Concrete is made of gravel or sand and water. When the mixture sets, it creates a durable surface that can withstand a lot of weight and other external forces. This versatile building material is typically used for construction projects, as it can be molded into any shape or structure. Since there are different types of concrete, here’s more information about them and their uses.

A Guide to Concrete Mixes

1. Fast-Setting

Fast-setting concrete is quick to set. It’s commonly used for buildings, roads, and sidewalks because these projects require a fast-setting material so that normal traffic can return. However, you can also use this type of concrete for fence poles or other smaller construction projects that require rapid hardening.

2. High-Strength

This type of concrete is stronger than standard mixes. While regular concrete has a compressive strength of around 30 megapascals (MPa), this high-strength variety can withstand up to 70 MPa if necessary. The enhanced strength comes from using less water in the mixture.

High-strength concrete is ideal for creating house foundations or columns on lower floors. In general, you should use high-strength cement anywhere you need extra support to hold more weight with less space.

3. Crack-Resistant

This type of cement mixture is usually reinforced with fibers to resist cracks and breakage on the surface. You can use this type of concrete for setting fence posts if you have more time and don’t need quick-setting cement. It’s also an ideal material for driveways, walkways, curbing, and retainer walls. If you have high-traffic areas that will get a lot of use or stress, use crack-resistant cement to avoid surface damage.

 

For your next cement project, turn to the team at Rugged Slopes Contractors on Oahu, HI. These professionals are fully insured and bonded, and they’ll help you determine which type of concrete best suits your project’s needs. They’ll work closely with you to design and bring your vision to life, smoothly blending the new construction into the existing surfaces. To request a free estimate, call (808) 722-4918 or send a message on their website.