Ballast is produced using aggregates such as sand and gravel, which is then used to make cement. The amounts of each ingredient used will establish the properties for the concrete. The right mix improves bonding and minimises the risk of shrinkage during the curing process.
How Much Ballast is Required For 1m³ Concrete?
A standard mix ratio for general-purpose concrete is 1:5, meaning 1 part cement to 5 parts ballast by volume. For a 1m³ concrete mix:
Calculation Steps:
- Concrete Components:
Cement (1 part)
Ballast (5 parts) - Total Parts: 1 (cement) + 5 (ballast) = 6 parts.
- Ballast Required: To find the proportion of ballast:
Generally speaking, you will typically need around 1.7 tons of ballast for every cubic metre of concrete required. If you have an area measuring 2.5 cubic metres, you will need at least 4.3 tons of ballast.
Ensuring the concrete mixture right is a crucial skill needed for a successful construction project.
Factors Influencing Ballast Requirements
Several factors can adjust how much ballast you need:
Project Scale and Scope
- Larger projects often require adjustments in the mix to maintain strength over larger spans.
Environmental Conditions and Considerations
- Consider conditions like moisture and temperature, as they can affect mixing and curing times.
Concrete Strength and Durability Requirements
- Higher strength and durability will demand a more precise mix, potentially requiring more ballast to ensure robustness.
Benefits of Using Ballast
There are many benefits of using ballast for building work. For example, it improves the longevity of any work and provides a sustainable option for your building project. Other advantages include:
- Enhanced Stability
Ballast offers exceptional stability to any project. It helps to maintain the structural integrity of any construction work. - Cost-Effective
Buying a ready-made combined mixture of sand and gravel will save you more money than if you were to purchase them separately. Also, the stability that ballast offers, ensures the reliability and strength of construction work, reducing the need for costly repairs and maintenance. - Versatility
Ballast can be used as both an ingredient for producing concrete and as an aggregate. The latter can be used in a multitude of applications in any construction or landscaping project.
What is Concrete Ballast Ideal for?
Concrete ballast is ideal for applications where weight and stability are crucial. This includes any foundational work, such as providing weight for structures such as bridges, piers and walls. It can be used for anything to maintain structural integrity and project reliability.
Where Can I Get High-Quality Ballast From?
You can get concrete ballast from any construction or aggregate company. At Ely Skip Hire we have over 25 years of experience in the aggregates industry. We offer 20mm ballast for concrete, ideal for any building project! If you need more information about our aggregates, contact our friendly team today!
