Types of Grades in Concrete

Various types of grades of concrete are available in the market. The selection is carried out on the basis of your needs like strength and cost. The grade selection is dependent on various usages like beams, slabs, columns and foundations. In order get rid of the shortcomings related to the weak soil, the weight of the building must be examined perfectly.

Low density concrete: The density of conventional concrete remains in the order of 2200 to 2600. The self weight of light weight concrete remains in among 300 and 1850 kg/m3.

The dead load is decreased considerably and the development of building will be enhanced. The cost for hauling and handling will also be decreased. If you choose frame structure, the beam and column will bear the load of wall and floor very competently. The thermal conductivity of light weight concrete is very small.

High density concrete: The power of high density concrete differs from 3360 kg/m3 to 3840 kg/m3. When iron is applied as fine and coarse aggregate, the density will reach up to 5820 kg/m3. Heavy natural aggregates are applied in heavyweight concrete.

These natural aggregates comprise of barites and magnetite. If barites are applied, the density becomes approx 3,500 kg/m3. Different types of manufactured aggregates like iron or lead shot can also be utilized.

The density is affected with the type of aggregate. The density of high density concrete is 45%, exceeding the standard concrete. Very heavy strength can be obtained by selecting iron or lead shot and it will remain in the range among 5,900 kg/m3 and 8,900 kg/m3. The regular usages comprise of construction of radiation shields and ballasting of pipelines.

Mass concrete: While choosing mass concrete, emphasis should be given on strength. The design is dependent on the factors like durability, thermal action and economy. The mass concrete is separated from other types of concrete by the thermal behavior. Adequate steps should be taken at the time of handling the cracks which may occur with thermal behavior. The structural integrity should be preserved and infiltration should be restrained.