Dry building Cement mixtures, sometimes referred to as cement-based mixtures, are essential for construction and remodeling projects. These are adaptable materials that are useful in a range of building situations. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, knowing where and how these mixtures are used will help you make better decisions for your own projects.
The main purpose of these mixtures is to create strong, long-lasting surfaces. For example, they are necessary for plastering, tiling, and flooring installation. Their ability to offer a sturdy foundation or coating makes them indispensable for both new construction and remodeling projects. Every variety of cement-based mixture has unique qualities that make it appropriate for certain applications.
Cement mixtures come in different varieties and are made for different uses. While some are extra strong for heavy-duty applications, others are designed for rapid setting, making them perfect for speedy repairs. Understanding the unique qualities of each type aids in choosing the best combination for the task at hand, guaranteeing longevity and optimum performance.
Rates of consumption can differ significantly based on the project. Important variables include the area’s size and the kind of mixture used. By being aware of these factors, you can minimize waste, estimate how much material you’ll need, and make sure you have enough to finish the project successfully.
In conclusion, cement-based mixtures are useful and necessary for building. You can choose wisely and complete your construction projects more successfully if you are aware of their various kinds, traits, and consumption requirements.
- Types and characteristics of cement-sand mixtures
- Types of cement-based dry mixes, composition and properties
- For screed
- Cement-based waterproofing
- Plaster mixtures
- Putties
- Tile adhesive
- How to prepare a sand-cement mixture with your own hands
- Consumption rates
- Marking of cement-sand compositions
- Video on the topic
- mega dry building mixes
- Dry building mixes from the manufacturer
- DRY CONSTRUCTION MIXES
- Mega Plant dry mixes
- What are special-purpose dry building mixes?
- Dry building mixes: types, what are they
- Dry building mixes
Types and characteristics of cement-sand mixtures
The construction industry was greatly impacted by the discovery of Portland cement, which made it possible to substitute concrete for natural stone. Additionally, cement is now a necessary component of other materials without which construction is impossible.
Several types of cement-sand compositions (CSP) are distinguished based on the following factors:
- Specific gravity of the composition that has gained strength. According to it, they are all divided into 2 types: lightweight with a density of up to 1.5 t / m3 and heavy with a density of more than 1.5 t / m3.
- Functional purpose: plastering, masonry, for screeds, for cladding.
- Compressive strength of the hardened material. It has an alphanumeric designation, which is the letter M and numbers indicating the bearing capacity in kg/cm2.
- Number of binder components. The mixture may contain not only cement as a binder, but also gypsum, lime, polymers and other substances.
- Binder content in the mixture. In this regard, all compositions are divided into lean (sand to cement ratio more than 5:1), normal (4:1) and fatty (3:1 and less).
- lean compositions harden slowly, and then can crumble over time;
- fat ones set too quickly and often crack.
As a result, adhering to the mixture recipe and choosing the appropriate brand of cement determine the material’s performance characteristics.
The following are the primary attributes of CPS-based solutions:
- gaining operational strength over a long period of time;
- maintaining integrity under conditions of temperature changes;
- plasticity, facilitating the execution of work;
- moisture resistance of the hardened material.
Types of cement-based dry mixes, composition and properties
The mixture’s intended use determines how well it performs. Different additives, such as plasticizers, water repellents, substances to increase frost resistance, and other modifiers, can be added to the material to give it the necessary properties. Fibers, perlite, and mineral chips can all be used as filler instead of just river sand.
For screed
To give the floor the required levelness and water resistance, screeding is applied. These characteristics guarantee the finishing floor covering a long lifespan.
The characteristics and composition of prefabricated cement screeds differ. They fall into the following categories:
- Compositions for rough leveling. They are used in situations where the base of the floor has large differences in height. In this case, the thickness of the screed varies from 30 to 80 mm. In this case, coarse sand, fine expanded clay, and granite chips are used to make the mixture. Such a screed cannot be used directly under the floor covering, so another layer has to be made – the finishing screed.
