Concrete Applications and Mixes

Standard mixes (ST) are a defined list of concretes within BS 8500 which are made with a prescribed quantity of materials as required in the British Standard. These concretes are normally mixed on site on small scale jobs or obtained from a supplier with no quality standards. SPCs are fairly basic mixes and have no strength guarantee, although this can be assumed based on the values contained within BS 8500.

Applications: ST1 or wet lean mix concrete: commonly used in both commercial and domestic projects for a wide range of general, non-structural applications.

• kerb bedding

• backing

• drainage works

• haunching

• blinding

• Strength: Assume to be 7.5N/mm2 at 28 days

Standard mixes (ST) are a defined list of concretes within BS 8500 which are made with a prescribed quantity of materials as required in the British Standard. These concretes are normally mixed on site on small scale jobs or obtained from a supplier with no quality standards. SPCs are fairly basic mixes and have no strength guarantee, although this can be assumed based on the values contained within BS 8500.

Applications: An extremely versatile mix used throughout the construction industry for general and housing applications. It is ideal for un-reinforced foundations and bases for houses and extensions, trench-fill, kerbing, patios and unreinforced house floors as long as a permanent finish (such as a screed or floating floor) will be added.

• un-reinforced strip footings

• trench-fill foundations

• some agricultural applications

• drainage works

• blinding house floors

• pad foundations

• non-structural mass concrete in non-aggressive (DC-1) ground conditions

• footings for fence posts

• infilling around manholes

• small bases for external furniture, such as patios

• mass concrete fill

• Strength: Assume 10N/mm2 at 28 days

Standard mixes (ST) are a defined list of concretes within BS 8500 which are made with a prescribed quantity of materials as required in the British Standard. These concretes are normally mixed on site on small scale jobs or obtained from a supplier with no quality standards. SPCs are fairly basic mixes and have no strength guarantee, although this can be assumed based on the values contained within BS 8500.

Applications: ST3 is widely used for light duty domestic applications and foundations but not usually suitable as a wearing surface. It can be used to construct internal floor slabs providing they don’t contain embedded metal and is ideal for house floors with no permanent finish (e.g. carpet or laminate) flooring.

• shed and workshop bases

• foundations for large walls, garages, houses and extensions

• paving for patios

• unreinforced bases and oversites for conservatories, garages, sheds and greenhouses

• Strength: Assume 15N/mm2 at 28 days

Standard mixes (ST) are a defined list of concretes within BS 8500 which are made with a prescribed quantity of materials as required in the British Standard. These concretes are normally mixed on site on small scale jobs or obtained from a supplier with no quality standards. SPCs are fairly basic mixes and have no strength guarantee, although this can be assumed based on the values contained within BS 8500.

Applications: ST4 is used for many domestic, agricultural and industrial applications and suitable as a wearing surface for light foot traffic.

• garage floors (not designed as suspended and not reinforced)

• shed and workshop bases

• internal floor slabs (containing no embedded metal)

• drain/channel bedding

• benching to chambers

• Strength: Assume 20N/mm2 at 28 days

Standard mixes (ST) are a defined list of concretes within BS 8500 which are made with a prescribed quantity of materials as required in the British Standard. These concretes are normally mixed on site on small scale jobs or obtained from a supplier with no quality standards. SPCs are fairly basic mixes and have no strength guarantee, although this can be assumed based on the values contained within BS 8500.

Applications: ST5 is used for many domestic, commercial and agricultural applications. Suitable for light foot and trolley traffic only.

• agricultural equipment stores

• foundations for environmental barrier posts and planted lighting columns

• foundations for traffic sign posts

• house and garage ground floor slabs fully or nominally reinforced, either ground bearing, suspended or over sub-floor voids

• Strength: Assume 25N/mm2 at 28 days

Gen designated mixes are applied for a series of concretes that are used for housing, and similar non structural applications. The requirements specify a minimum quantity of cement (minimum cement content, or MCC) to be included, but no water cement ratio (w/c) as such, they have relatively low levels of durability.

