Preparation of concrete mix. components of concrete. tool

We all often come across concrete structures, but we begin to think about how they are built only when it is necessary to fill in a foundation or screed. Some people believe that preparing the concrete mix by hand is a simple job that doesn’t require much attention, just mix the components and that's it.

In fact, mixing itself requires great effort, especially if a large volume of mortar is needed, and any errors and inaccuracies in the ratio of one or another component lead to deterioration of the properties of concrete and decrease in its reliability.

Selection of components and preparation of devices for work

Before starting work, stock up on everything you need. You will need both equipment or hand tools, and the components of the solution.

Concrete components

To begin with, let's consider what components are used to prepare concrete solutions:

• Sand is a very important component to which some developers do not pay enough attention. Meanwhile, any inclusions of clay or chernozem not only reduce the strength of concrete, but also can cause an increased consumption of cement. It is best to use coarse sand, which is preferably desirable to sift through the mesh with a cell of up to 1 centimeter (a good option - a spring from the old bed).
• Crushed stone is another important part, since it is the main filler, on which the strength of structures largely depends. The ideal option is a fraction from 5 to 20 millimeters, as practice has shown, with such dimensions you can achieve maximum strength. In addition to rubble for filling concrete, you can use other materials: gravel, brick battle, rubble and much more, but do not forget that strength will inevitably suffer.

• Cement is the most important component, so it must be chosen on the basis of quality. The ideal option is the M500 brand without additives, the use of this option guarantees the quality of concrete, despite the fact that the amount of cement will be less than when using the same M400. It is also very important that the cement is fresh, as this ensures that the composition is not soaked with moisture.
• Although the water and do not need to buy in the store, without it is unlikely to turn out to prepare concrete. Dirty water is not the best option, it is better to make a reserve in advance in order not to be distracted while working, it is important to remember that with the existing proportions of the components, water is added according to the situation, if sand and crushed stone are wet for concrete, it will naturally be used less.
• Another component that can be used as desired is various plasticizers and additives. With their help, you can improve the properties of concrete, increase its moisture resistance, make the solution more elastic. In addition, at low temperatures, the use of additives will help to prevent freezing of moisture and accelerate the setting of concrete.

Tools and equipment for work

The following devices may be needed for work:

• If the solution is prepared in a concrete mixer, then it is necessary to purchase it or to rent it.. Modifications of concrete mixers differ mainly in the drum volume and gear manufacturing material, but these factors are taken into account when purchasing, but again it is easier to rent equipment.

• For throwing sand, gravel and cement is best to use a shovel shovel, it can also be used with manual mixing.
• If you do the work with your own hands and their volume is not very large, you can also mix manually.. To do this, you need a large capacity, it can be from a variety of materials, it is important that its size and configuration were convenient for work.

Tip! For the most high-quality mixing of components with the manual method of work, you can use a metal rake or other devices - choppers and even specially made tools.

It is worth noting that all of the above relates to building concrete, the technology for preparing an asphalt-concrete mixture is much more difficult, and it is almost impossible to cope with such work without special equipment.

Workflow features

For the result to be durable, it is important to comply with the technology, and for this you need to know the main features of the preparation of a particular brand of concrete.

The proportions of the components depending on the brand

Consider the ratio in which the components should be mixed depending on the type of concrete solution chosen:

As you can see, with the growth of the brand, the ratio changes very much, which, of course, affects such indicators as price and laboriousness of work, because the more cement, the more difficult the mixing.

Note! You should not forget that with the growth of the grade of concrete the setting period is significantly reduced, therefore, the work should be carried out much faster.

How to knead the solution

As noted above, the preparation of concrete can be carried out both manually and using a concrete mixer. It all depends on the volume and capabilities. And if the preparation of a high quality asphalt concrete mix at home is impossible, then building concrete can be made very, very good.

The manual version is as follows:

• First of all, you should take two identical buckets, with the help of one of them the cement will be measured, and with the help of the second - sand and crushed stone. It should be poured exactly along the edges in order to achieve maximum accuracy when dispensing components.

• Next, sand and cement are mixed, this should be done either in a large convenient container or on the ground - on a concrete base or sheet of tin. It is important to achieve maximum uniformity of the mixture, the quality depends on this.
• Crushed stone is poured into the mixture, after which, again, it is necessary to mix the mass to complete uniformity. Some immediately fall asleep rubble to the sand with cement, but it is better to mix the components in two steps, it will save power and ensure high quality mixing.
• Lastly, water is added, for better uniformity, it is better to pour it from a watering can, but you can do without it. Determining the correct consistency is quite simple: using a bayonet spade, a layer of concrete is cut into small crests, they must keep their shape, and the spade bayonet must remain practically clean.

Consider how to prepare the solution in a concrete mixer:

• Instructions for using a concrete mixer is required to read before work, if you have taken the equipment, then you must explain all the rules of safe operation.
• First, half of the rubble and about 80% of water from the norm is poured into the drum, after mixing, you can add sand, cement and the rest of the filler in small parts.
• After all components are back to sleep, the concrete mixer should work for 2-3 minutes, after which the solution is checked for humidity and, if necessary, water is added to it.
• Next, the concrete is discharged in small parts into a wheelbarrow or buckets and used for its intended purpose.

Conclusion

In fact, if you comply with all the requirements of the process and the proportions of the components, even without special equipment, you can prepare the concrete mix.