When it comes to construction, concrete changed the game. With records of use dating back thousands of years, the versatility and durability of this legendary building material are undeniable. From the Egyptian Pyramids to the Great Wall of China, The Pantheon, our highways, and skyscrapers, the strength and longevity of concrete remain as valuable as ever.
Before modern concrete and the advent of Ready Mix Concrete, the history books tell us that the earliest mixes consisted of burned or crushed gypsum or limestone bases. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors states, “Early cementitious composite materials typically included mortar-crushed, burned limestone, sand, and water, which was used for building with stone, as opposed to casting the material in a mold.”
Today, our concrete mixes Portland cement, coarse and fine aggregates, water, and admixtures. Ready Mix Concrete suppliers curate materials into batches specific to their customers’ projects and deliver the product to the job site ready for use. With so many different types of uses for concrete, not every project requires the same ingredients and strength characteristics. We will discuss how concrete strength is measured and how we can increase the strength of concrete.
How Is The Strength Of Concrete Measured?
Before we examine how to increase the strength of concrete, let’s define the metrics by which the strength is calculated.
Concrete is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). PSI evaluates the compressive strength of concrete and is tested by the standards established by the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM), specifically Standard C39. According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) standard, compressive strength is first tested after seven days and then again at 28 days.
Like most things, more is better when it comes to concrete PSI. So, the higher the PSI, the stronger and more durable the concrete will be. With that in mind, in the construction world, concrete can be broken down into normal-strength concrete and high-strength concrete. The ACI defines anything with over 6,000 PSI as high-strength concrete.
Typically, normal strength concrete runs between 2,500 PSI and 5,000 PSI, and those types of projects include slabs, traditional walls, footings, beams, girders, and pavement.
How Do You Strengthen Concrete?
The key to boosting the strength of concrete is to use high-quality materials and create a mix specific to your desired outcome. The foundations for a strong blend are using clean, well-graded aggregates, a high-grade primary binding agent such as Portland cement, and clean, potable water free from impurities. From there, it comes down to mix design, admixtures, curing, and compaction.
Optimize the Mix Design And Use The Appropriate Admixture
This is where working with a local Ready Mix Concrete supplier comes in handy. We understand the conditions you’re building in and can create a well-proportioned mix design with the appropriate admixtures to give you the concrete you need for your project. When it comes to the mix, we will consider the following:
Water-Cement Ratio
Maintain a low water-cement ratio (typically between 0.4 and 0.6). Too much water can weaken the concrete, while too little can make it challenging to work with.
Proper Proportions: Ensure the correct proportions of cement, sand, and aggregate. A balanced mix provides better cohesion and strength.
Admixtures
Admixtures are chemicals added to the concrete mix to enhance its properties. Common admixtures include:
Superplasticizers: These increase the workability of the concrete without adding extra water.
Silica Fume: This byproduct of silicon metal or ferrosilicon alloys enhances the strength and durability of concrete.
Fly Ash: This improves the concrete’s workability and reduces the need for water.
After The Pour, Make Sure to Cure and Compact
Proper curing and compaction can increase the strength once the concrete is poured. Curing is maintaining adequate moisture, temperature, and time to allow the concrete to achieve its desired properties. There are a few key ways to properly cure and compact concrete:
Water Curing: Keep the concrete surface wet by sprinkling water or covering it with damp burlap.
Plastic Sheeting: Cover the concrete with plastic sheets to retain moisture.
Curing Compounds: Apply a liquid membrane-forming curing compound to seal in moisture.
Adequate Compaction
Compacting the concrete mix is essential to remove air bubbles and voids that can weaken the structure. You can consider:
Vibration: Use internal or external vibrators to consolidate the concrete.
Tamping: Manual or mechanical tamping can help achieve proper compaction, especially in smaller areas.
Ready For Ready Mix? Contact Us Today!
Increasing the strength of concrete is a comprehensive process that involves careful selection of materials and mix design. At AMCorp, we understand your building conditions and can create a Ready Mix Concrete product that suits your project. Now, it’s time to talk about your next project. Ready Mix Concrete is measured in volume, and as the leading Ready Mix Concrete supplier in Northern Texas, we have taken the guesswork out of it. Using our concrete calculator, you can determine how much concrete you need for your project.
AMCorp is your trusted Ready Mix Concrete supplier east of Dallas, TX. Contact AMCorp today to discuss your project or request a quote.