Classification and weight of concrete

The volume weight of concrete is one of the main and most important indicators on the basis of which a qualitative assessment of its physical and mechanical characteristics and properties, structure and composition is carried out. If the technical structures and buildings are constructed with the use of lighter materials, they become much cheaper when erected, but in parallel retain their strength and durability. It should be noted that in this case not only raw materials are saved, but transport and energy costs are also reduced. The weight of concrete directly depends on the density of the solution, as well as on the characteristics that fillers used in the process of its production are characterized. In other words, as the mass of the constituent elements increases, the analogous index of the solution itself rises, and vice versa.

The heaviest concrete

Very heavy mixtures are obtained if the components of the solution are the corresponding materials, usually containing metal. Iron ore, iron shot, barite, limonite and others are usually in its role. In this case, the weight of a cubic meter of concrete can exceed the mark of two and a half thousand kilograms. Such mixtures usually serve to protect scientific and industrial buildings and structures from the penetration of radiation radiation. It should be noted that in this case a large amount of hydrant (chemically bound) water is also added to the solution. In the role of fillers, dense rocks can be used in crushed form. It is quartz, basalt, limestone or granite sand, as well as gravel and marble chips. In this case, the weight of the cube of concrete is between 1800 and 2500 kilograms, and the mixture itself is classified as heavy. It should be noted that this is the most common variety, which is more widely known as "general concrete". It is used in the construction of buildings and structures, as well as during the casting of a variety of reinforced concrete products.

Lightweight concrete

The next class is light mixtures. The volume weight of concrete (one cubic meter) in this case is in the range from 500 to 1800 kilograms. In its manufacture, fillers are porous materials of natural or artificial origin. The most famous of them are such as claydite, tuff, pumice and cinder. In most cases, this class is used for the production of not too loaded ceilings and large wall blocks.

The lightest types of concrete

Ultra-light concretes are a subspecies of the previous class. This includes aerated concrete and foam concrete. Most often they are used for thermal insulation of walls. One cubic meter weighs less than five hundred kilograms. This should also include perlite concrete with vermiculite-concrete, which are the lightest of large-porous. The weight of one cubic meter is from 700 to 1200 kilograms. Such a weight of concrete allows using it in the manufacture of reinforced coatings, as well as panels and blocks for building walls.