Concrete Strengths & Uses.
To laymen, concrete may seem like, just concrete.
However, concrete comes in a variety of sizes, density, strengths, and colours.
Our premixed concrete is available in strengths ranging from 15mpa to 100mpa with a slump (the wetness of the concrete), from 20 to 180 slump.
Concrete Strength for Purpose.
Block-fill / Cavity Fill
As the name implies, Blockfill / Cavity fill is applied when there is a need to fill up the blocks or double-layer a bricked wall for retaining the strength. This is also used when the engineers have designed walls that require extra support and strength. The mix used in cavity walls can range anywhere between 20-40mpa with an aggregate of 7 millimetre. This mix is generally ordered anywhere from a slump of 120 to 360.
The amount of slump/wetness present in concrete is usually higher, this allows the voids to be filled leaving no room for the formation of air pockets, as voids or air pockets can weaken the base of these walls. The mixes created are filled through using a concrete pump while employing a second delivery line to ensure the ease of filling, with the least mess.
Spray Mixes:
Spray Mixes are created for the purpose of shotcreting. Shotcreting is a process where concrete is placed through a concrete pump. Here, there is the usage of a compressed airline that joins the hose which throws the concrete. Spray mixes are usually used while constructing embankments, swim pools and retaining walls. These mixes have a strength ranging from 20-50mpa.
They also have a design slump and the presence of Silica Fume. Silica fume is what helps the concrete to maintain its hold and stand vertically.
Slabs:
Slabs are the most common usage of concrete and come in 2 variants – waffle slabs and conventional slabs. Conventional slabs are those which have a deep excavated dug that penetrates into the ground. Waffle slabs are placed around ground level and consist of a stretched foam pad made of polystyrene.
Slabs require concrete which has a strength varying from 20-25mpa. However, it depends on the soil test and instructions given by the engineer.
Foundations:
Foundations require a strong concrete density and are usually made from 20-25mpa consisting of rebar reinforcement. This reinforcement requires being poured into a trench. The dimensions of the trench are to be instructed by the engineer.
Foundations are laid on sloping blocks. Sloping blocks have bricks layered upon the concrete. The house which is built upon this foundation usually has stumps to withstand the flooring.
Paving and Coloured Concrete:
Paving and coloured concrete are very efficient in bringing the layered concrete to life. The colour can be incorporated into any concrete regardless of its strength. The colour used on concrete can range from being the conventional charcoal, to colours that glow. The distinctions and varieties you will find, are limitless.
No Fines Concrete:
No fines concrete is generally applied when strength a required. It is also used when water is to be allowed to penetrate through the surface. It is commonly used behind retaining walls or is applied to surround a tree. It is also used on driveways where a lot of surfaces are not to be covered.
CCS Streetscape Sealer
CCS Streetscape Sealer is a waterborne, low VOC, single component, penetrating sealer. It is designed to improve stain resistance to concrete, masonry, pavers and porous natural stone from the ingress of water, salts and staining from food, beverages and oil-based contaminants.
CCS Hi-Build Enduro
CCS Hi-Build Enduro is a high solids, solvent based acrylic sealer. It has been formulated to protect and enhance the surface of concrete with a gloss film against tyre markings, sunlight, grease and oil.
CCS Same Day Sealer
CCS Same Day Sealer is a modified resin and solvent based acrylic sealer, designed for same day application to freshly poured concrete.
CCS Solvent
CCS Solvent is a clear blend of liquid hydrocarbons formulated as a dilutant or extender in acrylic and lacquer coatings.
CCS Natural Seal Supreme HV
CCS Natural Seal Supreme HV is a solvent based penetrating sealer that can be used to protect both horizontal and vertical surfaces from the ingress of water and salts.