Concrete Technology

Concrete Technology

We don’t just sell concrete batching plant. We support you in all aspects of concrete production, including concrete technology.

Below you will find the introduction to a number of concrete technology articles we have written to help you produce high-quality concrete. Click the read more link to access the full concrete technology article.

Aggregate Moisture Content

The aggregate moisture content and the water-cement ratio is critical to the strength of the cured concrete. Too much water and the strength falls. The cement will not hydrate correctly if there is not enough water, and again, strength will fall.

The only way to ensure the water-cement ratio is correct in the mixed concrete is to compensate for water within the aggregate and sand, then calculated the correct dose of water.

The example below will show you the process and how to calculate the amount of water required to achieve the design mix and design workability of the concrete (the slump). The slump types are below. 

s1 – 10-40mm
s2 – 50-90mm
s3 – 100-150mm
s4 – 160-210mm

Read the rest of the aggregate moisture content article.

Concrete Workability

Concrete workability is the stiffness or fluidness of concrete when laying or pouring it into its final position.

A stiff concrete mix may be used at the back of curbs, and a fluid mix may be used to lay a floor or pump concrete.

The difference between a stiff mix and a fluid mix is water content and chemical additives.

The more water or, the higher the water/cement ratio, the more fluid the mix will be.

If water is added to make the concrete more fluid without adding more cement, the mix will decrease in strength.

This is a common mistake that happens on construction sites. Site operatives ask for more water to be put into the mix on the site. This increases workability, but it reduces strength.

Read the rest of the concrete workability article.

Concrete Testing

Concrete Testing – Concrete is the most used construction material in the world, but concrete companies are still getting it wrong, and it costs them a lot of lost profit having to test cured concrete to prove it complies with the specification. This involves taking core samples and testing them.

Why waste profit and time when there is a much easier method?

A simpler way is to work to a standard process and test concrete using a concrete cube testing procedure.

Why Test Your Concrete Production?

Concrete is used to build structures, for example, foundations, structural frames, lintels, beams, columns and floors. An engineer used the structural strength of the concrete to design the structures.

Read the rest of the concrete testing article.

Non Destructive Concrete Testing Hammer

Concrete Testing Hammer – When concrete is in place and has cured, but the strength of the concrete is in question, a concrete rebound hammer test can be used to determine the strength.

The other method is to take a core sample and crush it to determine the concrete strength. Taking a core is more accurate but also more expensive. The rebound hammer test is very easy and fast for an approximate guide.

The rebound hammer is also called as Schmidt hammer that consist of a spring controlled mass that slides on a plunger within a tubular housing.

Read the rest of the concrete testing hammer article.

Understanding Concrete Admixtures

Understanding Concrete Admixtures – Concrete admixtures are a complex subject but it is very important to understand what admixtures are available and what they do.

• Water reducing concrete admixtures
• Superplasticising concrete admixtures
• Set Retarding concrete admixtures
• Accelerating concrete admixtures
• Air-entraining concrete admixtures
• Water Resisting concrete admixtures
• Retarded, ready-to-use Mortars
• Sprayed Concrete admixtures
• Corrosion inhibiting concrete admixtures
• Foamed Concrete admixtures

Read the rest of the concrete admixture article.

Concrete Calculator 

Welcome to our concrete calculator. We have designed the calculator to allow you to calculate:

• Concrete volumes 
• Concrete Prices using a range of concrete mixes
• The return on investment when buying a concrete batching plant

Below you can download the concrete calculator spreadsheet and explanation on how to use the calculator.

Read the rest of the concrete calculator article.

Concrete Production

Concrete Batching Plant Productivity – How much profit is being eaten away by waste and poor control in your concrete business?

Concrete production is complex and has a lot of variables. It’s not made easier when the industry struggles to retain a skilled labour force.

Losses of €200,000 are common.

Leakage comes from:

• Material Costs
• Batching Productivity

How can you reduce your waste to zero?

Read the article below and see if this problem is an issue in your business.

Read the rest of the concrete production article.

Fixed Concrete Plant Production V Agile Concrete Production

Agile concrete batching plant is a batching plant that is mobile and can be moved where the demand is. For example, an F2200 has an output of 62 m3 per hours.

When you add two plants, the output then is 124 m3 per hour. And by adding a third plant, the out is 186 m3 per hour.

Not only does the output go up, but you can load two and three drum mixers at a time.

Read more about our plants under products.

Mini Ready Mix Concrete Plant Business Ideas

There are many opportunities to make a profit and a business from concrete. The corporate ready mix concrete companies do not have all the answers, and there is room not only to take them on but to go where it is not viable for them to operate.

Watch the video for:

• 5 business ideas.
• 3 types of batching plants and their profit potential.
• Taking the competitive advantage with Fibo LINK.
• Developing your business case

Read the rest of the ready mix concrete article.