How to Mix Concrete
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a mixture of Portland cement, sand and aggregate. Most people order the sand and aggregate combined, this is known as ballast, the table below lists the mixture of required. Use to large buckets to accurately measure the mix one for the cement and one for the sand, the reason for two buckets is the sand will be damp and the cement will stick to the bucket.
Below is a table which will give the approximate amount of cement and ballast required to mix 1 cubic metre of concrete. This amount is possible by hand but I would recommend hiring a cement mixer.
| TYPE OF MIX | CEMENT | BALLAST | AMOUNT REQUIRED FOR 1 cubic metre |
|---|---|---|---|
PAVING Use for parking areas,drives,pathways and garage floors |
1 PART |
3.5 PARTS |
8 bags(50kg) 1.5 tonnes ballast |
GENERAL PURPOSE Use in most situations other than garage floors |
1 PART |
4 PARTS |
7 bags(50kg) 1.6 tonnes ballast
|
FOUNDATIONS Use for footings of masonry walls |
1 PART |
5 PARTS |
6 bags(50kg) 1.76 tonnes ballast |