Concrete proportions (gravel, sand, cement), the composition for the foundation, how to make a concrete mixture with your own hands

Knowing the proper ratios of gravel, sand, and cement in your concrete mix is the first step in building a solid and long-lasting foundation. Achieving the proper proportions for your building is essential for its longevity and stability, regardless of the size of the structure—whether it’s a big house or a tiny shed. With the help of this tutorial, you will learn the fundamentals of concrete composition and be able to mix a potent mixture on your own.

In essence, concrete is composed of three main components: cement, sand, and gravel. Every element is essential to the overall strength and workability of the mixture. Sand contributes to the density and fills in the spaces, cement serves as the binding agent that keeps everything together, and gravel supplies the bulk and stability. A combination that is both robust and practical is ensured by carefully balancing these components.

A common ratio to use for a standard foundation mix is one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts gravel. A common notation for this ratio is 1:2:4. Although specific project requirements can be met by slightly modifying these proportions, this general guideline is generally effective for most standard foundations. Making sure the ratios are correct can help avoid problems with the completed foundation, such as crumbling, cracking, or inadequate strength.

Although it may seem difficult, making concrete by hand is doable with the right equipment and a little perseverance. Get your supplies ready, including water, gravel, sand, cement, and mixing implements like a wheelbarrow and a shovel. Accurate ingredient measurement is essential to preserving mix consistency. After mixing, the concrete should have a homogeneous consistency that is similar to thick oatmeal—not too wet, nor too dry.

You can confidently mix your own concrete for a sturdy and dependable foundation with this fundamental knowledge and a little practice. If you carefully follow these steps, your construction project will have a strong foundation and endure over time. Cheers to your mixing!

Concrete characteristics

Indicators such as the composition and proportions of the concrete determine the characteristics of the building material. They have an impact on the final product’s quality and its class.

Class is a numerical coefficient with a probability of 0.95 representing significant parameters. The letter B appears before the digital value in the international classification, which establishes the maximum pressure that is allowed for the material. The grade of concrete, denoted by the letter M, represents the maximum resistance to contraction. It determines nearly 45 percent of the solution’s final properties.

1. Quality of raw materials.
2. Proportions.
3. Cooking method.

As a result, the output of a hand concrete mixer using M400 brand material forms a class B25 product. You receive B35 when using industrial devices.

You must use the following classification to help you convert the concrete grade into a class:

1. M100 – belongs to class B7.5 and is intended for preparatory work when arranging a foundation.
2. M150 – corresponds to B12.5. The material is in demand when installing screeds, floor coverings or small bases.
3. M200 – class B15. It is in special demand and is used when organizing floors, bases, concrete stairs, road and parking areas, etc.d.
4. M250 (B20) – is used to build foundations, fences and stairs.
5. M350 – belongs to class B25 and is a key solution for creating slabs, beams, pools and foundations.
6. M400 – corresponds to class B30 and is developed for construction work in difficult conditions. In most cases, such material is used in the construction of bridges, financial institutions or other facilities with high power requirements.

Water resistance

Prior to pouring concrete by hand, you should research parameters like water resistance. It shows how resistant concrete is to moisture without deforming.

Certain types of concrete can withstand more water, making them useful in challenging situations and offering the following benefits:

1. Can be used in the construction of buildings in an environment with close groundwater.
2. They are resistant to temperature fluctuations.

The composition, method of preparation, and presence of special fillers in the concrete mixture determine its level of moisture resistance. The internal composition of the concrete affects this indicator as well.

Frost resistance

The final product’s level of frost resistance depends on the concrete’s composition. The number of freeze-thaw cycles without obvious flaws, destruction, or strength loss is indicated by this indicator. The material will last for more than a few decades if it is of good quality. Products with poor resistance to frost are sold in the absence of quality control.

The value of frost resistance is denoted by the letter F. The cycles are indicated by the numerical indicator, which ranges from 50 to 1000.

