A concrete type is defined by factors such as its strength class, exposure class and consistency. That sounds technical, but the choice usually starts with your building drawings or your structural engineer's advice. We help you turn the specification into an order. Your structural engineer always has the final say on what your structure needs.
Strength class.
The strength class shows how much pressure the hardened concrete can withstand. A commonly used class is C20/25. The two numbers refer to the compressive strength measured on different test specimens.
The strength class you need depends on the design and the loads involved. So always use the class stated on your building drawings or structural calculations.
Exposure class.
Where will the concrete be placed, and what will it have to withstand? The XC class indicates how aggressive the environment is. The higher the number, the harsher the conditions. The exposure class describes what the concrete will be exposed to during use. Think of moisture, rain, frost, de-icing salt or contact with soil.
Examples within the XC range:
• XC1: dry or permanently wet; • XC2: wet and rarely dry, such as certain foundations; • XC3: moderate humidity; • XC4: alternately wet and dry.
Other conditions may require additional exposure classes. Always follow the project specification.
Exposure classes.
| Exposure class | Environment | Description |
|---|---|---|
| XC1 | Dry, indoors | Low risk of attack on the concrete |
| XC2 | Wet, rarely dry | For example, a foundation in the ground |
| XC3 | Moderate humidity, exposed to rain | Outdoors, but sheltered |
| XC4 | Cyclic wet and dry | Plenty of rainwater and carbonation |
Consistency.
Consistency tells you how easily fresh concrete flows and how easy it is to work with. The right choice depends on the structure, the reinforcement and the unloading method.
• S3: plastic concrete, often placed by chute or wheelbarrow; • S4: more fluid concrete for jobs that need extra workability; • F4: fluid concrete, often used for pumping.
Adding extra water on site can affect the quality. Never do this without the supplier's approval.
Find out more: Our unloading methods.
Consistency classes
| Consistency | Property | Unloading method |
|---|---|---|
| S3 | Stiff-plastic | Chute or wheelbarrow: place and vibrate it yourself |
| F4 | Fluid | Trailer pump or truck-mounted mixer pump |
What does pinkbeton.nl supply?
We supply C20/25 XC3, structural concrete for outdoor use. It's the standard for most jobs done by homeowners, self-employed tradespeople and small contractors. Solid, reliable and suitable for most construction and renovation work.
By chute and wheelbarrow: S3. By trailer pump or truck-mounted mixer pump: F4.
Suitable for extensions, floors, foundations, lintels and most other jobs a homeowner or small contractor will come across.
Always check your building plans or ask your structural engineer which concrete grade your project needs. Does your job need a different strength class or exposure class? Get in touch and we'll see what we can do.
How much concrete do I need?
To work out how much concrete you need, multiply length × width × thickness. So a floor or foundation that's 5 metres long, 4 metres wide and 10 centimetres thick needs 5 × 4 × 0,10 = 2 m³ of concrete. Always order about 10% extra: concrete settles, and some is always left behind in the drum and the hoses. Enter your measurements below for a quick calculation.
Volume: 2 m³ · including ~10% margin: 2,2 m³
Always allow about 10% extra: concrete settles as it's placed, and some is always left behind in the drum or hoses.
Order your concreteThere are plenty more types.
Higher strength classes, other exposure classes for chemical attack or frost, fibre-reinforced concrete. The list goes on. But that choice has already been made, by the structural engineer for your build. Not by you, and not by us.
Not sure? Check your construction drawing. Not on there? Call your structural engineer, not the concrete plant.
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