Why Concrete is Ideal for Agricultural Use

The high-pressure demands of modern farming mean that concrete is an essential tool for modern agriculture. Its durability and versatility make it a highly cost-effective material in an industry which is constantly coming under financial pressure.

Here we look at some of the specific qualities required of agricultural concrete, why it is so widely used in on farms, and how Cambridge-based Madmix can meet the needs of customers across the region.

Hygiene

Farms and agricultural locations are subject to a rigorous cleaning regime because farmers need to protect not just their staff but also their livestock. Crops and foodstuffs such as grain may be stored on site, and these will also need to be kept free from contamination so that diseases do not enter the food chain.

The smooth surface of concrete offers a high level of durability and resistance to cleaning products, making it ideal for use in agriculture. It also offers a higher level of protection than against rodents such as rats and other rodents than a wooden surface. This is also important where foodstuffs are involved. A concrete floor is also more fire-proof than many of the alternatives.

Slip Resistance

It is important to have a non-slip surface on agricultural sites to reduce the likelihood of slips and falls for both staff and livestock. A high-integrity surface is also needed to ensure chemical resistance for cleaning. To meet both of these requirements, we recommend a brushed top-surface texture which will solve both of these issues, without compromising on structural integrity.

Coping with Heavy Loads

Many areas on farms will need to bear the weight of tractors, combines and other vehicles, including at night when the vehicle is not being used. You will also need to take delivery vehicles into account as these can be even heavier than the ones you regularly use.

You will also need a solid hardstanding or base for other heavy structures found on farms, such as water and slurry tanks and silos. The durability and strength of concrete is the solution to these requirements.

At Madmix, we supply reinforced concrete and can also introduce polypropylene fibres into the mixture for extra strength. If you or your contractor need to build private roads and tracks to the more remote areas of your site, we can also supply a variety of aggregates to help you.

Waterproof

Many farms have agricultural buildings or structures which have to be able to cope with water and other liquids including drainage channels, slurry storage tanks, plus a variety of culverts and conduits.

As these structures will be out in the open, they will also have to cope with the vagaries of the British climate and the problem of freeze-thawing. Madmix supplies waterproof concrete which will solve all these issues.

Top-quality Agricultural Concrete from Madmix

At Madmix, we supply top-quality ready-mix agricultural concrete to Cambridge, Huntingdon, Royston, St Ives and other towns and villages across the region. We also offer other specialist products such as foam concrete, kerb mixes and sulphate resistant concrete. Follow the link above if you would like to contact us.

We are fully BSI accredited, and our assured concrete has been awarded the British Standard kitemark as it meets the requirements of BS EN 206 and BS 8500-2. We offer a same or next-day delivery service at competitive prices, and we also have a collection service if you would like to take your order away yourself.

Our website also has a concrete calculator, so you can work out how much you will need for your project. Alternatively, if you want to talk to a member of our friendly, experienced sales team call us on 01954 212 212.