Strength

Before mixing concrete, it is important to pay attention to such a characteristic as strength. It is measured in megapascals (MPa) and indicates the maximum pressure that a concrete product can withstand. Compression strength is not a fixed parameter and can change as the liquid affects the binding additives.

Strength properties are shown in the class or brand, but it takes a few weeks after pouring to get an exact value (usually, strength gain takes about 28 days).

A comparable term is dependent on a number of variables, one of which is the hardening temperature.

The material freezes at below-freezing temperatures and loses strength. It is heated to hasten the process. The strength properties of concrete that was laid in the winter and started to thaw with the arrival of spring will return, but the product’s qualities will deteriorate.

Strengthening occurs more intensely in positive temperatures under normal circumstances. The strength indicators will reach 70% in just 7 days. But at this cost, the structure cannot be used for what it was designed for, so it is not worth tearing down the formwork just yet. After 28 days, full strength gain is attained.

The hardening process quickens with increasing temperature. In this instance, the material’s moisture content must be considered; if it dries out quickly, the strength gain is stopped. Consequently, hot steam is used to treat the solution in businesses. Other techniques for preserving moisture are employed when preparing concrete by hand, such as covering the mixture with wet burlap or polyethylene.

It’s crucial to focus on the strength characteristics of concrete when attempting to create it by hand for a foundation. Prominent producers demonstrate strength in design documentation, which makes selecting an appropriate solution easier. However, you can ascertain the strength on your own if you are unsure of the given values:

1. Destructive method. Concrete products are placed on a flat surface, after which a special press begins to act on them. As a result, the compressive strength of concrete samples is determined.
2. Non-destructive method. Involves mechanical action on concrete using ultrasonic equipment, impact pulse or elastic rebound. A number of mathematical calculations are also performed to determine the strength properties.

Plasticity

Concrete’s plasticity refers to how precisely it is distributed across spaces and surfaces. A truncated cone is used to measure mobility. The mixture is added to the cone in three stages while a reinforcing bar acts on it.

The cone is then raised back up and turned upside down, with its wide base facing downward. Cone settlement will be indicated by the variations in cone heights as the solution starts to spread across the surface (OK).

A more sophisticated yet precise technology entails dissecting the monolith. Place the completed mixture into cubic forms and allow it to harden to complete the procedure. You’re required to review the product after 28 days.

DIY concrete – main components

Prior to selecting the concrete composition, ratios, and proportions for the foundation, the following elements must be ready:

1. Cement mixture.
2. Sand.
3. Crushed stone.
4. Water.

Cement

When making concrete at home, even for inexperienced developers, it’s crucial to measure the cement binder precisely.

There are several varieties of cement mixtures on the market, such as Portland cement, Portland cement with slag, compositions for rapid hardening, and others. Every choice has unique characteristics, rates of strength gain, and application ranges.

Portland cement is included in the conventional composition and proportions of concrete because it is more cost-effective and has better performance qualities. The letter M and a number that represents the material’s resistance to loads are used to categorize the available materials into grades.

It is customary to use grade M400 concrete for hand-mixed concrete because it is sufficiently reliable and strong. Portland cement M500 is used in industrial production in Moscow, and special compounds of a higher grade are used for the arrangement of foundations in challenging conditions.

To mix concrete, you must be fully informed about the type, quality, and brand of the component that is being used. Freshness is another crucial factor to consider because it affects how long a concrete product lasts on the shelf.

A crumbly dust without any lumps or compactions is a fresh mixture. It is preferable to avoid using cement for building projects if it contains large elements.

Sand

Sand is a necessary ingredient in the foundation concrete recipe. This component comes in a variety of forms, each with unique characteristics and compositions that affect the end product’s quality.

You can use any kind of sand when determining how to create a concrete solution. The most important thing is that they don’t have a lot of clay, dust, or other big particles that would deteriorate the mixture’s qualities.

Experts advise selecting river or sea sand because these types are free of organic compounds, dust, and clay. When it comes to the raw materials that are mined in quarries, they often need to be cleaned up and settled beforehand.

