Welcome to Heidelberg Materials’ hub for concrete technical knowledge. Whether you're looking to understand the basics of what concrete is, explore different types and constituents, or dive into specialist topics like evoBuild low carbon GGBS and thermal management, you’ll find it all here.
Our comprehensive articles cover everything from truck dimensions and curing techniques to laying a concrete base, garage floor, or shed foundation. You’ll also find guidance on cold weather placement, waterproofing systems, and how to avoid common issues like cracking.
Explore the sections below for resources to frequently asked questions, practical installation tips, and expert advice. If you need further support, our team is always happy to help. concrete.technical@heidelbergmaterials.com
Technical Services
Heidelberg Materials technical services - Heidelberg Materials Concrete operates regional technical teams across the North, Central and South of the UK. Our experienced, mobile quality control Technicians visit sites to obtain test samples for our rigorous internal quality control system and are always on hand to offer professional advice.
Testing Services - Looking to ensure your concrete meets the highest standards? Discover how our UKAS-accredited testing services can support your project’s quality and compliance goals.
Concrete fundamentals & innovations
What is concrete? - Concrete is an engineering material that simulates the properties of rock and is a combination of particles closely bound together. It is simply a blend of aggregates, normally natural sand and gravel or crushed rock. These are bound together by a hydraulic binder e.g. Portland Cement and activated by water to form a dense semi homogenous mass.
Concrete constituents - The basic constituents of concrete are cement, water and aggregate. Other constituents such as admixtures, pigments, fibres, polymers and reinforcement, can be incorporated to modify the properties of the plastic or hardened concrete.
Types of concrete - Concrete broadly falls into four categories: standard prescribed concrete (SPC), designated concrete, designed concrete and proprietary concrete.
Special concretes & value-added engineering - Heidelberg Materials Concrete has a proven history in the field of special concretes and industry award winning bespoke mix formulations to meet challenging engineering requirements that can often save valuable time and help deliver demanding deadline.
Colour variation - Concrete is a mixture of materials, the variability of which can influence the colour of the finished concrete. However, if the same sources of materials are maintained throughout a contract, these inherent variations should not alter the final colour significantly.
What is evoBuild low carbon GGBS? - evoBuild low carbon GGBS is Ground Granulated Blast furnace Slag, commonly known as ‘GGBS’. It is a cement substitute, manufactured from a by-product of the iron-making industry.
BS 8500 concrete - BS 8500 concrete, is the complementary British Standard to BS EN 206 – 1 and was first published in March 2002. It provides substantial national provisions not covered in BS EN 206 – 1.
Delivering carbon reduction in concrete - evoBuild low carbon GGBS - Still the best supplementary cementitious material (SCM) for delivering low carbon concrete.
What is PowerCrete and where is it used? - As the demand for renewable energy infrastructure grows, Heidelberg Materials offers a range of thermally conductive, easy-to-handle concrete solutions designed to protect underground high-voltage cables and ensure efficient power transmission across the network.
Logistics and fleet
Truck information- A fully loaded 6m3 truck will weigh approximately 26 tonnes and a fully loaded 8m3 truck will weigh approximately 33 tonnes depending on the type of concrete.
Mini-mix or small loads of concrete- For customers looking for ready-mixed concrete small loads, our Supamix mini-mix operation offers the perfect solution.
Concrete pump FAQs- Master the essentials of concrete pumps—learn how they work, the different types available, and how to choose and use the right one to keep your construction projects running smoothly.
Concrete installation & best practices guides
How to prepare for a concrete pour - It doesn’t matter how big or small your concrete pour is, the first step is to prepare the ground. This involves excavating to the required depth: for strip footings this is generally to undisturbed ground, while for pad foundations and floor slabs you will need to allow enough depth for your sub base and damp-proof membrane (dpm) as well as the concrete.
Concrete expansion joints explained - Learn why concrete expansion joints matter—from what they are and where to place them, to expert tips on installation and choosing the right joint fillers for your project.
The ultimate building foundation guide - Even though foundations aren’t visible when your project is complete, they are still one of the most important elements of the build. It is vital that you choose the right type of foundation – for the soil type and application – as errors could have serious ramifications and even involve a completed project being demolished.
