Concrete knowledge hub

Concrete Technical Information & Guides

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 ServicesLooking 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 constituentsThe 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 concreteConcrete broadly falls into four categories: standard prescribed concrete (SPC), designated concrete, designed concrete and proprietary concrete.
Special concretes & value-added engineeringHeidelberg 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 variationConcrete 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 concreteBS 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 concreteevoBuild 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 informationA 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 concreteFor customers looking for ready-mixed concrete small loads, our Supamix mini-mix operation offers the perfect solution.
Concrete pump FAQsMaster 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 explainedLearn 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 guideEven 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.
Laying a Long-Lasting Concrete Garage FloorTake a look at our comprehensive guide for all you need to know about laying a concrete garage floor.
How to lay a shed baseConcrete 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 floorsPolished 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 SystemsThe 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 concreteFresh 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 placementThe 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 waterWe 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.

FAQs

Do I have to wait until 28 days before I can get the strength I require?

No, there are many concretes available that can be tailored to suit most early strength requirements, such as Fastrack concrete.

Why should I use a specialist concrete mix instead of a standard one?

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. 

How soon can I use my concrete slab after placing?

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. 

What is the risk from contact with wet concrete and mortar?

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.

What risk is posed with the equipment used to supply ready-mixed concrete on site?

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’.

My site doesn’t have appropriate access for delivery

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:

North : northtechnicalvetting@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com |   0330 678 1305
Central: centraltechnicalvetting@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com | 0330 678 1306
South: southtechnicalvetting@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com | 0330 678 1307
London: londontechnicalvetting@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com | 0330 678 1308