Concrete 101

Are concrete and cement the same thing?

No. The words concrete and cement are commonly used interchangeably, but cement is really an
ingredient in concrete. So, there is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer. The proper
terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.

How is concrete made?

In its simplest form, concrete is a mixture of paste and aggregates (sand and rock). The paste, comprising
portland cement and water, coats the surface of the fine and coarse aggregates. Through a chemical
reaction called hydration, the paste hardens and gains strength to form the rock-like mass known as
concrete. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older.

Within this process lies the key to a remarkable trait of concrete: it is plastic and malleable when newly
mixed, strong and durable when hardened. These qualities explain why one material—concrete—can build
skyscrapers, bridges, pavements, sidewalks, superhighways, houses and dams.

What is portland cement?

Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in virtually all
concrete—just as stainless is a type of steel and sterling a type of silver.

What is 3000 pound concrete?

It is concrete that is strong enough to carry a compressive stress of 3,000 psi at 28 days. Concrete may be
specified at other strengths as well. Conventional concrete has strengths of 7,000 psi or less; concrete with
strengths between 7,000 and 14,500 psi are considered high-strength concrete.

What does it mean to “cure” concrete?

Curing is one of the most important steps in concrete construction because proper curing greatly increases
concrete strength and durability. Concrete hardens as a result of hydration: the chemical reaction between
cement and water. However, hydration occurs only if water is available and if the concrete's temperature
stays within a suitable range. During the curing period—from five to seven days after placement for
conventional concrete—the concrete surface needs to be kept moist to permit the hydration process. New
concrete can be wet with soaking hoses, sprinklers or covered with wet burlap, or can be coated with
commercially available curing compounds, which seal in moisture.

Why does concrete crack?

Concrete, like all other materials, will slightly change in volume when it dries. In typical concrete this is
about 1/16 of an inch in 10 feet. The reason that contractors put joints in concrete pavements and floors is
to allow the concrete to crack in a neat, straight line at the joint when the volume of the concrete changes
due to shrinkage.

What’s involved in ordering concrete?

Grade Preparation
Whether you are building a driveway, tool shed, patio, etc. the grade must be prepared. Grade preparation
involves setting the grade elevation and creating a level and well-compacted surface. Compaction can be
obtained using a compactor, sprinkler or both. During summer months it is beneficial to spray down the
grade with water just before placing the concrete. This is beneficial for the curing process and helps
prevent shrinkage cracks.

For a ground slab, measure out the area you wish to pour and remove all grass and debris. Most residential
uses require a 4-inch thickness. Your typical hardware store lumber is suitable for forming. Be sure to stake
the outsides of the forms for support.

It is also recommended, and sometimes required by building code, that you use reinforcement---rolled wire
or fibers. Wire should be laid before the concrete truck arrives whereas fibers can be added in the mix at
the concrete plant.

Placing the Concrete

You need to determine how the concrete will be placed, e.g. directly from the mixer truck into the prepared
grade, a pump (trailer or boom) or a wheelbarrow. If pumping, Rinker Materials will need to know the size of
the pump and the name of the pump company. Also keep in mind that a mixer truck is quite large and
requires clearance of at least 14 feet in height and 10 feet in width to safely reach a jobsite. A loaded mixer
truck weighs approximately 70,000 lbs so you must also consider the effect on sidewalks, sod and
sprinklers.

Ordering
By using a concrete calculator, you can determine the amount of concrete needed. It is best to over-
estimate since a concrete finishing crew will likely be on site and another mixer truck may not be readily
available. It is extremely important to order the right amount of concrete. Any excess concrete will be taken
back to the plant and disposed of properly.

You will need to schedule your job in advance—how far in advance varies. Most plants are not open on
Saturdays, but this can also vary.

Once you have all the previous questions answered, a Rinker Materials salesperson or dispatcher can
guide you regarding the proper concrete strength to order. Most residential jobs require 3000 psi concrete,
but factors such as use of a pump and how much weight your slab will be expected to bear, can affect the
recommended concrete mix.

If you need help finding a finishing crew, Rinker Materials would be glad to assist you with names of several
local companies.

Once you are ready to call in your order to dispatch, use the location finder on the Rinker Materials website
for the plant nearest your project.