beams and industrial support foundations. It is also used in a variety of roadworks and agricultural yard applications. Whether you are looking for the right domestic or commercial concrete mix for your construction job, or are simply curious about the different grades of concrete and would like to know more, read on to understand these different types of concrete and their uses, or get in touch today call us on 01442 389105. Take a look at our concrete grade chart below to help ensure your construction site or home uses the right concrete mix. Concrete is usually made of cement mixed with aggregates and water. When mixed, aggregates (sand, 26% stone) and water interact with cement in a reaction called hydration.
This matrix of materials soon begins to harden and will continue to strengthen for almost a whole month. All concrete mixes below use carefully calculated amounts of the main ingredients to create different types and strengths of concrete. Why 28 days? The compressive strength of concrete increases rapidly over time and also decreases relatively rapidly. It can achieve 40 percent strength in three days, 90 percent strength in 14 days, and 99 percent strength in 28 days. Concrete gains strength rapidly in the initial days, up 90 percent in just 14 days, and after that, concrete gains only 9 percent resistance in the next 14 days.
Therefore, the rate of strength gain decreases. Because concrete gains 99 percent strength in 28 days, it is close to final strength, so we use this strength in the base for our design and evaluation. A commercial grade concrete mix, the C40 is used for the most demanding jobs. It has the strength to allow it to be used for structural supports, footings and foundations. It is also used for roadworks and in agriculture, where strength and durability are key.
Lean concrete is a mixture in which the amount of cement is less than the amount of liquid present in the strata. Concrete mixes are classified by their grade, having specified a compressive strength at 28 days, measured under standard conditions with a cube of size of 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm, which means that the grade of concrete corresponds to its characteristic compressive strength. M 5, M 10, M 15 are used for PCC (smooth cement concrete) work such as leveling course, bedding for the foot, etc. M 25, M 30, M 35 are used for RCC (reinforced cement concrete) as foundations, footings, columns, beams, slabs, etc. The grades M-45, M-50 are used for RCC, tracks, concrete roads (POQ), prestressed concrete beams, RCC columns, prestressed beams, etc. Grade M-55 is used for prestressed concrete beams and pillars, etc.
M-60, M-65, M-80 are used for CCR work where high compressive strength is required such as high-rise buildings, long-range bridges, ultra-thin white coverage and dam spillways, coastal construction etc. We detail the grade, strength ratio and uses of concrete to help you work to the highest specifications and tolerances. As this grade of concrete is more durable than the lowest grade concrete mix it can also be used for roads and roads as it is weather resistant and can withstand the weight of road traffic. Returning to concrete grades; the table shows the proportion of cement aggregate sand and water in different grades of concrete. There are many different types of concrete mix and grades available depending on the type of concrete work you are doing. The grade of concrete can be determined by calculating the compressive strength of concrete in MPa where M stands for mixture and MPa denotes the overall strength. So what can these qualifications be used for and which one is best for the job in question? Below is a list of some of the initial grades of concrete and what they are best used for:
- M 5: Used mainly for PCC work such as leveling course bedding for footings etc.
- M 10: Used mainly for PCC work such as leveling course bedding for footings etc.
- M 15: Used mainly for PCC work such as leveling course bedding for footings etc.
- M 25: Used mainly for RCC work such as foundations footings columns beams slabs etc.
- M 30: Used mainly for RCC work such as foundations footings columns beams slabs etc.
- M 35: Used mainly for RCC work such as foundations footings columns beams slabs etc.
- M 45: Used mainly for RCC tracks POQ prestressed beams RCC columns prestressed beams etc.
- M 50: Used mainly for RCC tracks POQ prestressed beams RCC columns prestressed beams etc.
- M 55: Used mainly for prestressed beams pillars etc.
- M 60: Used mainly for CCR work where high compressive strength is required such as high-rise buildings long-range bridges ultra-thin white coverage dam spillways coastal construction etc.
- M 65: Used mainly for CCR work where high compressive strength is required such as high-rise buildings long-range bridges ultra-thin white coverage dam spillways coastal construction etc.
- M 80: Used mainly for CCR work where high compressive strength is required such as high-rise buildings long-range bridges ultra-thin white coverage dam spillways coastal construction etc.
The grade C in particular determines the compressive strength; For example C30 has a concrete strength of 30 newtons C40 has a strength of 40 newtons C50 has a strength of 50 newtons. Depending on the type and height of building; The strength of concrete required to build these elements changes so it is necessary to choose the right grade of concrete for each element of a structure. The grade of concrete is determined by minimum compressive strength (MPa n) rating 28 days after its pouring. It is important to obtain the right concrete mixes and strengths for your project as different grades can significantly affect concrete performance which will affect efficiency of structure your finished project. The grade of concrete is understood in measurements MPa where M stands for mixture and MPa denotes overall strength.
