Did you know that there are different types of concrete? Not all concrete is created equal, and there are specific situations for using various types of concrete.
If you are in the middle of a renovation and need to pour concrete, it’s best to know which type is optimal for your project. In this article, we are giving you the ultimate guide to the different types of concrete, so read on.
Different Types of Concrete
Everywhere you look, you’ll see some concrete outside. This includes basic infrastructure like bridges, walls, buildings, patios, and sidewalks.
Concrete is made with different grades of strength, such as regular, standard, and maximum. Each grade will indicate how they should be used in a concrete project. Let’s go over the different types of concrete.
Asphalt Concrete
Asphalt, or blacktop, is the primary type of concrete that you’ll commonly find on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks.
Asphalt is porous and flexible, which is excellent for landscapes that can be stressed from ground movement and heavy sources such as cars and trucks.
Ordinary Concrete
Ordinary concrete combines the essential components – concrete, sand, and concrete aggregate using a 1:2:4 ratio. Regular concrete takes about 30-90 minutes to set but can depend on weather conditions.
Ordinary strength is suitable for buildings that don’t require a high amount of tensile strength or pavement. Ordinary-strength concrete is an excellent option for those building something that doesn’t need to stand up to vibrations or wind loading.
Ordinary concrete is typically recycled when broken up and not in use. Read about recycled concrete.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is the industry standard for modern construction. Its strength comes from steel cables known as rebar that run through the concrete before it sets.
Tall buildings, roadways, and bridges rely on reinforced concrete due to its high tensile strength, durability, and ability to withstand many applied forces.
High-Density Concrete
High-density concrete is very specific when it comes to its use. You’ll see high-density concrete used at energy centers and powerplants. Its high-density compound contains crushed rocks, barytes, and barium sulfate.
The combination of these elements in the concrete helps the structure resist radiation.
Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is manufactured in a factory and is cast to specifications for its use. After the concrete is created, it’s loaded onto a track to be assembled for its project. You’ll see precast concrete used in walls, staircases, poles, and concrete blocks.
Smart Concrete
This is the future of concrete. Small carbon fibers are added to concrete using a typical concrete mixer. This creates electrical resistance when it encounters stress or strain. Smart concrete is used to detect possible failure before the concrete breaks apart.
This is especially useful for buildings standing on faultlines or any area prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters.
What Type of Concrete Is Best for Your Project?
Now that we’ve gone over most of the standards types of concrete, it’s up to you to determine which is best for your project. Consider what type of strength you’ll need for your project, and you should be good to go.
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