What is concrete?

Concrete consists of a mix of ingredients, including Portland cement, pozzolans, water, coarse
aggregates, fine aggregates, and additives. Concrete may also contain mineral colors, granulated
blast-furnace slag, and blended cements. When fresh, concrete can be molded hours after it is
produced. Once the initial set time is reached, the concrete continues to gain strength.

How is the strength of concrete measured?

Scientists use compression and flexural mechanical strength tests to determine the strength of
concrete. The strength of concrete depends to a large degree on the water-cement ratio, and the
quality of the aggregates and paste in the cement.

Are there quality standards for concrete?

Yes. CEMEX Concrete is produced to British & European Standards

What types of concrete does CEMEX offer?

CEMEX offers a wide variety of high quality products such as Performance Concrete, Durable
Concrete, High Strength Concrete, Pavement Concrete, Light Weight and Heavy Weight
Concrete, Grouts, Architectural Concrete, and Customized Concrete. See our "Special Products"

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

It's simple. Concrete is used for the finished products, such as structures, foundations, and the
surface of many roads. Concrete contains sand, gravel and cement. Cement is the special
hardening ingredient (the gray powder) that makes concrete harden. Cement is usually made of
60% lime (limestone), 25% silica, 5% alumina, and 10% other materials, such as gypsum and
iron oxide. (Content provided by the Mineral Information Institute, 2002 www.mii.org)

How is concrete measured?

Concrete is measured by the cubic metre. One cubic metre of normal concrete will weigh about
2.4T/m3.

Does concrete gain strength by drying out?

No. Concrete is made by mixing cement, aggregates and water together. When the water comes
in contact with the cement a chemical reaction starts to take place. This chemical reaction is
called hydration. Hydration is the reaction between the water and the chemicals in cement. This
reaction forms new compounds and crystals interlocking themselves and the aggregates together.
A majority of this reaction takes place over the first month after placing the concrete. Small
amounts of additional reaction and strength gains could take place for years as long as moisture

is still present to cause more hydration. Actually, when the concrete does finally dry out, it stops
gaining strength.

Why is concrete gray?

First of all, concrete can be ordered in many colors. The natural color of concrete is gray because
the color of the cement used to make it is typically gray. Now, the reason the cement is gray has
to do with the manufacture of Portland Cement. In cement manufacturing, Iron Ore is used as
one of the main constituents, and Iron Ore is black in color, so when it is combined and melted
with the other materials it tints the cement gray.

What is fly ash?

Fly ash is a by product of coal combustion. Most commonly the material is produced by coal
fired electrical generating facilities. Fly ash is a cementitious material, meaning it has certain
properties that cause it to harden upon exposure to water. Typically, fly ash does not develop
much compressive strength on its own. However, in the presence of Portland Cement, fly ash can
develop strength characteristics very similar to cement. The fly ash reacts with a chemical byproduct of the cement hydration reaction called calcium hydroxide -CaOH-. CaOH can cause
deleterious effects in concrete such as increased porosity and efflorescence -the formation of
calcium carbonate crystals on the concrete or mortar surface-. Because fly ash reacts with the
calcium hydroxide to form more calcium silicate hydrate -the binder derivative of cement- fly
ash actually adds strength to the concrete and helps to remove an agent that may be harmful. Fly
ash is also particularly beneficial for use in hot weather as it tends to slow the generation of heat
in the concrete.

How do I stain/paint my concrete floor?

Any paint store will have concrete stain or paint. Discuss how you want the floor to look and
what function it will perform with the paint store manager, and he/she should be able to
recommend the appropriate stain/paint.

How long do I have to place and finish the concrete??

Under normal conditions, concrete has a useable life of about 112 hours. However in summer it
will lose workability more rapidly. Ideally, it should be placed and completely finished within 1
hour of discharge from the truck-mixer.

How long should I cure (keep the plastic, straw, blankets, water, etc.) my concrete
(driveway, path, slab, etc.)?
This question can only be answered by the professionals associated with the project. Concrete
cures at different rates depending on the constituent ingredients and the ambient conditions it is
exposed to. Your contractor (concrete supplier) should know what sort of curing is required for
the particular mix being used. Also, by following their recommendation, you can maintain
whatever warranty might be associated with the work performed.

What strength concrete is normally used for the slab under a house?
Typical mixes are around 8 - 20n/mm2 , depending on the geography of the country and the
quality of the raw materials. Sometimes we are asked if a different weight should be used for the
garage area. This is not really necessary. Usually the biggest load on a slab is the heaving from
the sub grade and not the structure on top of it (or the car).

My concrete is cracking after only a short period. Is there something wrong with
it and can it be repaired?
All concrete cracks. It has to crack because it contracts during the drying, curing, hardening
process, and the bond between the cement paste and the aggregates is not strong enough to
withstand that stress. The best way to prevent unsightly cracking is to put joints in your concrete
at regular intervals. A good formula is to measure the depth of your structure and multiply the
number by three. Use this number to determine the approximate number of feet between joints.
(For example, a 100mm slab of concrete should have joints every 3 to 3.5 metres.) Uneven
shifting of the substructure or sub grade can also cause cracking. This is a structural failure, as
opposed to improper curing or jointing as mentioned above. Before repairing any concrete
cracking, determine the source of the cracking and remedy that first. Epoxy grout is an excellent
crack repair agent. For more information call our Product Support Helpline 0800 667 827

Is there an average going price per cubic metre of concrete?

Not really; it varies regionally. If you are estimating a project, call our local ready-mix sales
team, and they can give you an estimate.

My concrete has oil/grease stains. How can I get rid of them?

Commercial products are available in paint/hardware home centers. Sprinkle with tri-sodium
phosphate. Allow to stand for 30 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and hot water. Rinse with
clean water. Scrub stain with concentrated detergent using a stiff brush. Rinse well with water.
Dry and repeat if necessary. Sprinkle dishwasher detergent on wet concrete. Let it stand a few
minutes, then pour boiling water on the area. Scrub and rinse. Dissolve a cup tri-sodium
phosphate in 1 gallon of hot water. Pour over stained concrete surface and allow soaking for 25
minutes. Scrub with stiff brush or broom. Rinse with clean water. Repeat if necessary.

Can safety advice be provided prior to delivery?

Yes, a Health & Safety data sheet and a step-by-step guide to using concrete safely is available
from our website, www.cemex.co.uk

How long will the truck-mixer wait at site?

Because of the scheduling of deliveries, it is helpful to release the truck as quickly as possible.
The normal time allowed is ten minutes plus five minutes for each cubic metre. Therefore a full
load of 6m3 could be at site for forty minutes before an additional charge is applied.

Can an order be cancelled, for example if it rains?

Yes, provided that the load has not already been dispatched.

Can I obtain advice on the correct type of concrete to be used?

Yes, providing there is no structural requirement we can advise on the types of mixes to be used
for most jobs.
- See more at: http://www.cemex.ae/readymix-concrete-faqs.aspx#sthash.HQZBLdWL.dpuf