WHAT DOES CONCRETE CONSIST OF? IS CONCRETE THE SAME AS CEMENT?

Concrete is the foundation of much of the world’s infrastructure, and as such, it needs to be of the highest quality, strength and durability. But what exactly does concrete consist of? In this guide, we take readers through the ingredients of this material and their importance.

Is concrete the same as cement?

A common misconception is that concrete is the same as cement – rather, cement is a key ingredient in the formation of concrete, along with aggregates and water. Let’s explore the ingredients of concrete composition in more detail.

Concrete ingredients

The ingredients of concrete consist of:

1. Aggregates: Adds volume, workability, and strength.

2. Water: Enhances workability and offers hydration.

3. Cement: When mixed with water, it forms a paste which hardens and binds the aggregates together.

Here at EasyMix Concrete, we ensure our concrete mixes are of the highest quality and suit the needs of our customers. We adapt our mixes depending on your flexibility and strength needs. The ingredients of our concrete vary in amounts depending on personal requirements, and generally include:

• 4-20mm Graded Stone: Grading ensures that the stone consists of a wide range of differently-sized particles, and grading should seek to minimise void spaces. This reduces the effect of freezing and thawing, enhances durability and workability of concrete, and improves the overall strength of the final product.
• Graded Sharp Sand: Another important aggregate in the mix is sharp sand, which can also benefit from grading.
• Washed Sharp Sand: A coarse, heavy sand which offers strength rather than flexibility – making it ideal for inclusion in concrete.
• High-Quality Newton Cement: The best quality cement is vital for the creation of the best quality concrete, and that’s why our specialists source the first-rate cement for the job.
• Water: An important liquid element of the mixture, water both hydrates the cement and makes it workable – this workability is also dependent on the cement to water ratio.

Here at EasyMix Concrete, we have a flexible approach to concrete supply and mixing. Whatever your project, and however ambitious it may be, we can meet your needs by adapting mixes and volumes to your exact requirements. Simply contact our friendly team today and discover how we can help your project.