Not all concrete is made alike. Some are made to withstand greater pressure, and others can resist extreme temperatures. Some are more suited to industrial applications, while others are better for projects like residential driveways. Some are appropriate for concrete repair work, while others are better for new construction.

It is important that you understand the differences between the types of concrete available so you can make the right choice for your Phoenix construction or concrete restoration project. Working with a concrete specialist can help guide you through the selection process so you make the right choice for your specific building or repair project.

Here are a few things you need to know about the different types of concrete to help get you started:

High-Strength Concrete

Concrete is rated by how much pressure it can withstand without cracking or breaking. High-strength concrete is any mix that can withstand more than 5800 pounds per square inch, or psi, which is typically achieved by having a water-cement ratio of 0.35 or lower. Additives like silica fume can also strengthen the mixture.

While high-strength concrete can give you the support you need for your industrial application, it is also harder to work with. Other concerns for high-strength concrete include the use of aggregate, which must also be able to withstand the high pressures.

Stamped Concrete

Some people don’t like to use concrete because it can look rather boring and utilitarian. Stamped concrete solves this problem.
Instead of a flat, grey slab, stamped concrete can look like natural stone, brick, or even wood. The look is achieved through a surface texturizer or mold. The concrete is then sealed to preserve the look.

Stamped concrete is a great choice for commercial applications where businesses want to impress customers, but it won’t stand up to the wear and tear of industrial facilities.

Shotcrete

Shotcrete is a type of concrete that is sprayed onto a surface, rather than cured in a mold. Shotcrete can be applied to vertical surfaces like walls or columns, as well as overhead surfaces like ceilings.

Shotcrete is the ideal choice for concrete repair or concrete restoration. It can fill in holes or cracks to restore the concrete, eliminating the need to replace the entire concrete structure by casting it in a mold.

Limecrete

This concrete mix uses lime in place of cement. Limecrete has been used since the days of the Ancient Romans, but it is getting renewed interest thanks to its environmental benefits. Lime burns at a lower temperature than cement, so the production of limecrete saves energy and fuel. Limecrete can also be removed from surfaces fairly easily, allowing building materials to be reused in a renovation project.

High-Performance Concrete

In heavy duty industrial applications, you need concrete that can do more than withstand heavy weights. High-performance concrete may be the right solution.

Depending on the exact mix, high-performance concrete may be dense, permeable, and durable. It may be able to withstand high temperatures, to compact without segregating, and to display great strength relatively soon after curing.

All high-strength concrete is considered to be high-performance concrete. However, not all high-performance concrete is rated high-strength.

Ultra High-Performance Concrete

Ultra high-performance concrete is reinforced by steel fiber, and it can withstand between 21,750 psi and 36,250 psi. The mix includes materials like small steel fibers, silica fume, and very fine sand.

Ultra high-performance concrete is some of the strongest concrete available and is suited for the most demanding industrial applications.

Whatever your project, choosing the right type of concrete is essential to your success. The concrete experts at Pride Development and Construction can help you understand your options for your Phoenix building project. We specialize in concrete repair and concrete restoration, so we can help make your concrete structures strong and beautiful again. We also have years of experience in concrete placement and construction, so we can advise you of your best choices for new construction or expansion. Call us today to learn more about the options for your Phoenix concrete project.

Published By:

Pride Development and Construction – Bob Jenkins

3027 S. 45th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Office: (480) 968-6848

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://pridedevelopment.net