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Concrete consists of a mix of ingredients, including Portland cement, pozzolans, water, coarse
aggregates, fine aggregates, and additives. Concrete may also contain mineral colors, granulated
blast-furnace slag, and blended cements. When fresh, concrete can be molded hours after it is
produced. Once the initial set time is reached, the concrete continues to gain strength.
is still present to cause more hydration. Actually, when the concrete does finally dry out, it stops
gaining strength.
How long should I cure (keep the plastic, straw, blankets, water, etc.) my concrete
(driveway, path, slab, etc.)?
This question can only be answered by the professionals associated with the project. Concrete
cures at different rates depending on the constituent ingredients and the ambient conditions it is
exposed to. Your contractor (concrete supplier) should know what sort of curing is required for
the particular mix being used. Also, by following their recommendation, you can maintain
whatever warranty might be associated with the work performed.
What strength concrete is normally used for the slab under a house?
Typical mixes are around 8 - 20n/mm2 , depending on the geography of the country and the
quality of the raw materials. Sometimes we are asked if a different weight should be used for the
garage area. This is not really necessary. Usually the biggest load on a slab is the heaving from
the sub grade and not the structure on top of it (or the car).
My concrete is cracking after only a short period. Is there something wrong with
it and can it be repaired?
All concrete cracks. It has to crack because it contracts during the drying, curing, hardening
process, and the bond between the cement paste and the aggregates is not strong enough to
withstand that stress. The best way to prevent unsightly cracking is to put joints in your concrete
at regular intervals. A good formula is to measure the depth of your structure and multiply the
number by three. Use this number to determine the approximate number of feet between joints.
(For example, a 100mm slab of concrete should have joints every 3 to 3.5 metres.) Uneven
shifting of the substructure or sub grade can also cause cracking. This is a structural failure, as
opposed to improper curing or jointing as mentioned above. Before repairing any concrete
cracking, determine the source of the cracking and remedy that first. Epoxy grout is an excellent
crack repair agent. For more information call our Product Support Helpline 0800 667 827
Because of the scheduling of deliveries, it is helpful to release the truck as quickly as possible.
The normal time allowed is ten minutes plus five minutes for each cubic metre. Therefore a full
load of 6m3 could be at site for forty minutes before an additional charge is applied.