What is MPa in concrete?
MPa is the abbreviation of Mega Pascal which is a unit of measure for pressure. In concrete, it defines the weight/load that the concrete can hold.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
Cement is a raw ingredient that is added to concrete and acts as a glue.
Concrete is made up of three individual raw ingredients; cement, aggregates and sand. When combined with water, the cement is activated and acts like a glue.
What volume of concrete does a 20kg bag of concrete make?
0.01 of a cubic metre.
What is the strength of concrete?
The strength of each Easy Mix concrete product is slightly different and can be found on the product packaging. Below is the strength of each concrete 28 days after placement;
Easy Mix Concrete – 25MPa | Easy Mix Super Strength Concrete – 55Mpa | Easy Mix Rapid Set Concrete – 20 to 25Mpa | Easy Mix Quick Set Concrete – 32 MPa
The concrete mix is dry and hard to work with, can I add more water?
The water content has been specifically calibrated to the bag size so adding more or less water than recommended amount will reduce the performance of the concrete.
What is the difference between the dry method and wet method?
Using Rapid Set Concrete with the dry method is great for when a fast set time is required, as the initial set time is in 15 minutes. For a higher compressive strength, use the wet method.
Why do I need to put a base layer on a post?
The 100mm base layer provides a greater surface area for weight of the post to be distributed across, so your post wont sink over time.
Can I use rapid set for core filling a retaining wall?
Not ideal as you need to ensure there is no air in the mix, using standard concrete will allow you more time to work the concrete into the hollows and ensure there is no air before it starts to set.
How long until I can nail a pailing onto the post after I have placed it in the hole with Rapid Set Concrete?
Rapid Set is a fast cure concrete and will quickly secure objects in place, however, it should not be disturbed until 2hrs after the water has initially been added.
What is cement?
Cement is a raw ingredient that acts like a glue or binder for other aggregates. It is most commonly used in concrete and also mortar.
What is the difference between GP (general Portland) Cemenet or GB (general builders) cement?
GP cement is a high strength, general-purpose Portland cement that meets Australian Standard AS3972. It is ideal for use in concrete, mortar, render and plaster.
GB Cementis a multi-purpose blended cement and contains 25% fly ash (from coal power stations) to enhance workability and pumping. It also has improved resistance to shrinkage, sulphate and chloride attacks and alkali-silica reactions. It is ideal for use in concrete, mortar, render and plaster.
Is there a difference in the colour of GP and GB Cement?
GP will appear slightly lighter than General Builders cement which has a slightly darker finish.
What is the best cement product to achieve a light coloured finish?
For jobs where a light coloured finish is required, white cement is the ideal option.
What is mortar?
Mortar is a smooth workable blend of sand and cement that is most commonly used to glue together bricks and blocks.
What is the difference between Mortar and M4 White Mortar?
The difference between the two mortars is the colour. Mortar is a traditional grey colour that is most commonly used.
M4 White Mortar is a soft white colour that is ideal for architectural jobs.
Both Mortar and M4 White Mortar are factory blended and M4 White Mortar meets Australian Standards.
Do I need to add workability additives to the preblended mortar?
No, all Easy Mix mortars have additives in the mixture for improved workability.
Do Easy Mix mortars meet Australian Standards?
Yes, Easy Mix Mortars meet Australian Standards.
What is Traditional Floor Screed?
A factory mixed formulation of double washed and graded coarse sands, cement and additives to provide a strong, crack-free floor base.
What is so unique about the sands in Traditional Floor Screed?
The secret to the superior performance of this product is in the care that is taken by River Sands in selecting and processing its Eagleby coarse sand. Sourced from its own quarry that adjoins its factory, sounded larger sized sand particles are firstly separated from the common fine sand. These particles are then subjected to a secondary wet sieving process to ensure a consistent size range is produced for inclusion in the tile screed.
Using this sand in the screed allows tilers to minimise cracking issues that have been known to occur where less stringently processed sands with agglomerated particles or dust have been used.
