Concrete is a versatile and durable building material, but not all concrete mixtures are created equally. Different concrete mixtures have varying amounts of compressive and flexural strength, which makes some mixtures more suitable for load-bearing applications than others. Concrete quality is largely judged on the concrete’s strength. At Best Concrete Mix Corp., our knowledgeable concrete contractors help you determine the flexural strength required for your specific construction project and offer numerous types of concrete to create a mix with the characteristics your project demands.
Compressive Versus Flexural Strength
Compressive strength refers to the maximum amount of compressive or crushing load concrete can bear before failing, which basically means how much weight or force the concrete can withstand without breaking or cracking. Concrete has enormous compressive strength that increases as the concrete ages.
Flexural strength, also known as bend strength, refers to the maximum amount of tensile load concrete can bear before failing, which basically means how far the concrete can bend or stretch before breaking or cracking. Concrete has very little tensile strength because it’s not designed to bend. Cracks in concrete roads, sidewalks and slabs are largely due to tension or flexing.
Importance Of Flexural Strength
Many structural components are subject to flexing or bending, such as pavement, beams and slabs. It’s important that concrete mixtures have a flexural strength able to resist bending or tensile forces. However, the exact amount of flexural strength required varies based on what part the concrete plays in the strength of a structure.
The location of a concrete structural element determines the degree of flexural strength importance. For example, concrete used in first-floor columns must have much higher flexural strength than concrete used in non-load-bearing walls. Building codes specify the minimum strength required in different parts of a structure. Calculating the appropriate flexural strength of your concrete is crucial in structural mechanics because it ensures your structure meets building codes and doesn’t threaten public safety.
Upping Flexural Strength
Explore methods to increase flexural strength. The type of coarse aggregate used in your concrete mixture significantly affects compressive and flexural strengths. Typically, mixtures using rounded aggregate have lower tensile strength than those made with crushed aggregate. You can also increase tensile strength by adding reinforcing steel, which bends without breaking. Choosing prestressed concrete offers an even stronger combination because the reinforcing steel is put under tension before the concrete is poured around it. When this tension is released, the steel returns to its former state, adding reverse tension that strengthens the concrete.
Ready To Meet Your Needs
Best Concrete Mix Corp. has two fully modernized concrete production facilities in Flushing, New York, for quick delivery to your jobsite when you’re ready to pour. Contact us at 718-539-5946 to learn more about the importance of flexural strength today.
