Given the reliability and versatility of concrete, today it is an indispensable building material in almost all kinds of structures. This wonderous mix is used in many kinds of building work from constructing heavy supports to making building blocks. Therefore, it becomes mandatory for any constructor to know how to mix concrete properly ? the methods, the tools, the pitfalls.
Concrete is basically a mix of cement, sand, and large and small stone chips that are called aggregates, mixed with water to form a gel that hardens over time to form an extremely powerful solid that is sometimes sturdier than the stones used in it.
Changing the quality and ratio of these materials, the concrete gains different characteristics like being able to harden very fast or to increase load-bearing capacity. Even the way you apply the concrete changes its character.
A perfect mixing method is also necessary to make good concrete. If the mixing method was not proper, it may get too liquid or too dry, may become brittle after solidifying, may be susceptible to weather effects and so on. Needless to say, proper tools (and machines) are needed to do the job correctly. Let?s see how you can perform concrete mixing the right way, for small projects that don?t require heavy concrete trucks or ready-mix deliveries.
Tools and materials used for concrete mixing:
1. Bags of cement
2. Sand
3. Small stone chips (10 mm)
4. Large stone chips (20 mm)
5. Bucket
6. Wheelbarrow
7. Cement mixing tub
8. Clean water (not drinking quality, but clean enough)
9. Hoe
10. Mixing tools
11. Stiff-bristle brush large
12. Protective gear (dust mask, rubber gloves, long boots) – this is needed because the cement used in concrete is a caustic material and can cause chemical burns on skin, or worse problems if it gets into eye or lung.
Published By
Arka Roy
www.constructioncost.co
Construction Cost 