How to mix concrete

How To Mix Different Types Of Concrete

Concrete is made up of a mixture of sand, cement and stone. These materials need to be mixed together properly, in the recommended ratio, using a high quality concrete mixer to create perfectly consistent concrete.

There are a number of different mixes that can be created with cement and the relevant consistency is all dependent on what your job requirements are. The proportions of each element added can vary, so in order to create a stronger concrete, you would ensure that a higher percentage of cement is used, whilst to create a weaker version, you would use a lesser percentage of cement for a more smooth, thin consistency cement.Concrete is made up of a mixture of sand, cement and stone. These materials need to be mixed together properly, in the recommended ratio, using a high quality concrete mixer to create perfectly consistent concrete.
There are a number of different mixes that can be created with cement and the relevant consistency is all dependent on what your job requirements are. The proportions of each element added can vary, so in order to create a stronger concrete, you would ensure that a higher percentage of cement is used, whilst to create a weaker version, you would use a lesser percentage of cement for a more smooth, thin consistency cement.

General Purpose

The recommended concrete mix ratio in the UK for general purpose concrete is as follows:

1:2:3. Ideal for most home uses excluding foundations and exposed paving. It consists of one part cement, two parts sand and three parts coarse aggregate.

Foundation

The recommended concrete mix ratio in the UK for foundation concrete is as follows:

1:2 ½:3 ½. This concrete mix is ideal for bases, wall foundations and laying paving. The one part cement, two and a half sand and three and a half coarse aggregate ratio is a sturdy mix.

Paving

The recommended concrete mix ratio in the UK for paving concrete is as follows:
1:1 ½:2 ½. This mix is usually used for exposed paving such as garages and driveways. Using one part cement, one and a half parts sand and two and a half partscoarse aggregate should make for the perfect concrete mix on this type of job.

Standard Mortar

The recommended concrete mix ratio in the UK for mortar concrete is as follows:

1:5. This is the commonly used concrete ratio used for sheltered or internal bricklaying. You mix one part cement to five parts soft sand. Add a very small amount of lime or one part plasticizer to increase the workability of the cement.

Strong Mortar

The recommended concrete mix ratio in the UK for strong mortar concrete is as follows:

1:4. Also commonly used for exposed brickwork. Mix one part cement to four parts soft sand and add a small amount of lime or plasticizer to increase the workability of the cement.

Mixing concrete or cement by hand is very tedious, labour intensive task and is only suitable for very small quantities. If you are working on a large job, the easiest and most effective way to create the perfect consistency concrete is to use a concrete mixer. This way, creating all different mixes of concrete is made simpler and quicker. Cement mixers allow a larger quantity of cement to be created in a short timeframe.

How To Get A Good Concrete Mix

Consistency is key, the methodical approach you take in adding your materials into the mixer is so very important. To create a high quality concrete mix, you have to ensure that you take no longer than 2-4 minutes mixing all of the materials together. After all of the materials have been put into the mixer it is essential that you do not over mix the concrete content, as this can cause the materials to reduce in quality and performance.

It is advised that you should steer clear from low-grade aggregates as these will cause issues later on in concrete. As low-grade aggregates are renowned for sinking, frost spoiling and the onset of visible pores in the mix, it is recommended that we use only high quality aggregates in our concrete mixes.
You should avoid low grade aggregates, as these will cause issues later on, with sinking and frost spoiling the appearance of the pour. Also, do not get the concrete mixture too wet as this can also reduce the strength of the concrete and reduce its ability to withstand weathering.

How To Look After Your Mixer

“Look after your equipment, and it will look after you” – truer words have never been spoken, especially in relation to construction equipment and tools. Concrete mixers are tough and robust pieces of equipment, they will give you reliable, high quality concrete mixtures, but it is recommended that you still look after them and keep them clean and well maintained to ensure that they continue to perform effectively and consistently produce high quality results.

You should never throw the concrete mixture ingredients into your mixer. As this can cause the aggregate to stick to the back of the mixing drum, and this can only really be dislodged by stopping the mixer – which is certainly not ideal. Instead, steadily trickle the cement, sand and stone over the rim and into the mixer.

How To Clean Your Mixer

You should also keep your concrete mixer clean. Any material left in the drum will harden and attract more mixture in the future. This will then build up and the mixer will become useless.

You can use a pressure washer to jet wash the mixer after use. You can also use a mix of 1" (2½cm) gravel and clean water, load it into the drum and run the mixer. This will dislodge any mixture stuck to the drum, so you can then pour it out. If you use plenty of this water and gravel mixture, you can get the cleaning done really quickly. Though, do not use large stone, rocks or bricks to clean out the mixer, as this can cause damage.

If you hire a concrete mixer, you will need to clean the concrete mixer properly before returning it, as you can incur extra cleaning charges if the mixer is returned dirty.