Key Uses of Reinforced Concrete

Reinforced concrete is one of the strongest materials available to the construction industry. Its combination of strength and durability means that it is ideal for a number of different structures. Here Madmix, who supply fibre reinforced concrete to homes and businesses across Cambridgeshire, explain the secrets behind its extra strength and identify its most common uses.

It’s Reinforced with Steel or Polypropylene Fibres

Reinfoced concrete has a high compressive strength, which means it can have heavy loads placed on it – such as agricultural vehicles or factory equipment – without showing any signs of wear and tear.

It also possesses high tensile strength, which is the ability to withstand a pulling force without breaking. This makes reinforced concrete less vulnerable to high winds and earthquakes than conventional concrete and other construction materials.

Reinforced concrete is created by adding either steel bars or polypropylene fibres to the concrete, which also reduce the potential for the concrete to shrink or crack. Madmix provides both types of reinforced concrete.

Common Uses of Reinforced Concrete

Bridges, Dams and Piers – these have to be able to withstand the forces of nature as well as human and vehicular traffic. They may also need to be combined with a waterproof admixture because of their exposure to water.

Industrial Uses – where flooring or other surfaces come into contact with liquids or moisture. For example, in sewage treatment facilities, irrigation channels and tunnels, and food and drink production facilities.

Storage Areas – warehouse floors have to be able to bear the weight of forklift trucks, heavy lorries and other delivery vehicles. Reinforced concrete is also suitable for agricultural storage, particularly foodstuffs because concrete is unlikely to be contaminated by or attacked by insects and vermin, unlike other materials such as timber.

Buildings – reinforced concrete is best used in multi-storey buildings such as skyscrapers and car parks. However, it can be used in the foundations of houses, as well as in load-bearing parts of a house or building, such as walls, beams and columns.

Factories and Production Plants – in these locations, floors and potentially other parts of the building have to be able to bear the weight of heavy machinery as well as possible leaks and spillages. Concrete won’t be damaged by, or react to, any chemicals it comes into contact with. These properties also make it suitable for usage in scientific laboratories in schools, colleges or commercial operations.

Roads – Most roads in the UK are built from tarmac or asphalt, but some (most of which date back to the 1960s) are built from reinforced concrete. This applies to the A-road and motorway network, in particular in East Anglia and the South East. The fact that they have survived until the present day is a testament to its hardwearing qualities.

Small Domestic Projects – Although you may be able to use lower-strength admixtures in many projects, you may need reinforced concrete in certain situations such as underneath patios and driveways if you are worried that the sub-base isn’t particularly firm.

Fibre Reinforced Concrete in Cambridgeshire from Madmix

Madmix specialise in supplying fibre reinforced concrete to customers not just in Cambridgeshire but neighbouring counties as well. And if you order it from us, its quality will be guaranteed. This is because our entire range of concrete mixes – which also include our waterproof, pumpable and oversite varieties – are accredited and hold the BSI kitemark. This means that all our concrete undergoes regular independent testing to ensure it is of consistently high quality.

We offer a choice of collection or delivery. And, our fleet of 4 and 6 cu metre barrel truck mixers deliver to Cambridge, Newmarket, St Neots, St Ives, Huntingdon, Royston and the surrounding areas. Follow this link and fill in the online form if you would like to get in touch with us or place an order.

If you are not sure how much to order, our site has an inbuilt concrete calculator. Don’t worry if you do order too much because we will take away any excess at no extra charge.