Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials available in construction today. There are various mixes designed for certain applications, and it’s crucial your concrete pavement contractor picks the right one. McConnell & Associates will always cover what concrete solution is best for our customers, their projects, and their budgets. In this article, we will explore the different types of concrete mixes, their designed purpose, as well as the admixtures that can be used.
Normal Strength Concrete (NSC)
This mix consists of cement, sand, and aggregate in their standard ratio, along with water. It is commonly used in pavement surfaces, driveways, and residential building foundations where high-strength concrete is not a requirement.
High-Strength Concrete (HSC)
High-strength concrete is designed to withstand compressive loads above 6,000 psi. It can include silica fume, fly ash, or other admixtures to increase the durability and reduce the pavement’s permeability. This is ideal for high-rise buildings, bridges, and heavy-load-bearing structures.
Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC)
Produced in batching plants and delivered to the site in transit mixers, ready mix ensures uniformity and consistency. It is widely used in large-scale projects, from residential buildings to commercial complexes. This mix can either be manufactured from a Dry Plant or Wet Plant. A Dry Plant will add all the dry material into the truck and then add water. Once altogether in the truck the driver is required to make 90-100 revolutions before placement. A Wet Plant will mix all the dry material and add water at the plant to ensure proper mixture. Once mixed it will be loaded into the truck. Flowable Fill Concrete: Diggable and Non-Diggable
Flowable fill concrete, also known as Controlled Low-Strength Material (CLSM) is a self-compacting, low-strength concrete mix mainly used for backfilling, filling trenches, and filling voids. These mixes are ideal for supporting below-ground drainage solutions. Contrary to conventional concrete, it doesn’t require any mechanical compaction or finishing, and can be designed to be diggable or non-diggible.
Diggable Flowable Fill
Designed to have a low compressive strength, typically below 300psi, to allow for future excavation. You’ll find it used in some utility trenches and temporary fills. This mix provides stability, with the expectation it’ll be removed in the near future.
Non-Diggable Flowable Fill
This mix achieves a high compressive strength rating, at least above 300psi, making it more difficult to remove once it is set. It is used for permanent fills, structural support, and areas where no re-excavation is needed. This mix offers high durability and long-term load-bearing capacity to anything underneath the pavement.
Concrete Admixtures and Their Designed Purpose
Concrete admixtures are ingredients added to the mix before or during the mixing process to enhance its properties and performance. These admixtures can do anything from improving workability, strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.
Water-Reducing Admixture
Improves workability without increasing water content. This will also increase its strength and reduce the permeability of the concrete pavement. This one is commonly used in high-performance precast concrete
Air-Entraining Admixtures
This admixture introduces microscopic air bubbles into the concrete to improve freeze-thaw resistance, enhancing its durability in colder climates.
Accelerating Admixtures
This one speeds up the setting time and early strength development.
Retarding Admixtures
Delays setting time to allow for longer workability. This is ideal for more extensive placements of concrete.
Corrosion-Inhibiting Admixtures
This protects the steel rebar inside the concrete from corrosion. It is typically used in marine structures, bridges, and parking garages.
Bonding Admixtures
Improves the adhesion between existing concrete and new concrete. This is an admixture used in concrete repair situations to reduce the risk of future damage.
Coloring Admixtures
Adds pigments to achieve an aesthetic effect on your concrete pavement.
Choosing the Right Concrete for the Job
Choosing the right concrete mix for your project is something we do once we know your problem and the requirements to complete the project correctly. Whether you need a high-strength option or a standard concrete solution is all you need, McConnell & Associates will make sure you are left with a lasting Concrete Pavement solution for many years to come. Call us at (816) 942-6066 or check us out online at mcconnellassociates.org.
Also, check out our business listing for McConnell & Associates in the NKC Business Council.
