Different Types of Concrete Strength

Concrete has been around for centuries. It is one of the most versatile and durable building materials. No wonder some of the oldest structures were made from concrete.

At Bayshore Materials, the leading building materials store in Vallejo, we know how important it is that you have the correct tools and materials for your project. When selecting concrete for your next building project, there are many types to choose from. Our team of experts is here to help guide you to the best choice of materials to meet your project’s unique needs. Here are some factors to consider when determining the strength of your concrete.

Compressive Strength of Concrete

The compressive strength of concrete is the widely accepted measurement of concrete strength. It can be defined as the maximum amount of compressive load that concrete can bear before fracturing. The compressive strength of a concrete mix gives an idea about its characteristics. ASTM C39 is the standard test method used to determine the compressive strength of concrete. It involves breaking cylindrical concrete specimens in a machine specifically designed to measure this type of strength.

Concrete PSI

Concrete pounds per square inch or PSI indicates the compressive strength of concrete. The higher the PSI of a concrete mix, the stronger, and hence the more expensive it is. When selecting a concrete mix for your project, make sure its compressive strength is at least 2,500-3,000 PSI. The compressive strength of concrete used for building slabs and footings should be between 3,500 and 4,000 PSI. If your project involves building suspended slabs, girders, and beams, use a mix with a compressive strength of 3,500-5,000 PSI. Use a concrete mix with a compressive strength of 4,000-5,000 PSI for building pavements.

Professionals test compressive strength of concrete on the seventh day and then again at 28 days. The seven-day test helps determine early strength gains. Concrete achieves 99 percent of its strength in 28 days.

Flexural Strength of Concrete

Flexural strength or bend strength is an indirect measure of concrete tensile strength. It measures the ability of an unreinforced concrete slab or beam to resist failure when bent. The flexural strength of a concrete mix is usually between 10-15 percent of its compressive strength. There are two standard tests that can be used to determine the flexural strength of concrete- ASTM C293 and ASTM C78.

The specimen should be tested when wet. Many experts use results from compressive strength tests to describe the strength of concrete, as they are considered more reliable.

Tensile Strength of Concrete

Tensile strength can be defined as concrete’s ability to resist breaking or cracking under tension. How wide cracks in a concrete structure can get depend on the tensile strength of the concrete mix used. Concrete has low tensile strength. If you are noticing signs that your concrete structures are undergoing tensile stress, reinforce them with steel or any other material with high tensile strength. Two common tests used to measure concrete tensile strength are flexural strength test and split tensile strength test.

Bayshore Materials is a leading building materials store near you in Vallejo. We offer a wide range of concrete, landscaping, and stamped concrete products. We can deliver concrete to your worksite, saving you the hassle of transporting it yourself. To request a quote, call 707-644-0859.