An Introduction To Concrete Design Mixes

24th May 2024

Whether you're new to concrete or not, working out which concrete design mix you need for your project can be difficult. Their names are all so similar, and their differences can be so minute you might find yourself questioning the importance of getting this decision right.

The truth is that this decision might be one of the most important ones you make throughout your project. Whether pouring or pumping, using the right concrete mix could make or break your project.

Having spent most of their lives surrounded by concrete, Bosch, Liam, and the rest of the team have got an incredibly in-depth understanding of each mix. In this blog, they guide you through the most popular designs.

Why Are There So Many Concrete Designs?

Before diving into the various concrete designs, let’s explain why there are so many options.

The simple answer is that it is all to do with the ingredients and their quantities.

You will probably know that concrete is made up of water, cement and aggregates. By adjusting the amount of each ingredient will impact the strength of the concrete as it cures.

Of course, the strength of the concrete will determine which mix you use for your project; after all, you can’t have a weak concrete design for a structural pillar.

So let’s crack on and look at the different concrete mixes.

GEN0

GEN0 is a concrete mix that we usually use for domestic projects, where the project needs a solid foundation.

Because its strength is quite low and it's not overly durable, this mix isn’t suitable for a structural purpose.

Uses often include:

Blinding
Drainage
Kerb backing
Void filling

GEN1

GEN1 is used when laying a non-reinforced base, for example, under a shed or a hot tub foundation.

This concrete design has a medium strength, so can bear slightly heavier loads than the previous mix. Due to this, it can sometimes be used in commercial projects, but this isn’t a common occurrence.

GEN2

The GEN2 concrete design has both internal and external uses.

Within a building, you will use it for internal floors, where there is no metal embedded.

While outdoors, it can be used for paving, steps and trench filling.

This has a low to medium strength.

GEN3

This concrete design has the highest cement content compared to the other GEN concrete mixes above.

Thanks to this, it is typically a go-to mix for:

Paths and patios
Garages
Shed bases
Home extensions

Again, this mix has a low to medium strength.

C20

If you are working on a commercial project, chances are you won’t use a GEN mix. The C20 concrete design isn’t the strongest you can get, but it is more robust than a GEN mix.

This mix is very versatile and is often used for:

Footings and foundations
General groundwork
Small bases

As mentioned, this design is robust and has a medium strength.

C30 and C35

If you are looking for a concrete mix that is strong and can take a lot of weight, these are ideal.

Often the C30 or C35 are used for:

Pathways
Driveways
Slipways
Roadways

These mixes can withstand extreme weather conditions, making them excellent for outdoor usage.

C40

This high-strength commercial concrete mix is utilised in industrial, structural, and agricultural applications.

Projects include:

Outdoor areas exposed to the elements
Heavy-duty construction projects
High rise buildings

C50

The C50 concrete mix is not a common concrete design that we make here at 2 Brothers Concrete and Pumping. This is because it is used in very specific circumstances where there is likely to be a lot of chemicals or hazardous substances.

In order to cope with those, it requires a concentrated concrete mix, which will make it strong, so needs specialist application.

RC

RC mixes are available in a range of higher strengths and are typically used in steel-reinforced concrete. Often, it is used in agricultural and industrial projects. Thanks to this mixture's extreme strength, it can be utilised for:

Internal and external walls
Flooring
Exposed areas
Heavy-duty requirements

PAV1

The PAV1 concrete design can be of medium or high strength and is generally used for exterior projects such as:

Pavements
Domestic driveways
Paving

The PAV1 can withstand more adverse weather as it has increased protection from frost.

PAV2

PAV2 concrete mix is just a stronger version of PAV1, making it better for commercial driveways and paving etc.

Screed

Liquid or dry screed is a separate material from concrete but is often used underneath concrete flooring.

Known for its efficient thermal conductive properties, both dry or liquid screeds are highly efficient when paired with underfloor heating.

Can I pump these mixes?

We can pump most concrete designs, meaning that you should be able to benefit from a concrete pumping service no matter what concrete design you are using.

More Useful Resources

On our blog, we have a load of other helpful content that you might want to take a look at before booking our services.

Why not take a read of:

Concrete Designs from 2 Brothers

2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping have a fleet of volumetric trucks which means we bring the concrete production line to your site. Our trucks carry all the materials we need to make any concrete design, so our services are not limited to specific concrete designs.

This service allows us to produce the design at the right quantity needed for your project, so there is no waste and helps you avoid disposal charges.

We also have a fleet of mobile boom and line pumps that work alongside our volumetric trucks to offer a comprehensive concrete service.

We are experts in concrete and can work with you to determine which concrete design you will need for your project, whether commercial or domestic.

Call us on 01489 552737 to share your project and get our advice today or to book our concrete or pumping services.

Alternatively, request a callback using our online contact form.