Types of Concrete Grades and their Applications

What are Concrete Grades?

Concrete Grades are set depending on the composition and strength of the concrete. After preliminary construction and a period of around 28 days, the concrete attains its least strength.

The measuring unit for calculating concrete grade is MPa, where M signifies for mix and the MPa for the complete strength.

The mixes of concrete are provided in ascending numbers of 5, which starts with 10 and illustrate the compressive strength of the concrete after the completion of 28 days.

For example, C10 contains the strength of 10N, C15 contains the strength of 15N, C20 contains the strength of 20N, and so on.

The availability of various mixes (M) is in different mix proportions of the several cement elements, sand, and coarse aggregates.

For example, the corresponding proportion, M20 is found in is of 1:1:5:3.

Other instances are given in the table below:

Concrete Grade Mix Ratio(cement:sand:aggregates)Compressive Strength
Grades of ConcreteMpa(N/mm2)psi
M51:5:105725
M7.51:4:87.51087
M101:3:6101450
M151:2:4152175
M201:1.5:3202900

Standard Grade of Concrete

Grades of Concrete(cement:sand:aggregates)Mpa(N/mm2)psi
M251:1:2253625
M30Design Mix304350
M35Design Mix355075
M40Design Mix405800
M45Design Mix456525

High Strength Concrete Grades

Grades of Concrete(cement:sand:aggregates)Mpa(N/mm2)psi
M50Design Mix507250
M55Design Mix557975
M60Design Mix608700
M65Design Mix659425
M70Design Mix7010150

Proper selection of the concrete grade is done according to the construction criteria.

Application of Concrete Grades:

Details of the preliminary concrete grades and their applications are provided below-

Concrete GradeTypeApplications/Uses
C10Domestic & commercial applicationUsed in patio slabs, pathways and non-structural work
C15Domestic & commercial applicationUsed effectively in pavement kerbs and floor blinding
C20Domestic applicationIdeal for domestic floors and foundations (light weight bearing structure). Also perfect for workshop bases, garages, driveways and internal floor slabs.
C25Domestic & commercial applicationIdeal for construction in all areas. For foundations, multi-purpose concrete mix is generally applied.
C30Commercial applicationUsed in pathways and roadways (belonging to the lowest grade concrete mix utilized for this purpose).  Good longevity and strong resistance capacity against weather, ability to bear heavy road traffic.
C35Commercial applicationSuitable for commercial structures. This heavy concrete mix is normally applied for development of exterior walls and slabs,as an addition to structural piling.
C40Commercial applicationEffective for commercial construction sites as well as constructing foundations and beams for structural support and roads. It is the most long-lasting and can resist chemical corrosion. Its utility is on farms where slurry could rust structures, or in septic tanks.


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