We select the right proportions - how to prepare the best

23-02-2018

Building

Concrete is used in almost all objects, but the composition does not always meet the requirements of quality and durability. As practice shows, in the case of independent preparation of a solution, violations are often allowed that negatively affect the reliability of the structure obtained. We will understand the features of this type of work and how to choose the optimal proportions - how to prepare concrete depends largely on the correct ratio of components.

Whatever cooking option is used, it is important to follow a few important recommendations to ensure excellent quality.

The main components of high quality

To achieve an excellent result at home can only be subject to a number of factors, the deviation in at least one of the points reduces the quality of the solution. So, important conditions are:

Quality components	The better the components of the solution, the better the finished composition. This should be remembered when purchasing all the components, the savings can lead to unnecessary costs later
Correct proportions	It is impossible to prepare concrete brand M200, not knowing the ratio of components. Therefore, it is better to use special literature or information from the Internet.
Efficiency of work	The solution tends to set in a fairly short period of time, so it is best to use it for half an hour - maximum of an hour.
Cooking method	Any specialist will confirm that the solution prepared in the mixer is much better and more homogeneous than the compositions that were stirred by hand.
Optimum consistency	Any recipe for making concrete indicates the approximate volume of water. The exact dosage depends on the moisture content of the components used and their quality.

In the photo: professionals test the consistency using special methods; in self-mixing, you need to adjust the amount of water yourself

Cooking features

In fact, the process is quite simple, but requires compliance with technology and the use of quality components. It is important to use only good formulations and respect certain proportions.

Components

It is impossible to prepare high-quality concrete without properly selected components. Many developers do not pay due attention to this issue, as a result, the result is much worse than planned.

To achieve the best result, you should know the following information:

Cement - the main component that determines the properties of the entire mixture, the binding properties of the composition are directly dependent on the brand, so the best options are M400 or M500. It is desirable that the composition is fresh, since during long-term storage its characteristics deteriorate, in addition, the cement absorbs moisture, so storage conditions are important - it must be a dry place.

Tip! If it is necessary to preserve the cement for several months, it is best to pack each bag additionally in polyethylene, this will protect the composition from moisture and ensure the preservation of the highest possible properties.

Sand - an important component that is added to improve the adhesion of concrete fragments and give it maximum homogeneity. Best suited option with a grain size of 1-2 mm without inclusions of sludge, clay and plant residues, as they reduce the characteristics of the finished mixture. It is advisable to sift the sand through any sieve with a cell of no more than 1 cm before use, but if there are many impurities, then it is better to rinse.

River sand is initially much cleaner and more qualitative than career sand.

Rubble - the main inert filler of the composition, the strength and durability of the finished structures largely depend on its quality. The best option is a solid rock with a minimum amount of foreign particles and dust: the cleaner the material, the better its adhesion with the other components and the stronger the resulting artificial stone. Again, if necessary, rinse under running water.

Clean crushed stone - an ideal filler for the production of high-quality concrete

Tip! For work it is best to choose the option of the fraction of 20-40 mm, smaller stones do not provide the necessary strength, and larger ones - it is harder to mix both manually and using a concrete mixer.

Water - The last of the required components, adding it to the composition causes a reaction with the cement, thanks to which all the components become one, forming a monolithic structure. There are no special requirements, but it is important that there are no impurities in the water, especially inclusions of silt and clay. The easiest and most reliable option is to use potable water, which guarantees the high quality of the concrete produced.

Proportions and cooking process

When working with your own hands, it is easier and more convenient to do dosing in liters, an ordinary bucket is perfect.

Based on this, we can distinguish several basic options, the proportions of how to prepare a concrete solution are as follows:

For the most popular and sought-after brand M200, 10 liters of M400 cement will need 25 liters of sand and 42 liters of rubble, while using the M500 brand, 32 liters of sand and 50 liters of rubble will be needed for the same amount of binder.
If you need concrete M150, then for a 10-liter bucket of cement M400 you need 3.2 buckets of sand and 5 buckets of rubble, if you use the brand M500, then sand and gravel need 4 and 6 buckets, respectively.
Most often on the packaging with cement there is an instruction, which indicates the recommended proportions. Manufacturer's recommendations should also be taken into account if they differ from those indicated in the article.
The amount of water can vary depending on the moisture content of the components, on average it ranges from 0.5 to 1 part.

The bucket is the easiest way to measure proportions.

The proportions of how to prepare the concrete mix by hand can vary depending on the quality of the components - the worse the sand or crushed stone, the more cement will go.

In general, the process is as follows:

Initially, the cement is mixed with sand, it is important to achieve maximum homogeneity, which is why the concrete mixer will be the best option.
Then about 60% of the planned water volume is poured.
After mixing the solution in small parts crushed stone is poured, if necessary, water is added.

The right consistency is very important.

Conclusion

In the manufacture of concrete, it is important to use high-quality components, to maintain the correct proportions and mix the composition thoroughly. The video in this article will tell some features of the work in more detail.