Applications: GEN 0 or wet lean mix concrete is a versatile mix commonly used in both commercial and domestic projects for a wide range of general applications, non-structural applications.

• kerb bedding

• haunching and backing

• domestic foundations in DC-1 soils

• blinding

• mass fill

• cavity fill

• Concrete strength: 7.5N/mm2 at 28 days

• GEN0 should not be used externally unless completely covered or encased

Gen designated mixes are applied for a series of concretes that are used for housing, and similar non structural applications. The requirements specify a minimum quantity of cement (minimum cement content, or MCC) to be included, but no water cement ratio (w/c) as such, they have relatively low levels of durability.

Applications: GEN1 is an extremely versatile mix used throughout the construction industry for general and housing applications. It is usually used for cavity filling, kerbing, unreinforced domestic foundations in DC-1 soils and haunching.

• un-reinforced strip footings

• trench-fill foundations

• some agricultural applications

• foundations for walls, sheds and conservatories

• drainage works

• blinding house floors

• pad foundations

• non-structural mass concrete in non-aggressive (DC-1) ground conditions

• cavity fill

• mass fill

• kerbing

• haunching

• Concrete strength: 10N/mm2 at 28 days

• GEN1 should not be used externally unless completely covered or encased

Gen designated mixes are applied for a series of concretes that are used for housing, and similar non structural applications. The requirements specify a minimum quantity of cement (minimum cement content, or MCC) to be included, but no water cement ratio (w/c) as such, they have relatively low levels of durability.

Applications: GEN 2 provides the ideal material for domestic flooring when no permanent floor finish will be installed but it will be carpeted or tiled.

• un-reinforced strip footings

• trench-fill foundations

• foundations for walls, sheds and conservatories

• paving for steps and paths

• blinding

• un-reinforced mass concrete fill

• strip footings

• Concrete strength: 15N/mm2 at 28 days

• GEN2 should not be used externally unless completely covered or encased

Gen designated mixes are applied for a series of concretes that are used for housing, and similar non structural applications. The requirements specify a minimum quantity of cement (minimum cement content, or MCC) to be included, but no water cement ratio (w/c) as such, they have relatively low levels of durability.

Applications: Gen 3 is commonly used for light duty domestic applications and foundations. It can be used to construct internal floor slabs that contain no embedded metal and will be covered by carpet, tiles or laminate flooring. It is also suitable for domestic garage floors, but we suggest a minimum of RC25/30 should be used if the garage is also used as a workshop.

• Driveway, shed and workshop bases

• foundations for walls, garages, houses and extensions

• under paving for patios

• un-reinforced bases and oversites for conservatories, garages, sheds, greenhouses

• domestic garage floors with no embedded metal

• Blinding

• mass concrete fill

• un-reinforced strip footings

• trench-fill foundations

• Concrete strength: 20N/mm2 at 28 days

• GEN3 should not be used externally unless completely covered or encased

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications:

• lightly reinforced house or garage floors, not designed as suspended

• infill to insulated concrete formwork used above ground

• Concrete strength: 25N/mm2 at 28 days

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications: This type of concrete is suitable for mild exposure conditions.

• lightly reinforced concrete

• internal wearing surface for light foot and trolley traffic

• reinforced foundations in DC-1 soils

• Concrete strength: 30N/mm2 at 28 days

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications: This is for moderate exposure conditions.

• general and agricultural reinforced concrete

• livestock and crop store floors

• domestic garages used as workshops

• Concrete strength: 35N/mm2 at 28 days

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications: RC32/40 is suitable for moderate to high exposure conditions.

• general, agricultural and industrial reinforced concrete

• floors and walls for manure and slurry stores or mushroom sheds

• general industrial floors subjected to small-wheeled forklift trucks

• Concrete strength: 40N/mm2 at 28 days

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications: This type of concrete is suitable for for highly demanding exposure conditions.

