Which concrete mix to use for your project
When ordering concrete for delivery from Beatson’s Concrete it’s important to understand the different concrete mixes available and which are most suitable for your project. This ensures that your concrete is not only appropriate for your structure but also meets the requirements and safety standards of your construction project.
In the field of construction, concrete plays an indispensable role as a fundamental building material, widely used for its unparalleled strength, durability, and versatility. When researching the concrete mixes and their applications, it’s important to have an understanding of the different types available and their uses in different construction projects. We’ll describe each of the concrete types supplied by Beatson’s Concrete, including C8/10 – ST1, ST2; C12/15 – ST3; C16/20; C20/25 – ST4; C25/30 – ST5; C28/35; C32/40; and C35/45, providing useful information on their different characteristics and uses so you can make an informed choice when ordering.
Why choose concrete for your next project
Their are many different materials and methods to choose for your building project. Concrete has been a staple in this building trade for many years, renowned for its durability and versatility and with various types of concrete available, such as C12/15, C20/25, C25/30, C28/35, and C35/45 & C40/50, how do these different grades impact construction and project costs?
Strength and durability: Concrete, especially the high-strength variants like C35/45 and C40/50, is celebrated for its ability to withstand wear and tear and adverse environmental conditions. Its robustness and life-span make it preferable over other materials, especially in structural applications.
Versatility: From C12/15 (ST3) to C40/50, concrete’s different grades cater to varying needs, spanning from non-structural, low-stress applications to the construction of high-stress, strategic structural elements.
Comparing concrete with other building materials
Wood: Typically less durable than concrete and susceptible to factors like decay and pest infestation.
Steel: While strong and durable, steel can be more expensive and is prone to corrosion, an aspect where concrete generally has an edge, especially when used in certain environmental conditions.
Bricks: When it comes to load-bearing capacity and tensile strength, concrete, particularly the higher grades like C35/45, are often a better choice.
Cost implications of concrete
While initial costs for high-grade concretes (e.g., C35/45 & C40/50) may be higher than other building materials, the long-term benefits often offset this. You should take into consideration the initial outlay, likely maintenance costs, longevity, and potential replacement costs. Durability and the low maintenance of concrete, particularly in structures demanding high resilience, make it a sensible investment, especially when compared to materials that might be cheaper but less cost-efficient over the lifespan of a structure.
How to calculate how much concrete you’ll need
Our concrete calculator accurately calculates the type and amount of concrete you’ll need for you project, whether that be a garden room foundation, garage floor or hot tub base.
Concrete mixes supplied by Beatson’s Concrete
C8/10 - ST1, ST2: A Fundamental Base
C8/10, concrete is most often used in forming a basic structural base for domestic projects and is often utilized in:
- Non-structural and non-load bearing elements.
- Domestic pavement installations.
- Foundations for walls, sheds, and other light structures.
ST1 and ST2, are often deployed for basic construction tasks where strength is not the primary concern.
C12/15 - ST3: The Reliable Support
C12/15 is a concrete blend that promises a higher level of strength and durability compared to its aforementioned counterparts. ST3 is mostly used in:
- Trenchfill foundations.
- Ground floor slabs.
- Oversite concrete and internal floor slabs.
Given the strength of this concrete, it is most often used when structural integrity and support are essential.
C16/20: The Balanced Option
C16/20 provide a balance of strength and flexibility, making it suitable for various general-purpose applications such as:
- Reinforced foundations where the ground is either made up of soil or is mechanically compacted.
- Extensive use in roadwork and pavement constructions.
This concrete balances durability and adaptability, C16/20 is on e of the most used concretes within the construction industry.
C20/25 - ST4: Robust and Resilient
C20/25, ST4, IS a great option for structural applications demanding high levels of durability. It is commonly applied in:
- Framed structures.
- Foundations.
- Floors and flatwork, especially where higher strength is essential.
This concrete blend is best used in projects where the concrete will be stressed under a great weight.
C25/30 - ST5: The Elevated Strength
C25/30 or ST5 is a concrete mix that is robust, offering an high level of strength suitable for:
- Medium-strength reinforced concrete structures.
- Construction of motorways and industrial flooring where enhanced durability is required.
- Structural applications where environmental conditions can be moderately aggressive.
This concrete is a good choice when the construction project requires a concrete with high strength and dependable structural integrity.
C28/35: Fortifying Structures
C28/35 is a very robust concrete mix, and is most commonly used in the following:
- Reinforced concrete elements within structures.
- Foundations of buildings where higher loads are anticipated.
- Complex industrial infrastructures.
This concrete can cope with extremely heavy loads and has been designed to sustain structural integrity under demanding conditions.
C32/40: Robust and Industrial
C32/40 stands out for its exceptional strength and durability and is most often used in:
- Industrial applications such as piling, precast sections, and structural beams.
- Applications where extreme wear and tear are expected.
This concrete has been designed to be used in projects where the concrete is subjected to substantial stress and strain.
C35/45: Peak Strength for Advanced Structures
C35/45 is one of the strongest concrete mixes and is used extensively in:
- High-performance structural elements.
- Heavy-duty industrial floors.
- Structures requiring utmost durability and strength to withstand substantial loads and aggressive environmental conditions.
