Specific weight of concrete mix and types of concrete mixes
At the initial stages of construction, it is important to take into account the load-bearing capacity of the structure and the mass of the building elements that still have to be laid. The foundation of a building is the base that must meet the following requirements: it must be strong, stable and functional. The service life of the construction object depends on this.
Concrete mixes are the most suitable material for pouring foundations. Calculating the values for one cubic meter of concrete makes it possible to determine the load on the base and the required pouring layer.
Types of concrete mixes
Concrete is one of the most preferred construction materials worldwide. This is due to its unique characteristics. Concrete structures are distinguished by special strength and stability, which means they are durable.
The following types of concrete mixes are distinguished in construction:
- Extra-heavy - used rarely for objects of a special level of complexity: underground floors and skyscrapers. When iron-containing components are added, they are used as radiation protection (weight over 2500 kg).
- Heavy - the most common. Used for automated and manual pouring of foundations and structural elements (weight 2100 - 2500 kg). If reinforcement is required, the weight will be higher.
- Lightened - have a relatively low weight and are very strong (weight from 1800 to 2000 kg).
- Lightweight - used to create load-bearing structures in low-rise buildings (weight in the range of 500 - 1800 kg).
- Ultra-lightweight - used for thermal insulation (weight around 500 kg).
Table of specific weight of concrete mixes
Concrete mixes are distinguished depending on the filler material. Accordingly, the weight of a concrete mix directly depends on the weight of the filling substance. The specific weight of the material is especially important for builders, because most structural elements are poured with concrete.
| Type of mix / filler | Specific weight of concrete mix (kg/m³) |
| Reinforced concrete mix | 2500 |
| Concrete mix with gravel and crushed stone | 2400 |
| Tuff concrete | 1200 - 1600 |
| Pumice concrete | 800 - 1600 |
| Concrete mix with volcanic slag | 800 - 1600 |
| Expanded-clay foam concrete, mix with expanded-clay sand | 500 - 1800 |
| Expanded-clay concrete mix with quartz sand | 800 - 1200 |
| Expanded-clay concrete mix with perlite sand | 800 - 1000 |
| Shungizite concrete | 100 - 1400 |
| Perlite concrete | 600 - 1200 |
| Slag-pumice concrete (thermosite concrete) | 1000 - 1800 |
| Slag-pumice foam concrete and slag-pumice aerated concrete | 800 - 1600 |
| Concrete mix with granulated blast-furnace slag | 1200 - 1800 |
| Agloporite concrete with boiler (fuel) slag | 1000 - 1800 |
| Concrete mix with ash gravel | 1000 - 1400 |
| Gas-ash concrete and foam-ash concrete | 800 - 1200 |
| Aerated concrete, foam concrete, gas silicate and foam silicate | 300 - 1000 |
| Vermiculite concrete | 300 - 800 |
It is necessary to remember that, in addition to the main components and admixtures, liquid is added to the concrete mix and can increase its mass. Therefore, the weight of wet and dry concrete will differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of concrete mix be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for concrete mix in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of concrete mix differ from the table?
The actual weight of concrete mix depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of concrete mix from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of concrete mix is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.