• agricultural and industrial reinforced concrete

• stable floors

• floors and walls for silage or brewer’s grain stores

• floors for parlours and dairies

• Concrete strength: 45N/mm2 at 28 days

RC is used for a series of designated concretes that are used in concrete that will be reinforced, pre-stressed or containing embedded steel. The specifications for the RC-series of designated concretes include requirements for maximum w/c ratio (W/C) and minimum cementitious content (MCC), which makes specification easier and complete. The range of uses for this group of mix types ranges in size from a lightly reinforced house or garage floor to industrial and agricultural reinforced concrete that is exposed to highly demanding exposure conditions.

Applications: RC40/50 is suitable for severe exposure conditions.

• agricultural and industrial reinforced concrete

• stable floors

• floors and walls for silage or brewer’s grain stores

• floors for parlours and dairies

• Concrete strength: 50N/mm2 at 28 days

This is the most common type of concrete used for domestic pavement construction, where no de-icing salts are used. PAV 1 mixes have an additive that entrains air to create micro sized air bubbles in the concrete. This helps to protect the surface from frost, specifically freeze-thaw cycles, making it especially useful for outdoor paving.

Applications: This is not suitable for powerfloat finishes.

• house driveways

• domestic parking/car ports

• external paving

• domestic, agricultural and industrial paved areas such as walkways and patios

• reinforced and un-reinforced hard standings

• reinforced and un-reinforced bases for workshops, houses and extensions

PAV2 is a substantial, heavy-duty use concrete suitable for commercial and industrial use. PAV 2 mixes have an air entrainment additive to create micro sized air bubbles in the concrete, helping to protect the surface from frost, specifically freeze-thaw cycles, and making it suitable for use with de-icing salts.

Applications: This is not suitable for powerfloat finishes.

• external slabbing and paving subject to industrial vehicles and machinery

• reinforced bases for commercial buildings and agricultural storage areas

• Concrete strength: 40N/mm2 at 28 days

The FND designation is applied for a series of designated concretes that are used in foundation applications where the ground has been found to contain sulfates. These have specified MCC and W/C and also permit only cement types known to provide appropriate resistance to chemicals found in the ground (primarily sulfates). Foundation concrete for use in sulfate containing soils to DC2-DC4 (design chemical class).

Applications:

• All types of unreinforced foundations

• Concrete strength: 30N/mm2 at 28 days

The FND designation is applied for a series of designated concretes that are used in foundation applications where the ground has been found to contain sulfates. These have specified MCC and W/C and also permit only cement types known to provide appropriate resistance to chemicals found in the ground (primarily sulfates). Foundation concrete for use in sulfate containing soils to DC2-DC4 (design chemical class).

Applications:

• All types of unreinforced foundations

• Concrete strength: 30N/mm2 at 28 days

The FND designation is applied for a series of designated concretes that are used in foundation applications where the ground has been found to contain sulfates. These have specified MCC and W/C and also permit only cement types known to provide appropriate resistance to chemicals found in the ground (primarily sulfates). Foundation concrete for use in sulfate containing soils to DC2-DC4 (design chemical class).

Applications:

• All types of unreinforced foundations

• Concrete strength: 30N/mm2 at 28 days

Specially formulated high-performance concrete can be used to create stronger and more durable floor slab with less shrinkage and increased bay sizes to minimise joints compared to those constructed with conventional concrete.

Higher compressive and flexural strengths are achieved enabling a reduction in slab thickness, providing an improved environment profile. High quality finishes can be achieved without power floating with the option to polish for enhanced aesthetics.

Suitable for Commercial, Industrial and Domestic Floor Slab / Oversite, Structural Topping, and or, Mezzanine and Office Areas

Benefits:

• Rapid and effortless fabrication

• High quality and durable surface finish

• Eliminates Power Floating

• Maintainance fluidity - 3 hours

• Floor finish tolerance to BS 8204-1 SR2 Specification

• Minimum thickness - 65mm

• Compressive strength at 28 days - Minimum 35N/mm2

• Flexural strength at 28 Days - Minimum 6N/mm2

• Drying shrinkage - Less than 400 micron/metre

• Reduced risk of cracking

Sika is the market leader in concrete admixture technology, now the most widely used system of its type in the UK.

