Ensuring you have the right concrete grade for your project is key to any project whether it is commercial or domestic. A grade of concrete is pressure concrete can withstand. Making sure you have the correct grade of concrete for your project will allow you to meet the specific strength and durability required from the project. But how do you ensure the grade of concrete is the right one for your specific project in hand?
If you use the wrong grade concrete for your project it can lead to having costly repairs if it is to crack under to much pressure. If you use a higher grade concrete than required will mean you are probably paying more than is actually necessary for your project.
What are concrete grades –
Concrete grades measure the compressive strength of a mix of concrete and will determine how much weight the concrete can withstand. after it has been cured, The grades of concrete in the UK are standardised under BS 8500 and the European standard is the BS EN206 .
Grades are usually started with C and followed y a number which represents the strength and it will indicate the pressure the concrete can withstand following the curing process. The measurement is in Newtons per square millimetre. The grade of a concrete matters as is will vary per structure whether it is being using for a driveway, foundation for a house or a structure will determine the strength of the concrete required.
How do you chose the grade of concrete for your project?
The concrete you choose will depend n the project here we will look at some of the typical concrete grades and what they are usually used for.
C10 – This concrete is used for lightweight projects like paths and patios. It is suited for DIY projects and landscaping.
C20 – This concrete is fit for driveways, flooring, and foundation. It is suited for residential projects and projects that dont have high pressure loads.
C25 -This is a very versatile concrete and is used for foundations, reinforced bases and footings. It can withstand a moderate load
C30 – This is the heavy duty concrete for pavements, industrial flooring and foundations. It can withstand high traffic and large vehicles.
C40 – This is the strongest concrete mixed used in industrial settings and for the heaviest of loads.
If you have a concrete requirement and you are not sure on the grade required we can help at RT Mycock contact us today.