Material quantities

sblewer · Post: # 30154Post **sblewer** Mon Jul 21, 2008 4:49 pm

I was wondering if anyone could help me out.

I need to make up 2 cubic metres of concrete, and the mix is
1 cement
3 ballast.

Does anyone have any ideas how I work out how much of each material I need to make the amount of concrete I need?

Thanks

Steve

Mikey_C · Post: # 30169Post **Mikey_C** Mon Jul 21, 2008 10:28 pm

the answer you require lies somewhere in the table on this page
under the title Prescribed Mixes for Ordinary Structural Concrete

Artisan · Post: # 30171Post **Artisan** Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:52 am

Personally, I would get in ready mix for 2cube.

sblewer · Post: # 30172Post **sblewer** Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:20 am

To be honest if it was a normal situation and my house was directly onto the road I would agree, and get ready mix, but unfortunately it's about 80-100 yards from the road to where the concrete needs to go, and for 2cube there is no way I am paying for a pump or barrow it!

I was going to hire 2 mixers so I would constantly have a mix on the go.

I will take a look at that chart, and see if I can figure out what on earth it means ???

Thanks

Post: # 30176Post **Dave_L** Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:18 pm

Have it delivered and dumper it in? It would be so much easier!

sblewer · Post: # 30179Post **sblewer** Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:28 pm

I must admit I could really do without the hassle of mixing my own, I've had enough problems with this build as it is.

I am going to contact a company one of my friends has recommended, who will mix on site and barrow for free up to 50 yards. i'll give them a call and see how much extra it will cost to get to mine.

Mikey_C · Post: # 30198Post **Mikey_C** Tue Jul 22, 2008 8:05 pm

some of the lorries that do the computerized mix on site have, belle power barrows attached/included in the rental they take 250KG each run which only be about twenty trips and your not supporting any weight. what are you using it for, is the quality important?

sblewer · Post: # 30224Post **sblewer** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:19 am

It's for the footings for a new conservatory.

I am building an extension as well at the moment, and am having to build a raft foundation. On the raft design the Structural Engineer has specified C35 concrete, but I wasn't going to use that for the conservatory.

But I just wanted to use a good strong mix, as my footings are only 600mm deep. This is a dwarf wall conservatory as well, so although it maybe a bit of overkill having the mix that strong, at least I know it will be safe.

Post: # 30227Post **Dave_L** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:49 am

Volumetric Mixer - good machine with a decent operator.

Expect to pay circa Â£100/m3 for the privelige.

Post: # 30228Post **Dave_L** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:49 am

+VAT, of course.

Mikey_C · Post: # 30229Post **Mikey_C** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:59 am

having not done foundations designed/spec'ed by a structural engineer and/or inspected by a BCO. I would have thought you needed a ticket from the readymix/on site mixing lorries stating qualities/strength before you could get sign off. Also you can change the mix with the on site mixers, so say 3 cubes at c35 for raft foundation and 1 cube of c20/c25 for your conservatory. the chap who owned www.aardvarkconcrete.co.uk used to post on here and may be able to recommend someone (if he doesn't cover your area), if not there must be a local equivalent.

Mikey_C · Post: # 30230Post **Mikey_C** Wed Jul 23, 2008 11:04 am

^^ as Dave_L has just said in a lot more succinct and concise manner.