The Concrete Facts on Cement
Cement is mixed to create concrete, which is used for many purposes. It is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and is often used to pave driveways, roads, sidewalks, reinforce buildings and for various other uses in construction. Depending on the volume of cement needed, there are certain techniques to adhere to in order to produce good concrete.
We take a look at some useful hints on cement mixing using a towing mixer
First add approximately 12 liters of water, depending on the type of cement mix. Cement should go in after some of the aggregate. Work consistently to the ratio of ingredients for whatever type of concrete mix you are working with. Beware of low grade aggregates, as this only leads to trouble later on with sinking, spoiling the appearance of the cement once you have poured it. Also, more importantly, do not get the concrete mix too wet as this can reduce the strength and it will be less able to withstand weathering in the future.
Never throw the materials into the mixer, instead, trickle it steadily over the rim. This is to prevent the materials from sticking firmly to the back of the drum and they will then only be dislodged by stopping the mixer. The appropriate mixing time for concrete is 2 and a half minutes, beginning timing from when all the materials, including the water, have entered the drum. It is important to remember not to over-mix as this will reduce the strength of the concrete and will cause segregation of the coarser aggregates.
Always ensure that you keep your mixer clean, because the slightest trace of material left in the drum will harden and attract more residue each time you use it. This will eventually render the machine useless. Never throw bricks into the mixer drum to clean it out. The best method is using 19mm of gravel and clean water.
Cement Mixing Formula
Volume
Most concrete mixer brochures show the output in liters. (Example. 260 liters) and the amount of concrete needed for the work at hand is usually measured in cubic meters. One cubic meter of concrete is equal to 1000 liters. Therefore, if your machine is rated at 260 liters output, it can produce 0.26 cubic meters per mix.
Production
The mixing cycle is the time it takes to fill the machine, mix the concrete and discharge it. Most brochures for concrete mixers show a mixing cycle of 2 to 3 minutes. This is not an accurate figure for all practical purposes. When using the standard coffee grinder type mixer it is wise to use approximately 6 minutes as a mixing cycle. This will help you assess how long it will take for you to prepare all the concrete you will need, when taking the volume output into consideration. This is especially helpful knowledge to have when you will be hiring a concrete mixer.
There are different consistencies or strengths of cement for different uses. Low-strength concrete is normally used for house foundations. Some of the uses of medium-strength concrete are for house floors, footpaths and driveways. High-strength concrete is suitable for pre-cast concrete and heavy duty floors. Mortar is used for laying bricks and blocks. To lay 1000 bricks you will need 3 sacks of cement and 0.6 cubic meters of sand. Cement is also commonly used for plastering!
Coastal tool hire is one of the largest power tool and equipment hire companies in Southern Africa with over 90 branches in operation. For more information and to view franchise opportunities visit http://www.coastalhire.co.za
|
|
 |
 |
New Guide to Concrete Flooring Offers Design Tips by Floor Type
New guide available on ConcreteNetwork.com helps consumers research and learn about concrete flooring (http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/interiorfloors/offers.htm) options for specific types of interior floors. Separated in to four flooring types, this guide explores options and benefits of using concrete for kitchens, restaurants and more.
Recently Completed Custom Concrete Island Anchors Home's Unique Features
As the central point of attention in a very unusual house, this recently completed 18' long concrete island, resembling a ship, is jet black and feels right at home amidst this home's glass and steel structure.
Concrete Sealers When To Use Them
Concrete is a man-made construction product made by combining cement (containing lime), sand, gravel, and water. While concrete is one of the most useful materials used today in construction it is vulnerable and should be protected. The main weakness in concrete lies in the fact that it is so porous. These pores act like tubes or canals that carry damaging substances below the surface (often through the entire structure), which creates major deterioration problems to concrete structures. A sealant very well may double the effective lifespan of your concrete surface, and one should always be thought of and kept in mind.
Serve-Up the New Year on an Elegantly Designed, New Concrete Countertop for Your Kitchen
The Concrete Network offers an extensive, online concrete countertop photo gallery featuring today's most innovative design ideas and trends for creating custom concrete countertops for your next kitchen remodel.
Renovators on the Lookout for Concrete Ideas
If you are one of the thousands of homeowners choosing to update, remodel or improve your current dwelling, a popular website - Concreteideas.com spotlights "concrete ideas" and creative ways to use concrete as a medium to add new finishes, designer touches and unique environments to your home or business.
Decorative Concrete Gives Homeowners Unique Options for Creating the Perfect Outdoor Living Room
The Concrete Network offers design tips for creating the perfect outdoor room using decorative concrete. From concrete countertops to elaborate pizza ovens, homeowners are discovering how useful, durable and versatile concrete has become.
The Benefits Of Stamped, Stenciled, Or Stained Concrete
In the field of concrete laying there is an art which comes in the form of decorative concrete, utilizing techniques such as stamped concrete, concrete stenciling, or stained concrete If someone knows what they are doing they can make concrete look like wood, stone, tile and many other things
Two New Web Sites Offer Industry Professionals Answers to Decorative Concrete Job Challenges
The Concrete Network has launched two new web sites featuring blogs on industry expert advice and answers to technical concrete questions. Topics cover a variety of issues that contractors may face when working with concrete.
New Concrete Driveways Catalog Offers Decorative Design Ideas
New design idea catalog on Concrete Driveways is available to download and print at ConcreteNetwork.com. Catalog includes 13 pages filled with color photos, design options and possibilities for creating the perfect driveway this summer.
Remodel with Cost-Effective Stamped Concrete Even While Economy is Struggling
Decorative stamped concrete applications gain popularity as a cheaper alternative to pricier natural stone applications for driveways, patios and pool decks during ailing economy. Explore all that stamped concrete has to offer at ConcreteNetwork.com.
Decorative Concrete
Concrete has long been used in building, for stairs, and so much more. The functions that concrete can have vary greatly, as it is a widely used product. However, decorative concrete brings out a whole new use for concrete.
How to Pave Concrete Evenly With Concrete Pumping
Whether you are building a concrete slab for a home or paving a driveway, paving concrete must be done with care so the concrete will harden evenly For large projects, using concrete pumping is an effective method of paving concrete
ConcreteNetwork.com Defines Concrete Basics for Upcoming Spring Projects
From outlining the components of concrete mix, to concrete admixtures, to decorative concrete and more, ConcreteNetwork.com has recently updated their content to include A to Z concrete information. The site defines concrete (http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete.html) by breaking up the topic into seven different articles and offers a host of other resources.
Buddy's Ultra Green Concrete is Now Available from Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products
The greenest concrete on the market--created by Clean Concrete Technologies-- is now available from Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products. Buddy Rhodes Ultra Green Concrete Mix will initially be available in the western U.S. states from authorized distributors.
Concrete Staining Closes Out 2006 as the Number One Researched Topic by Homeowners, Designers and Builders
Concrete staining has continued to lead as the most popular decorative concrete application according to statistics on ConcreteNetwork.com. Homeowners, designers and builders continue to find new and exciting ways to incorporate this application into home renovation and new building projects.
|
 |
|
