Choosing the right aggregate for your concrete mixture is necessary for strong and durable concrete. A majority of concrete is made up of aggregates; about 60-75%. When choosing an aggregate, you want something with a rough surface texture that isn’t coated with anything. You want the quality to be good, but also the workability.
Custom Concrete Creations is a leader in the concrete floor industry, and we’re passionate about creating concrete floors that will last. We understand the importance of using the right aggregate for your project to ensure the longevity of the concrete.
Types of aggregates
The most common types of aggregates are sand, gravel, stone and rock. Other materials that can be used as an aggregate include broken pieces of glass, burned clay, slag and recycled materials. Recycled materials that can be used are old concrete and asphalt, dirt, brick and other rubble. 20%of the aggregates used in the concrete mixture can actually be recycled aggregates. This can save money and energy, while also conserving the diminishing resources of other, non-recycled aggregates.
With all of the aggregates you can use, it can be tough to know which will work best for your project. Sand works best for building projects; sharp sand can be used for laying paving slabs, mixed sand can be used in the construction of patios and soft sand can be used for walling. Stones and gravel work best for landscaping and driveways. Stone and rock are also used in constructing roads. Recycled materials can be used in custom projects, and can give your commercial space a unique look.
How to choose
Now that you know the different types of aggregates to choose from, and the common projects they’re used in, we can move on to choosing quality aggregates. Most of the time, you can visually determine if the aggregate is a good course quality. If you need to know the porosity or gradations, a lab test may be required.
Typical sizes of aggregates used are 4.75 to 20 mm. Gravel and stone are often the most popular as they create a good bond with the cement paste. Other qualities that will make a certain aggregate a good choice are it being non-porous, an angular or cubical shape rather than flaky or elongated, and different sizes. It is recommended to mix larger aggregates with smaller aggregates in the ratio of 70:30 or 60:40.
Use the right aggregates in your concrete floor
The type of aggregate you choose depends on the outcome you want to achieve. Concrete floors are a great choice for commercial businesses as they’re durable, strong, easy to maintain and can save you money in the long run. If you’re looking to install a polished concrete floor at your company, Custom Concrete Creations is here to assist!
We have a systematic approach to placing, finishing, curing, and maintaining concrete floors to give you a hard surface and dense finish. If you want to discuss your ideas for an upcoming project, contact us today!