Concrete tops the list of building materials. It helped shape our great cities, suburbs, and infrastructure.
Concrete is the result of mixing cement, water, and aggregates. This mixture produces a solid mass that hardens over time. Concrete is a versatile material used for different purposes.
If you need concrete, you need a good understanding of its different types and uses. Otherwise, you risk making a product that will crumble in a few years.
Below are the different types of concrete and the ones you need to use in your product or building project.
Table of Contents
Types of Concrete
There are wide varieties of concrete, some of which have similar uses. The best concrete depends on the goal you hope to meet. To complete the work, you can pick the correct type of concrete listed below.
1. Normal Strength Concrete
Regular strength concrete is the most commonly used type of concrete. It is made with cement, water, and aggregates, such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. The ratio of these materials is essential to the strength and durability of the concrete.
Normal strength concrete has a compressive strength of 2,500 to 5,000 pounds per square inch. It is used in various applications, including sidewalks, driveways, and foundations.
2. Plain or Ordinary Concrete
The most common type of concrete is called plain or ordinary concrete. This type of concrete is made up of a mixture of cement, water, and aggregate. It is commonly used for products or buildings without a high demand for tensile strength.
It is a common type of concrete and can be used for various product and building applications.
3. Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is made by adding steel reinforcement to the concrete mix. The steel reinforcement helps increase the strength of the concrete. The support also makes it more resistant to cracking.
Reinforced concrete is the most used type of concrete in the world. It is used in the construction of both commercial and residential structures. Reinforced concrete is often used to construct roads, bridges, and buildings.
4. Prestressed Concrete
Prestressed concrete is a type of concrete made by compressing concrete under high pressure. This makes the concrete very strong and less likely to crack under stress.
Prestressed concrete is frequently used in bridges and other structures that need a lot of strength.
5. Precast Concrete
Precast concrete is made by casting concrete into a mold or form and then curing it. This type of concrete is often used for structural applications. Such applications are foundations, walls, beams, and columns.
Precast concrete has the benefit of quick assembly. The units are extremely high quality because they are produced in a factory.
6. Ready-Mix Concrete
This type of concrete is made at a central location and then transported to the job site. Ready mix concrete is a much more convenient option for many construction projects.
Concrete won’t be helpful if it takes too long to get to the job site. The work site is typically too far from the preparation plant. Sometimes, retarding chemicals are added to postpone the concrete’s setting time.
7. Decorative Concrete
Decorative concrete is used to create decorative designs on surfaces. It can create patterns, textures, and colors on concrete surfaces. Decorative concrete is usually made with Portland cement, but it can also be made with other types of cement.
This kind of concrete is often applied to dull surfaces or structures. A specialty concrete contractor is needed for the use of decorative concrete.
8. Shotcrete Concrete
Shotcrete concrete is mainly applied for walls, foundations, and other building projects. It is made by mixing cement, sand, and water and then spraying it onto the surface that needs to be covered. This type of concrete dries quickly and is very strong, making it ideal for construction projects.
9. Rapid Set Concrete
Rapid set concrete is a versatile material that can be used in various ways. This includes construction, paving, and even repairs. It is made by mixing Portland cement, sand, water, and other ingredients. This type of concrete is known for its quick set time and can be used in various applications.
It’s perfect if you don’t have much time to finish a project. It may be used all year round because of its quicker set times and high resistance to low temperatures.
It comes in particularly handy during the winter months. Ideally used when the extreme cold prevents the usage of many other types of concrete.
10. Limecrete
Limecrete is one of the most popular types of concrete used today. It is made from a mix of lime, sand, and water. This concrete is often used in construction because it is very strong and easy to work with.
Limecrete can be used in a variety of ways. This includes foundation for buildings, flooring material, and even as a decorative element in gardens.
11. Glass Concrete
One type of concrete that is becoming increasingly popular is glass concrete. Glass concrete is made by adding recycled glass to traditional concrete.
The glass gives the concrete a beautiful, shimmering appearance. It also makes the concrete more durable and resistant to staining.
However, glass concrete is more expensive than traditional concrete. It is also not yet widely available in the market.
12. Asphalt Concrete
Asphalt concrete is one type that is commonly used on paved surfaces, such as roads and driveways. It is made from a combination of asphalt and aggregate. These materials are mixed and then compacted.
These Are the Different Types of Concrete Used Today
Many types of concrete can be used for different purposes. The most common type of concrete is plain or ordinary concrete, used for buildings and infrastructure.
Other types of concrete include decorative concrete, limecrete, and shotcrete concrete. Each type of concrete has its properties and uses.
Want to learn more about the construction industry? Bookmark our blog page for more helpful insights.
