Concrete is created using a variety of ingredients mixed into the cement, and the amounts of each ingredient used will determine the properties of the final concrete product. One of the primary ingredients is ballast, such as that available through ballast suppliers Springbridge.
Ballast is added to the cement to bind the other aggregates together. The amount and type of ballast used will affect the strength of the concrete, with heavier ballast creating a stronger concrete.
Read on to learn about how much ballast is required to make concrete suitable for pathways, steps and patio slabs.
Concrete Mix Ratio for Domestic Use
The quick answer to creating a suitable concrete mix for domestic purposes looks like this:
•1 part cement
•2 parts building sand
•4 parts ballast
This mix should be adequate for most domestic purposes such as the aforementioned uses, as well as fence posts, shed bases and shallow retaining wall foundations. Ingredients can be scaled up or down according to need.
Ballast For Concrete in Standard Bulk Bags
Springbridge are ballast suppliers whose product is a reliable aggregate that is suitable for most concrete applications. The ballast is a mixture of sharp sand and rough shingle measuring up to 20mm. The Springbridge ballast is frequently used in industrial building works, but can also be use for domestic applications such as fence posting and creating concrete paths.
The standard bulk bags of ballast measure 750mm x 850mm x 950mm and are level filled. There is also a small ballast bulk bag if you need a smaller amount.
Building Sand for Mixing with Cement and Ballast
Also often referred to as bricklayers sand, the building sand available through ballast suppliers Springbridge is ideal for mixing with cement and ballast. It has a soft texture and much less coarse than sharp sand which makes it ideal for mixing with cement. The ballast itself contains sharp sand mixed with rough shingle and that is how it is able to bind the cement and the building sand together after being mixed with water.
This building sand is often used for applications such as the concrete used in pointing, paving or brick laying. It is also used to make concrete that will be a base for paving slabs on patios, as well as for terraces and the bedding of pond liners.
The standard bulk bags of building sand measure 750mm x 850mm x 950mm and are level filled. There is also a smaller amount that can be ordered too.
If you require ballast or building sand for concrete in either small or standard bulk bags, then contact Springbridge via our website or call today on 0845 370 1921 for more information about ballast suppliers.