The Sika® Watertight Concrete System offers a comprehensive solution for watertight structures. The system consists of concrete that has been specially modified with Sika admixtures to produce watertight concrete; and carefully selected waterstops for construction and movement joints. Watertight concrete structures can be designed to keep water in or out, or both. The need to maximise design flexibility has led owner and designer to look below ground as an alternative, whether for basement parking or a habitable environment.

Sika® Watertight Concrete complies with BS 8102:2009 Type B Construction.

• Basements

• Lift pits

• Retaining walls

• Concrete façades.

• As well as for keeping water in, for example: swimming pools

Cemfloor – a high performance cement based, free flowing, self-compacting liquid screed which complies with EN 13813 standards.

Cemfloor screed is designed for use as a bonded thick levelling screed on Concrete as a floating screed over thermal or acoustic insulation. Alternatively it can be used as an unbonded screed on top of a plastic membrane. It is compatible with all types of floor coverings, cementitious adhesives, damp proof membranes and floor levellers.

Cemfloor can be applied much faster than traditional screeds which need to be dried to a final moisture content of 0.5%. Floor finishings can be applied to Cemfloor bases to a final moisture content of 2.5%, speeding up the entire process.

It can be installed quickly up to 2000m2 per day saving time, foot traffic in 24-48 hours and drys within 10-28 days with minimal shrinkage (<0.05%). Cemfloor boasts exceptional thermal conductivity of up to 2.9W/mk.

Suitable for use on floor coverings, including tiled, hardwood, timber and polished concrete floors.

Benefits:

• Only 25mm of screed required above underfloor heating pipes.

• Only 25mm of screed required above underfloor heating pipes.

• Reduced drying times compared to other screeds

• Self-compacting no voids around under floor heating pipes

• Minimal drying shrinkage (<0.05%)

• Foot traffic after 24 hours

• Can be applied in wet areas

• All floor coverings can be applied with no need for surface sanding

• Can be forced dry after 7 days

• No surface Laitance (Dust) after curing

• Easy installation; up to 1000m2 per day (reduces time & costs)

Cemfree is an ultra-low-carbon cement that can achieve embodied carbon savings of up to 80% when used to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete production.

Cemfree is a proprietary Alkali-Activated Cementitious Material (AACM) that activates pozzolanic materials such as Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) and Pulverised Fly Ash (PFA) to create a Cemfree Binder which can replace a variety of cement types to create Cemfree Concrete. The reaction between GGBS and Cemfree Binder forms a solid material comparable to OPC, making it an ideal replacement.

Applications:

• Capping beams

• Retaining walls

• Piling

• Blinding

• Strip foundations

• Reinforced foundations

• Raft slabs

• Walls

• Mass concrete fill

• Over-site applications

• Floors

• Pre-cast elements

Foamed concrete is a highly workable, low density material incorporating up to 80% air. It is generally self levelling, self compacting and may be pumped. Risk of plastic shrinkage or settlement cracking is significantly lower than that of standard concrete.

Available in a wide range of densities and compressive strengths to suit your application and requirements. The product is easily placed with no compaction required.

Applications:

• Unwanted Voids

• Disused Structures

• Structural Stabilisation

• Insulating Fill

Permeable concrete technology that provides the optimal solution for surface and storm water management. It naturally improves drainage through the unique design of the water management system.

Effectively designed water management systems offering excellent resistance to damage caused by the ‘freeze thaw’ effect. This is achieved by the efficient movement of water through the system to lower layer management. Should water be able to settle within the material and freeze, the open, interconnected void matrix will overcome any risk of damage from expansive forces caused by freeze thaw.

Applications:

• Pavements, Pathways & Driveways

• Car Parks & Minor Roadways

• Multi Use Games Area

• Patio Areas