Where is Traditional Floor Screed used?
It is ideal for use under interior tiles, floor boards and carpet.
What is the minimum and maximum thickness that Speed Screed can be used at?
For a bonded screed, Easy Mix Speed Screed 24 can be laid at a minimum of 25mm and a maximum of 70mm. For an unbonded screed, Speed Screed 24 can be laid at a minimum of 40mm and a maximum of 70mm.
How long after laying can Speed Screed be walked on?
The screed needs to cure for 4 hours before the surface can be walked on.
How long after application, can I fix a floor covering over Speed Screed?
Ceramic tiles can be laid after 4 hours. Resilient flooring, Carpet, and Timber floors can be laid after 24 hours. Liquid applied Waterproofing membranes can be applied after 24 hours
The application of any floor covering adhesives or waterproofing membranes needs to be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can the Speed Screed be used with an admixture?
Yes, Speed Screed 24 can be used in conjunction with Easy Mix Prime & Bind, to provide improved strength, flexural movement capability and adhesion.
Do I need to prime the substrate before application of Speed Screed?
Substrate preparation is critical for any installation. Details of which are supplied on the product technical data sheet. After proper preparation, the substrate should always be primed using a blend of Easy Mix Prime & Bind with neat cement, brushed onto the surface.
What should I do when applying Speed Screed in extreme weather conditions?
When working in extremes of heat, mix smaller quantities of Speed Screed 24 to allow for it going off faster, and in colder weather ensure you allow for the Speed Screed 24 to cure slower when planning your installation.
Are there any specific conditions I should avoid when applying Speed Screed?
Extremes of temperature need to be avoided – in particular, working below 5C and above 35C in external exposed environments need to be avoided. High wind environments also need to be avoided, as it can cause differential drying, and result in some cracking on the surface.
What substrates can the Speed Screed be used over?
The most suitable substrate to install Speed Screed 24 over is concrete. Speed Screed 24 can be used over sheet timber flooring, compressed fibre cement sheet flooring, and metal flooring, if applied as a floating floor at a minimum of 50mm thick, using metal reinforcing mesh to strengthen the stability of the screed. Refer to the Speed Screed 24 technical data sheet for more detailed information.
What is unique about Easy Mix sands?
The secret to the superior performance of Easy Mix sands is in the care that is taken by River Sands in selecting and processing its Eagleby sands. Sourced from its own quarry that adjoins its factory, sounded fine and larger sized sand particles are sieved to separate them into different gradings. The particles are then subjected to a secondary wet sieving process to ensure a consistent size range is produced for inclusion in each product for superior performance.
What is the best sand to use as a base when paving a path?
Easy Mix Paver Bedding & Screeding Sand provides a strong, crack-free base and is ideal for use under pavers.
To secure the pavers in place, spread Easy Mix Paver Bond on top of pavers which will prevent the ingress of ants and weeds.
Can you use Easy Mix Paver Bedding & Screeding sand to make screed?
Yes, simply mix the sand with cement and you will have a screed mixture.
What is the best sand to use with Synthetic Turf?
To keep the blades of synthetic turf upright, we recommend brushing Easy Mix Construction and Synthetic Turf Sand into the bristles.
How do I prevent weeds from growing in white sand landscaping areas?
To prevent weed growth in white sand areas, it’s recommended to use a weed barrier or landscape fabric beneath the white sand.
What are some common uses of white sand in landscaping and gardens?
Aussie White Sand can be used for a variety of applications, such as creating pathways, edging garden beds and decorating water features.
What are the benefits of using Aussie White Sand in landscaping and gardens?
White sand can create an appealing contrast with greenery and other plant colours in your garden. It can also help to retain moisture, prevent weeds and improve drainage in your soil.
How do I maintain and clean Cloudy White Stones in my garden?
Maintaining the appearance of your Cloudy White Garden Stones requires gently clearing away leaves and dirt with a leaf blower or gentle spray from a garden hose. Periodically cleaning the debris around the stones will keep them and your garden looking fresh.