Organic debris, such as tree roots, leaves, bark, and branches, may also be present in this type of sand. Such particles will degrade the quality and strength of concrete if they find their way into a concrete mixer.

You ought to assess indicators like the sand’s moisture content. Up to 2% of even dry material and up to 10% of wet material can contain water. In this instance, the foundation’s concrete ratio will be broken.

Crushed stone, gravel

Crushed stone and gravel are important things to consider when learning about the components of a concrete mixture. These rocks give concrete products their strength by serving as fillers. The most common material is crushed stone, which comes in various surfaces and fractions.

Sea or river pebbles don’t work well as filler because of their polished, smooth surfaces, which make it difficult for other components to adhere to them when making the composition.

The product’s dependability and longevity are impacted by the concrete solution’s proportions. Crushed stone pieces cannot be larger than one-third the minimum thickness of the building that is being built. Additionally considered are the size of the spaces between the pebbles or the emptiness of the crushed stones.

To compute this parameter, take a bucket, add filler to it, and then slowly pour in liquid. The void ratio will be revealed by the volume of water that fits. For this reason, professionals figure out how much concrete to use in buckets for the foundation.

It is suggested to blend various crushed stone fractions to enhance the concrete mixture filling process. The following fillers can be added to the composition in addition to crushed granite and gravel:

1. Expanded clay.
2. Blast furnace slag.

Water

Water must be considered before beginning to mix concrete. It is advised to consume drinking water intended for household purposes. Using water from dubious sources, waste, or swamp water is forbidden. Concrete’s operating properties are dictated by the ratio of its constituent parts.

It is imperative to consider the total moisture content of the raw material prior to mixing when conducting computations. Determining the humidity level of a material that contains domain slag is crucial if its composition calls for it, as too much water can exacerbate the properties of concrete.

The liquid’s volume has an impact on the material’s mobility. In order to produce plastic concrete, the ratios must be followed exactly and should not be altered from the recommended standard. Otherwise, stratification and deformation of the mixture will occur.

Once the concrete has solidified, the degree of plasticity can be observed. It shows good plasticity if it slides off the bayonet shovel at random. The mixture is referred to as slightly plastic if it slides slowly, and non-plastic is the solution that stays on the shovel in the form of a tubercle.

Additives

Admixtures are added in good proportions to the concrete components in order to mix the solution and enhance its quality properties. They are designed to change strength properties, shorten hardening times, improve resistance to corrosion, and increase resistance to frost.

1. Plasticizers – used to increase the strength and density of concrete.
2. Air-entraining additives — used to obtain a porous structure, which increases the resistance of reinforced concrete structures to subzero temperatures.
3. Admixtures for accelerating hardening — reduce the curing time of the mixture. There are admixtures with the opposite principle of action, which slow down the setting process.
4. Compacting additives — help increase durability and fill the cavities between concrete grains.
5. Corrosion inhibitors — can create an oxide film on the anode.
6. Gas-forming elements — used in the production of gas blocks. Able to increase water resistance and reduce the intensity of delamination.
7. Anti-frost — intended for construction work at temperatures down to -20°C.

The kinds of tasks that admixtures are used for must be considered when selecting the right ones. Contemporary parts are able to:

1. Improve the operational characteristics of concrete.
2. Increase strength and resistance to moisture, corrosion or frost.
3. Reduce the hardening period.
4. Reduce component consumption.
5. Affect mobility indicators.

Calculation of concrete composition by weight

You must accurately calculate the composition when determining how to make strong concrete, using the following information as a guide:

1. Required grade of mixture.
2. Required plasticity.
3. Cement grade.
4. Information about sand and crushed stone.

1. Volumetric.
2. Weight.

You must use a few formulas to determine the composition of the concrete mix based on weight. The ratio of water to cement (W/C) must first be determined when using Portland cement M400 and crushed stone with a medium fraction. W/C is an indicator of the weight ratio between the liquid and the cement mixture that is required to achieve the desired strength properties. Exact values are found via experiments or formulas.

