The Different Types of Concrete and Their Strengths

If you haven’t worked with concrete before, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there was only one type of concrete, used for all applications and projects. However, concrete is a material with many types and sub-types, each one designed for usage in different applications. Whether you’re laying a patio in your garden or you’re thinking of putting in some new fence posts, you need to be sure that you’re using the right type of concrete.

Domestic concrete types

Ready mix: The most commonly used type, it’s used for large projects, basement builds and jobs where time and space is at a premium.
Volumetric: Produced on site in a mobile batching plant, the main selling point of volumetric concrete is that the amount can be adjusted on the go – no risk of ordering too much or too little, as you only pay for what you use. Used for large sites and basement builds.
Self-Compacting: Also referred to as SCC concrete, its high flow rate means it compacts and levels itself, saving time and labour. It’s primarily used for pre-cast structures, foundations, floors and walls.
Decorative: Used for floor patterns, decorative paving and architectural additions, this concrete is available in a rage of textures and colours to cater for a range of design themes.
Rapid-Set: This concrete, as the name suggests, sets quicker than other types. It’s used for fence posts, road renovations and concrete repairs, with its fast setting time making it particularly useful in the colder months.

Commercial concrete types

C/7/8/Gen 0 – Also known as wet lean mix concrete, it’s used for kerb bedding, domestic foundations and cavity filling.
C10/Gen 1 – A very versatile mix, used for a variety of applications, including steps, trench filling, drainage work and floor binding.
C15/Gen 2 – This type of concrete is ideal for flooring where there won’t be a permanent flooring finish over the top of it. Paths, steps and small walls are all common uses for this type of concrete.
C30/Pav 1/ST 3 – Used mainly for pavements, it can also be applied for driveways, walkways and patios. Using an air entrainment additive, it is protected from freeze-thaw cycles, helping it to withstand the winter months.
C40 – This type of concrete is used for the construction of heavy load-bearing structures, like structural beams, foundations and roadworks.
As you can see, there’s a range of concrete types available for various domestic and commercial concrete projects. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, but with the right knowhow and even some professional advice, you can be sure you’ll have the right material for your needs.

Total Concrete are experts in the supply of ready mixed and volumetric concrete of the highest quality. No matter how much you need or when you need it, we can deliver it to you, and we can even pump it into the desired location. For more information, please get in touch with us today.