Concrete is a durable construction material that works well for a number of different types of projects. It is important, however, to know which type of concrete will work best for the specific type of project you are working on. According to Concrete Financial Insights, 9.4 billion cubic meters of concrete were produced in 2021 alone. Many different types of concrete are produced each year, but you want to make sure that the concrete you use is just right for your specific purposes. Let’s take a look at a few different types of concrete and their uses.
All-Purpose Ready-Mix Concrete
This is the most common type of concrete. Homeowners use this concrete on a frequent basis for all types of projects. It’s suitable for many upgrades around the house, such as small sidewalks, patio slabs, footings, and even interior floors. All-purpose concrete carries a psi rating of 2500 to 4000. Bags of ready-mix concrete usually come in quantities of 50 to 80 pounds.
High-Strength Concrete
When working on construction projects, the strength of concrete is required to be higher than that of ready-mix concrete. Construction-grade concrete is called high-strength. This material can handle heavy loads with a psi of 6000 or more. This type of concrete works well for foundations, driveways, and slabs that need to hold a lot of weight.
Fast-Setting Concrete
Another type of concrete is fast-setting. This is a good option for fence posts, mailboxes, or any project in which you need concrete to dry quickly. You can pour this product into a hole, mix it with water, and simply wait 10 minutes. This concrete has a psi of 4000.
Crack-Resistant Concrete
This type of concrete is intended to be used on sidewalks, patios, steps, or anywhere else a long-term crack-resistant surface is needed. This type of product will reduce the chances of cracks developing as a result of normal ground movement.
Sand Mix
Sand mix is sometimes not considered to be true concrete. This material is also known as a topping mix. It is a combination of cement and sand. This is an option for patching holes and cracks that might appear in existing concrete. Sometimes it is used as a top coat to get a smooth finish.
If you would like to learn more about concrete options, or if you need an estimate for an upcoming project, give GFP Mobile Mix Supply a call today. We look forward to assisting you!