Municipal Ready-Mix Ltd. has built a wealth of concrete knowledge while serving the industrial Cape Breton area over the last 63 years. From the ingredients used to mix concrete to safe handling precautions, we'd like to share some basic concrete information and tips. We've also included a concrete volume calculator to help you quickly determine how much concrete you need. Please click one of the links below for more information.
What is Concrete Made of?
Simple Facts about Concrete
Mix Applications
Concrete Precautions
Portland Cement
This grey powder, when mixed with water, forms the glue to bind together the other ingredients. The most commonly used cement is Type 10 Portland Cement.
Fine Aggregate (Sand)
Sand acts as a fill material, filling the voids between the larger particles. It can be either natural sand or crushed rock fines. In general, the finer the sand, the greater the water demand in the mix.
Coarse Aggregate
The coarse aggregate or stone content provides much of the bulk of concrete. It is important to use a strong, well-graded aggregate. Aggregates are most commonly crushed rock or naturally occurring gravel.
Water
Water is essential to react with the cement, hardening to form a solid matrix, binding the aggregate and sand together. The water content should not be too high, as the strength will decrease.
Simple Facts about Concrete
Mix Applications
Concrete Strengths Available
Slumps
Mixes are designed to have slumps in multiples of 10mm.
Most common 20, 50, 80, 100 mm
10mm = (0.4 in.)
i.e. 80mm = (3.2 in.)
The following should be specified when ordering concrete:
A. Basement walls, footing and floors
Please contact Municipal Ready-Mix Ltd. to schedule your concrete delivery.