- The finishing screed contains plasticizers and fine sand (up to 0.6 mm). This allows you to create a flat and smooth base for the floor. The thickness of the screed is no more than 4 – 10 mm. With increased loads on the floor, it is better to combine the screed with a reinforcing mesh or purchase a mixture that contains reinforcing fiber.
- Self-leveling screeds. They contain a filler with a particle size of no more than 0.3 mm and additional additives. Thanks to them, the mixture has high fluidity and is leveled on the base under the influence of gravity. The thickness of such a screed is no more than 5 mm.
- Compositions for heated floors. For their production, plasticizers are used to help remove air bubbles from the mixture, which reduce heat transfer. Therefore, the screed has high thermal conductivity and does not interfere with heat transfer.
Cement-based waterproofing
An essential step in building is insulating an object from moisture. Cement-based waterproofing mixtures come in the following varieties:
- Cement-sand waterproofing is used to protect monolithic foundations. The industry produces mixtures for manual and machine application. They often include sealing additives. If moisture evaporates too quickly from the solution, the applied insulation layer may become deformed.
- Cement waterproofing with the addition of latex. This component allows you to get a solution that resembles liquid rubber in its properties. Applied hot by gunning. Reliably protects surfaces from moisture and mechanical impacts.
- Cement-based insulation with the addition of liquid glass. Used to protect foundations and basements. Makes the surface waterproof, fireproof, and has antiseptic properties. Has high adhesion to the main surface.
These kinds of materials are safe for health, inexpensive, and have a strong surface adhesion.
Plaster mixtures
They are made of materials like water, dried and cleaned sand, and Portland cement. It is possible to enhance characteristics like elasticity, decorativeness, strength, and durability by adding more impurities.
Prefabricated CPS can be altered or left unaltered. The first can be up to 50 mm thick and are used as base layers and primers on brick and concrete. The latter are used as a thin-layer plaster, a cover layer, and for plastering lightweight concrete.
Mineral pigments and grains can be found in decorative plasters.
Putties
Putty compounds made of cement are separated into two categories based on their intended use:
- Starters – used as a base layer capable of eliminating large defects in the wall base. The solutions are coarse-grained, rough, and poorly sanded. But at the same time they create a strong base. The application thickness is no more than 20 mm.
- Finishings – used as a finishing layer. The structure of the solution is elastic, the filler is fine. Applied in a layer of no more than 1-4 mm. Provides a smooth surface suitable for processing with finishing materials.
The mixture’s color can be gray, super white, or white. The latter is less expensive.
Tile adhesive
The foundation of tile adhesive is a mixture of cement and sand. 95% of the volume of glue is made up of it. Various additives account for the remaining 5%:
- water repellents;
- antiseptics;
- catalysts for slowing down or accelerating the setting of the adhesive;
- plasticizers;
- antifreeze additives.
The adhesive’s composition varies based on the kind of tile being glued. Certain adhesives are limited to use with lightweight, small-sized tiles.
Mixtures with specific additives are made for large-sized components and natural stone slabs.
There are two kinds of adhesives made:
- only for interior work;
- for interior and exterior work.
How to prepare a sand-cement mixture with your own hands
You must know the ratio in which the ingredients are laid out in order to prepare the mixture.
Depending on its goal, yes.
The steps are as follows:
- Sand is sifted, and for dry sand a sieve with a cell of 2 mm is used, and for wet sand – 4 mm.
- 2-3 liters of water are poured into a clean container.
- Then add cement and mix thoroughly with a mixer or shovel until the material becomes homogeneous.
- According to the proportion, prepared sand and other fillers and modifiers are added to the container.
- The mixture is again mixed until a homogeneous consistency. If necessary, add clean water or a small amount of sand.
Dry construction cement mixtures provide a flexible solution for a range of construction needs, making them indispensable in a variety of building and repair projects. These mixtures, which come in a variety of forms such as concrete, grout, and mortar, each have special qualities that make them appropriate for particular uses, such as gap sealing and bricklaying. Selecting the appropriate product for your project and achieving a robust and long-lasting outcome can be facilitated by being aware of its types, characteristics, and usual requirements.
