The quality of concrete is mainly dependent on the strength and composition of the cement, the quality of the aggregates, the concrete mix design and the water to cement ratio, it is thus imperative to follow the mixing instructions on the back of the cement bag accurately.
When purchasing high-strength quality cement, you need less cement to complete your building projects. In other words, you can produce more concrete, using less cement.
The correct application of high-strength, quality cement ensures strong, reliable concrete, mortar and plaster and structures that are durable. Using quality cement also cuts down on maintenance.
You may be asking yourself how to choose quality cement if they all look the same. When purchasing cement, consider the brand, strength class, mix designs and technical support. In South Africa, the SABS and National Regulator for Compulsory Standards, test and check that cement conforms to certain performance standards.
In addition, here are some hints and tips when buying cement and mixing concrete:
- Try not to buy more cement than required, as it has a limited shelf life.
- Add just enough water to make the mix workable, too little water will make the mix difficult to compact; too much water will lower the potential strength.
- Mix until the colour and workability of the mix are uniform.
- Use a concrete mixer, or mix using a shovel on a dry, clean non-absorbent surface.
- Cure your concrete for a few days by keeping it covered, spraying with water mist or using a curing compound.
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