There are three main types of concrete grades that are commonly used. Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC), General Purpose or Ordinary Portland Cement (GPC or OPC), or Portland Slag Cement (PSC). For use under plaster the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) is best, and commonly used in most commercial concreting work. Read MoreWhich cement is best for plaster in commercial works?
Experienced or specialized concreters can put stamped patterns on the surface, using concrete stencils and top colour or textured material. They are pressed over the top of fresh, uncured concrete and then leave their pattern behind. Stamping and stencils are often done on commercial concrete projects in unique designs. Read MoreWhat is concrete stamping?
Along with slab floors, it’s recommended that 4 inches is the minimum thickness achieved for concrete driveways. If only passenger cars will be going over the surface, non-reinforced concrete is suitable. However if bigger vehicles like trucks or caravans will be moving over it, a thicker depth of 5 inches is best. Read MoreWhat is the best thickness for a concrete driveway?
Concrete is very versatile, it also resists weathering, unlike tar or asphalt. It also resists staining from things like motor oil and chemical spills. As it has little to no organic content, it also resists the effects of humidity, making it perfect for driveways. Read MoreIs concrete better than asphalt for a driveway?
When poured concrete has very few blemishes and defects on the surface, this is called a class “A” finish. It can also be used to describe concrete that has even tone and colour, or an even surface gloss once all the concrete formwork has been removed. Read MoreWhat is a “Class A finish”?
Plain cement concrete (PCC) is less expensive that the general purpose cement (GPC). This can be a big factor in residential works and construction projects, making PPC the most common type of concrete used in formwork concrete. Read MoreWhich cement is more costly, GPC or PPC?
In construction jobs with large spans and less supporting columns that would typically be put in, a waffle slab can be used. In either the slab or ceiling, waffle slabs are put down to give more base support, as it has beams that cross-cross and look like... a waffle! These are rarely put down for... Read MoreWhere is a waffle slab used?
In new houses or large home extensions, raft slabs are used in the foundations. Concrete beams are laid down in both directions, along with steel reinforcing to further strengthen a new slab, then the main pour is done. Beams that are placed on the edges of a raft slab are known as ‘Edge Beams’ when... Read MoreWhat is a raft slab?
4 inches is considered the standard thickness for a house or garage floor slab in the concreting industry. If the slab will in areas where large vehicles, trucks or caravans are driven then going up to 5 or 6 inches is recommended. Read MoreHow thick is a concrete floor slab?
Usually m10 or m15 grade concrete is used in beddings for footings, or level slabs. The next grade up, m20, is used with reinforced cement concrete – for things like supporting beams, columns, garage slabs and house floor slabs. Read MoreWhich grade of concrete is used for floor slab?