Consumption rates
The following variables affect the use of CPS:
- its purpose;
- quality of the base surface.
However, there are typical benchmarks:
Name of CPS | Unit of measurement | Consumption |
Tile adhesive | 1 m2 | 10 kg with a layer thickness of 10 mm |
Adhesive for porcelain tiles | 1 m2 | 10 kg with a layer thickness of 10 mm |
Adhesive for foam concrete | 1 m3 of laid blocks | 40 kg |
Adhesive for aerated concrete | 1 m3 of laid blocks | 40 kg |
Self-leveling floor | 1 m2 | 10 kg with a layer thickness of 10 mm |
Self-leveling floor | 1 m2 | 6 kg with a layer thickness of 5 mm |
Sand concrete | 1 m3 of ready-made solution | 1400 kg of dry mix |
Plaster | 1 m2 | 10 kg with a layer thickness of 10 mm |
Putty | 1 m2 | 1 kg |
Mixture M150 | 1 m3 of ready-made solution | 1450 kg of dry mix |
Mounting and masonry mixture M 200 | 1m3 of masonry | 350 kg of dry mixture |
Waterproofing | 1 m2 of surface | 0.7 kg of dry mixture |
Grouting for ceramic tiles | 1 m2 of laid tiles | 0.12 kg with a joint thickness of 2 mm |
Every package has an indication of the average material consumption.
Marking of cement-sand compositions
The proportion of cement to sand in the mixture determines its grade. Here, the CPS’s goal—which establishes the specifications for its strength characteristics—is what counts.
Commonly utilized CPS grades and the kinds of tasks they are applied to:
- M100 – the solution prepared from it is used to perform rough plastering of walls, sealing small potholes and cracks.
- M150 – a universal option, widely used in construction. The mixture can be used for screeds, plastering, as a masonry mortar when erecting walls from bricks and blocks.
- M200 – is not much different from M100, has approximately the same scope of application, but sets faster and has a greater hardness of the finished surface.
- M300 — sand concrete, called "foundation grade". Indispensable for increased requirements for surface hardness and strength — for foundations, thick screeds, block masonry. Not suitable for plastering.
- M400 — used to create high-strength structures: foundations, wear-resistant screeds in high-traffic areas. Hardens quickly, requires quick production.
Type | Characteristics | Common Uses | Typical Consumption |
---|---|---|---|
Regular Cement | Standard mix for general use, sets quickly, strong | Sidewalks, driveways, basic construction | 1.5 to 2 bags per cubic meter |
High-Strength Cement | Stronger than regular, used for heavy loads | Skyscrapers, bridges, industrial buildings | 2 to 2.5 bags per cubic meter |
Rapid-Setting Cement | Sets very quickly, useful for repairs | Road repairs, emergency fixes | 1 to 1.5 bags per cubic meter |
Low Heat Cement | Produces less heat during setting, minimizes cracking | Large structures like dams | 2 bags per cubic meter |
White Cement | High aesthetic value, used for decorative purposes | Architectural features, tiles, sculptures | 1.5 bags per cubic meter |
Dry cement mixtures for construction are highly adaptable and essential for a wide range of construction projects. These blends provide solutions for a variety of applications, from straightforward fixes to intricate constructions. You can ensure durability and efficiency by choosing the appropriate product for your particular task by being aware of its types and characteristics.
Every variety of cement mixture has specific characteristics and suggested applications. For instance, high-strength versions are appropriate for structural elements, while fast-setting mixtures are perfect for urgent repairs. Gaining an understanding of these specifics aids in optimizing outcomes and steering clear of typical construction pitfalls.
It’s crucial to take these mixtures’ application techniques and rates of consumption into account. Making an accurate estimate of the amount of product you’ll need helps you avoid waste and guarantees that you have enough to finish the job. Better and longer-lasting results can be achieved by mixing and applying according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In conclusion, dry cement-based mixtures are an essential part of contemporary building. Their unique qualities and wide range of applications make them indispensable for a variety of projects. You can improve the durability and quality of your construction work by choosing the appropriate type and knowing how to use them.