Concrete is known for its strength and durability, with the strength being a critical factor to determine its use. When looking at the strength specifications, you often come across terms like 20MPa, 25MPa, and 32MPa. In this blog we will explain what these numbers mean and how they impact what you can use your concrete for.
Let’s start with the basics, what is a megapascal (MPa)? A megapascal is how we measure concrete’s strength. It represents the amount of force the concrete can withstand before it starts to crack or fail. The higher the MPa, the stronger the concrete. Each concrete strength has a different recommended application, which we will explain in further detail below.
20MPa and 25MPa Concrete
The 20MPa and 25MPa are typically used for residential applications, such as footpaths, kerbs, driveways and patios. They are generally fine to be used in non-structural applications where strength is not of key importance. Using the 20MPa or 25MPa provides a perfect balance between cost and performance.
32MPa Concrete
In contrast to the 20MPa and 25MPa, the 32MPa is suitable for heavy duty and commercial applications. It is considered high strength and therefore is often used for footings, foundations, pavements and industrial driveways.
Besides the MPa, there are a few other factors that influence the strength of your concrete. The three main influences are the mix design, curing conditions and the quality of the materials that you are working with.
The mix design refers to the proportion of the ingredients that are used to batch up your concrete such as the cement, aggregates and water. A well-balanced mix ensures that your concrete meets the desired strength.
Besides strength, the curing conditions also play an important role. If the concrete dries too quickly or too slowly it can result in increased shrinkage and cracks throughout the concrete. The proper curing of your concrete will help not only achieve the desired strength but also improve the durability and overall quality.
The quality of materials used will impact the quality of the final product. The same is the case for concrete, the quality of the raw materials such as the aggregates and cement will influence your concrete’s strength performance.
Choosing the right concrete strength for your project is essential to ensure its success. By understanding the differences you are able to make an informed decision for your next project. Our team at Concrete Taxi is always happy to help answer any questions, even if you have miscalculated the strength you need for your concrete, we are happy to batch up a stronger mix because we mix on site! Our service offers 20MPa, 25MPa and 32MPa to ensure you needs are met!
If you’re looking to get a small amount of concrete, give us a call today. 1300 880 955.
