So you’re looking for a concrete supplier in Perth for your next project, maybe you’re wondering what exactly is concrete?
At Midland Mini Crete, we combined years upon years of experience in the concreting business since our establishment in 1991! As a result, we know a thing or two about concrete, and we will break it down for you.
What is concrete?
Concrete is everywhere, from our roads to our floors and our buildings. In an urban environment, it’s virtually impossible to go a day without seeing concrete.
Concrete is made up of water, an aggregate, typically a rocky substance, and a binder, often a Portland cement or asphalt. Portland cement is the universal term used for the type of cement used to make nearly all types of concrete. Once combined, it is a tough substance. Once set and with proper mixing and pouring, it actually gets stronger over time.
It’s used in building thanks to its incredible strength, flexibility, durability and cost-efficiency. Concrete is also naturally water and fire-resistant, so it is one of the most trusted building materials in the world. did you know six billion cubic metres is used of concrete each year? See why concrete the most used man-made material in the world?
How is concrete made?
Concrete is a mix of typically portland cement, aggregate and water, at a mix of:
- 10-15% Portland Cement
- 65-75% Aggregates
- 15-20% Water
Portland cement and water is mixed together to form a paste, then the aggregate (gravel, sand or stone) is added. Once the correct proportions are added, the concrete mixes as the agitator barrel rotate. Now it is ready to be transported to the construction site! As this formula is mixing the aggregates, they bind together, forming a strong substance. This strong substance is concrete!
So what is in cement?
Cement is the binding material used to make concrete. It is called Portland cement as a generic term, much like steel is referred to as stainless steel.
The ingredients for cement are extracted from generally extracted from various natural elements, like limestone, chalk, sand or clay.
Cement is made through combining:
- Silica
- Alumina
- Magnesia
- Iron Oxide
- Calcium Sulfate
- Sulfur Trioxide
- Alkaline
- Lime
If you are still confused on the difference between concrete and cement, check out our blog post on the topic here!
Are you looking for a concrete supplier? No job is too small for us. We can supply batches of ready-mix concrete in loads as small as 0.2m³, and much larger of course! Please give a call on (08) 9250 2322 for a quote.