How to lay a concrete base - Follow this step-by-step guide for all you need to know about laying a concrete slab. Steps include preparing the ground, how to frame the slab area, how much concrete is needed, pouring the concrete and curing the concrete afterwards for a perfect result.
How to lay a shed base - Concrete is perfect for creating a solid, hard-wearing base for your garden shed. The first step is mark out the area where the concrete will be laid, adding an extra 100mm to the width and length of the finished shed to allow a small edge around the base.
Polished concrete floors - Polished concrete is becoming increasingly popular due to its minimalist, practical, sleek and contemporary look. It also comes in a range of colours and finishes, is easy to look after and perfect if you are using underfloor heating.
Basement Waterproofing Systems - The key to a successful outcome is basement waterproofing, which will protect against water entering the structure and allow you to create additional living space, leisure facilities or car parking. Without waterproofing your basement, you risk water getting in and causing damp-related and structural issues.
Curing concrete - Fresh concrete must be protected whilst in its early life from the detrimental effects of hot sun, dry air, drying winds and frost. In order to achieve the required durability and strength of any concrete, care must be given to curing.
Thermal management - Mass concrete, usually thicker than 0.5m, may require some form of thermal management to prevent thermal cracking (thermal shock).
Cold weather placement - The European standard for concrete EN 206, and its complimentary British Standard BS 8500, requires that concrete must be supplied at a minimum temperature of 5°C at the point of discharge and this temperature must be maintained on site using insulation.
Has your concrete cracked? - Chances are if you are reading this then you are one of many concrete users or purchasers who unfortunately has experienced cracking.
Adding more water - We often get customers who insist we add more water to the concrete on site, so before we do we advise them on it and if they insist we get them to sign for more water.
Although standard mixes are suitable for a wide range of applications, choosing a specialist mix can give added benefits and peace of mind. We have a number of specialist mixes all have been developed in accordance with British and European Standards.
Concrete will not achieve its full strength for 28 days but, by the use of special admixtures and/or alternative cement types, it is possible to produce a concrete which may be usable within two or three days. Ambient temperature will have an effect on the time required before the concrete can be trafficked; ambient temperatures below 20°C will require longer curing time and would benefit from the use of insulating coverings (such as frost blankets or straw) to maintain the rate of strength gain. All concrete should be cured for at least seven days before it will achieve full durability, best achieved by using curing agents or covering with polythene sheets, which are applied to the surface of slabs.
Wet concrete can cause severe chemical burns to skin and eyes. This is because water mixed with cement becomes a strong alkali (caustic) liquid. In addition to being caustic this liquid also acts as a local anaesthetic which means burns can occur without feeling any pain at the time.
Severe concrete burns are likely to require skin graft reconstruction. If there is a risk of contact with wet concrete (or any other mixture of cement and water) then waterproof clothing should be used to protect the parts of the body that are at risk – waterproof gloves if there is a risk of hand contact; waterproof boots if there is a risk of foot contact; waterproof trousers if there is a risk of leg contact, etc.
When working with wet concrete you should always be alert to the risk of accidental contact. As soon as you are aware of skin or eye contact, stop what you are doing and thoroughly wash the affected area. In the case of contact with the eye, medical advice should then be sought to ensure that all traces of the concrete have been removed.
The risk of chemical burns is only present when concrete is wet. Once it has set the alkaline liquid is no longer present and it is safe to touch.
If used incorrectly, all equipment can present a risk. People may be under increased pressure to finish quickly before the ready-mixed concrete sets so it is worth ensuring everyone understands the operating instructions before the job starts.
If the mixer truck is fitted with a conveyor or a pump is used, you should provide an adequate ‘exclusion zone’ to prevent accidental injury.
Concrete pumps operate under high pressure so extra care should be taken at the joints in the line. Also, the area by the fill hopper should be avoided as this presents a risk of ‘blow back’.
We understand that our 6m3 and 8m3 trucks aren’t always suitable for deliveries requiring small volume orders or with restricted access. Which is why Heidelberg Materials Concrete offers a mini mix operation under the brand Supamix. Supamix purpose built Mini Mix trucks are available in loads ranging from 1m3 up to 4m3.
Alternative delivery options include*:
Barrow delivery
Bucket
Pump
*Additional charges may apply, contact Heidelberg Materials for alternative delivery option questions or for a quote.
Technical support
To contact concrete technical support please contact our regional teams:
