DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONCRETE GRADES AND THEIR USES
The different grades of concrete vary from M15 to M80 as per IS 456. Here the designation number implies the characteristic strength in N/mm2 at 28 days. The characteristic strength is strength value of the material below which not more than 5 percent of all possible test results are expected to fall. Based on specified characteristic compressive strength, the IS 456 has grouped the concrete in three groups, viz., Ordinary concrete (strength ranging from 15-20 N/mm2), standard concrete (25-55 N/mm2) and high strength concrete (60-80 N/mm2).
Varying the water cement ratio and using well graded aggregate and certain admixtures, the higher grades of concrete are obtained. Understanding Grades of Concrete Grades of concrete are defined by the strength and composition of the concrete, and the minimum strength the concrete should have following 28 days of initial construction. The grade of concrete is understood in measurements of MPa, where M stands for mix and the MPa denotes the overall strength.
Concrete mixes are defined in ascending numbers of 5, starting at 10, and show the compressive strength of the concrete after 28 days. For instance, C10 has the strength of 10 newtons, C15 has the strength of 15 newtons, C20 has 20 newtons strength and so on.
Different mixes (M) come in various mix proportions of the various ingredients of cement, sand and coarse aggregates. For instance, M20 comes in the respective ratio of 1:1:5:3. You can see other examples below in the table.
Given below, the details of the preliminary concrete grades and their proper applications.
C10
Used for: Patio slabs, pathways and non-structural work
Type: Domestic & commercial use
C15
Effective for pavement kerbs and floor blinding
Type: Domestic & Commercial application
C20
Ideal for domestic floors and foundations (where the structure bears light weight). Besides, it is perfect for workshop bases, garages, driveways and internal floor slabs.
Type: Domestic application
C25
Suitable for being constructed in all areas. Multi-purpose concrete mix generally applied for foundations.
Type: Domestic & commercial application
C30
Used for: Pathways and roadways (this is the lowest grade concrete mix that can be used for this purpose). More durable than the grades that have come before, and thus is much more weather-resistant and can take heavy road traffic.
Type: Commercial
C35
It is used as RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete)
Application/use:- It can be used in construction of Slabs, beams, columns, footings, etc.
C40
Suitable for commercial construction sites as well as constructing foundations and beams for structural support and roads. C40 is the most long-lasting in this list and it can resist chemical corrosion. It is extensively utilized on farms where slurry could rust structures, or in septic tanks.
Type: Commercial application
HIGH-STRENGTH CONCRETE GRADES
M60 GRADE & M80 GRADE
It is used as RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete)
Application/use:-
- It can be used RCC work where high compressive strength is required such as high rise buildings, long span bridges, ultra-thin white topping etc.
- Constructions in aggressive environment.
- Spillways of dams, coastal construction of a passage for surplus water from a dam.