Once the concrete and cement grades are known to you, you must locate the W/C. You can use the number 0.68 as an example.

Based on the table, you need to determine the volume of liquid to create a mixture of medium plasticity using crushed stone of 40 mm in size. The result will be 190 l/m³. Next, you need to find the optimal amount of cement mixture per 1 m³ of concrete. To do this, divide 190 l/m³ by 0.68, which will give an indicator of 279 kg of cement.

Understanding the proper ratios of gravel, sand, and cement is essential to making the ideal concrete mixture for a sturdy foundation. This post will walk you through the necessary procedures for creating your own concrete mix at home, providing a solid and trustworthy foundation for any building project. With clear, simple directions and advice on reaching the perfect consistency, you’ll be ready to take on your foundation with assurance.

Methods of mixing concrete

If you’re curious about the correct ways to prepare concrete, you should research these techniques:

1. Manual.
2. Mechanized.

Mixers, also known as concrete mixers, are specialized equipment used to mix concrete.

Manual

In private construction, the parts are typically mixed by hand using the appropriate concrete mixture ratios. To mix, prepare a container big enough to hold all the ingredients. You can use a tin trough or any other appropriate container as it.

Sand must first be added, and then a cement mixture must be poured into the central furrow. The components are thoroughly mixed, then liquid is added to the mixture and stirred once more. Crushed stone is then added, and mixing is continued with sporadic water additions. You can start laying once the solution fills the stones and the consistency becomes homogenous.

The manual method’s low speed is its main drawback. Any delays may cause the material in the trough to stratify, which will impair the material’s qualities. Consequently, experts advise avoiding lengthy pauses and putting the composition in the formwork as soon as possible.

Mixing in a concrete mixer is the best way to create a mixture. It enables you to obtain a high-quality homogenous consistency.

Mixing in a concrete mixer

You can measure the proportions in buckets and mix the concrete in a concrete mixer when preparing concrete by hand. The apparatus produces a uniform emulsion with enhanced performance characteristics. Add fillers and fluid to achieve a creamy consistency.

Concrete stratification is avoided by using the mechanical method, and the material retains its functionality even after up to an hour in a rotating unit. However, it is preferable to have a concrete mixer on the construction site in order to preserve the material’s advantageous qualities and prevent issues when delivering the solution to the location.

Table: Concrete from Cement M500

When making concrete by hand, the following table is used to calculate proportions when using cement brand M500:

Cement brand		M500
Brand of concrete		M150	M250			M350		M450
Cement	kg	1
Water
		0.5
Sand
Crushed stone		4.5		2.6	1.9		1.1
		6.6		4.5	3.6		2.5
Proportions (c/p/s)		1/ 4.5/ 6.6		1/ 2.6/ 4.5	1/1.9/3.6		1/1.1/2.5

Component	Proportion
Gravel	3 parts
Sand	2 parts
Cement	1 part
Foundation Mix	Combine gravel, sand, and cement. Add water gradually while mixing until you achieve a workable consistency.
DIY Tips	Use a shovel to mix the dry ingredients first. Slowly add water and keep mixing until the mixture is uniform and smooth.

For any construction project, having a strong foundation is essential, and understanding the proper proportions of concrete is critical. You can create a solid and long-lasting concrete mixture by combining gravel, sand, and cement in the right proportions. Typically, a foundation mix ratio of one part cement, two parts sand, and four parts gravel is used. Strength and workability are balanced thanks to this combination.

It’s critical to precisely measure each component when getting ready to pour concrete. To ensure an even distribution, begin by thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients. Water should be added gradually while mixing until a smooth, workable consistency is reached. Avoid adding too much water as this might cause the concrete to deteriorate.

Hands-on concrete making is a gratifying and economical way to oversee a building project. You can mix a material that will give your building a solid foundation if you take the proper precautions and pay close attention to detail. Recall that the longevity and stability of the entire structure are influenced by the quality of your foundation.