Q: What is the difference beween concrete and cement?

A: In general terms concrete is a mixture of aggregate, water and a cement binder. Cement is an ingredient in concrete.

In construction, concrete is a composite building material made from the combination of aggregate and a cement binder.
Concrete does not solidify from drying after mixing and placement; the water reacts with the cement in a chemical process known as hydration. This water is absorbed by cement, which hardens, gluing the other components together and eventually creating a stone-like material. When used in the generic sense, this is the material referred to by the term concrete. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete#Cement)

In the most general sense of the word, cement is a binder, a substance which sets and hardens independently, and can bind other materials together. Most important cements are hydraulic cements, materials which set and harden after combining with water, as a result of chemical reactions with the mixing water and, after hardening, retain strength and stability even under water. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cement)

Q: What kind of concrete will I need for my job?

A: The Ready-mix concrete type you will probably need is called 3000 P-S-I concrete. It is suitable for basement floors, walls, foundations, driveways, patios and walkways. Please remember the appearance of concrete is determined by the placing and finishing of the concrete. Check our ORDER CONCRETE page for more information on complete solutions for your placement and finishing needs, or you may choose to place and finish the concrete yourself.

Q: How much concrete will I need for my job?

A: Concrete is shipped by the cubic yard. One cubic yard covers an area 8 feet by 10 feet if the concrete is 4 inches thick. A ready-mix truck can hold nine cubic yards. Please be sure your job is ready and all forms are in place before the concrete arrives. Standing time is charged if the truck is detained beyond one hour, and delivery charges are added for loads under 5 cubic yards. We usually cannot ship loads under 1 cubic yard. Our friendly dispatchers will be glad to give you further information. So pick the plant nearest your job and contact us.

Q: What is Ready-mix concrete?

A: Ready-mix concrete is a type of concrete that is manufactured in a factory according to a set recipe, and then delivered to a worksite, often by truck. This results in a precise mixture, allowing specialty concrete mixtures to be developed and implemented on construction sites. The first ready-mix factory was built in the 1930s, but the industry did not begin to expand significantly until the 1960s, and it has continued to grow since then.
Ready-mix concrete is sometimes preferred to on-site concrete mixing because of the precision of the mixture and reduced worksite confusion. However, using a pre-determined concrete mixture reduces flexibility, both in the supply chain and in the actual components of the concrete. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ready-mix_concrete)

 

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