26 Different Types of Concrete: Classification, Uses & Properties | SciLitPulse

Concrete is the backbone of modern construction, versatile and adaptable to diverse needs. This SciLitPulse guide explores 26 different types of concrete, classified into normal, special, high-performance, and innovative categories. Each type has unique properties, uses, and applications, aligned with ACI 318-14 and IS 456:2000. From everyday normal strength concrete to advanced self-compacting concrete, learn how to select the best for your project, ideal for US engineers (ACI focus) and global pros (IS/GATE/IES). With tables, formulas, and examples, this is your complete reference for concrete classification, uses, and properties.

Classification Overview: Normal (e.g., plain, reinforced), Special (e.g., lightweight, high-density), High-Performance (e.g., high-strength, self-compacting), Innovative (e.g., bacterial, aerated). Properties include compressive strength f_ck (N/mm²), density (kg/m³), and durability. Uses range from foundations to high-rises. Always verify with site-specific tests per ASTM C39 for compression.

Classification of Concrete Types

Concrete classification is based on composition, strength, and purpose. Normal concrete (f_ck 20–40 N/mm²) is for general use; special for unique needs like weight reduction. Table: Overview of 26 Types

Type	Classification	Key Property	Primary Use
Plain Concrete	Normal	fck = 10–20 N/mm2, no reinforcement	Pavements, non-load-bearing walls
Reinforced Concrete	Normal	fck = 20–40 N/mm2, steel bars	Beams, columns, bridges
Prestressed Concrete	Normal	Pre-compressed, fck >40 N/mm2	Long-span bridges, high-rises
Precast Concrete	Normal	Factory-made, high quality control	Panels, beams in buildings
Lightweight Concrete	Special	Density 300–1800 kg/m3, light aggregates	Roofs, walls for reduced load
High-Density Concrete	Special	Density >3200 kg/m3, heavy aggregates	Radiation shielding, counterweights
Air-Entrained Concrete	Special	4–7% air voids, improved freeze-thaw	Cold climates, pavements
Polymer Concrete	Special	Polymer binder, no cement, high corrosion resistance	Chemical plants, repairs
No-Fines Concrete	Special	No fine aggregates, high voids (25–30%)	Drainage layers, walls
Vacuum Concrete	Special	Vacuum dewatering, low porosity, high durability	Water-retaining structures
Cellular Concrete	Special	Foam or gas bubbles, density 400–1800 kg/m3	Insulation, non-structural fills
Self-Compacting Concrete	High-Performance	High flowability, no vibration needed	Complex forms, high-rises
Stamped Concrete	High-Performance	Textured surface, aesthetic appeal	Driveways, patios
Ready-Mix Concrete	High-Performance	Factory-mixed, consistent quality	Large projects, on-site delivery
Asphalt Concrete	High-Performance	Bitumen binder, flexible pavement	Roads, highways
Polymer Concrete	High-Performance	Polymer binder, high chemical resistance	Chemical plants, repairs
Salt Finishing Concrete	High-Performance	Textured finish, slip-resistant	Pools, driveways
Stained Concrete	High-Performance	Colored pigments, decorative	Floors, interiors
Water-Repellent Concrete	Innovative	Hydrophobic admixtures, water resistance	Water tanks, bridges
Bacterial Concrete	Innovative	Self-healing bacteria, crack repair	Sustainable buildings
Ferrocement Concrete	Innovative	Thin shell with wire mesh, low cost	Boats, roofs
Dry Pack Concrete	Innovative	Low water, hand-packed, high strength	Repairs, thin sections
Lime Concrete	Innovative	Lime binder, eco-friendly	Historical restorations
Roller Compacted Concrete	Innovative	Rolled like asphalt, rapid placement	Dams, pavements
Rapid Hardening Concrete	Innovative	High early strength, C3S >50%	Cold weather, repairs
Aerated Concrete	Innovative	Air bubbles, low density 500 kg/m3	Lightweight blocks, insulation

For GATE and IES, remember classification by strength (normal <40 mm="" n="" sup="">2

, high >40 N/mm²) and use (structural vs non-structural). Now, let's dive into each type.

 

1. Plain or Ordinary Concrete

• Plain concrete is a basic mix of cement, sand, aggregate, and water, without reinforcement. It's simple and cost-effective but limited to compression loads.
• Classification: Normal concrete (f_ck =10–20 N/mm²).
• Properties: Low tensile strength (2–5 N/mm²), density 2200–2400 kg/m³, moderate durability; prone to cracking under tension.
• Uses: Pavements, sidewalks, non-load-bearing walls, leveling courses. Example: M10 grade for PCC (plain cement concrete) in footings.
• Formula: Mix ratio 1:5:10 (cement:sand:aggregate); f_ck = 10 N/mm² at 28 days per IS 456:2000.
• Advantages: Cheap, easy to place. Disadvantages: No tension resistance, limited to low loads. US application: Sidewalks per ACI 332.

2. Lightweight Concrete

• Lightweight concrete uses light aggregates (e.g., pumice, perlite) or aerating agents to reduce density, ideal for reducing dead loads.
• Classification: Structural (1450–1850 kg/m³), non-structural(less then 1000 kg/m³).
• Properties: Density 300–1800 kg/m³, f_ck =15–40 N/mm², low thermal conductivity (0.1–0.5 W/mK), high fire resistance.
• Uses: Roof slabs, partition walls, insulation panels. Example: Aerated autoclaved concrete (AAC) blocks for non-load-bearing walls.
• Formula: Density ρ = ρ_aggregate + ρ_matrix; f_ck = 0.8 f_ck_normal for same w/c ratio per ACI 213R-14.
• Advantages: 20–30% weight reduction, better insulation. Disadvantages: Lower strength, higher cost. US application: Roof decks per ACI 318.

3. High-Density Concrete

• High-density concrete incorporates heavy aggregates like barite or magnetite for radiation shielding and counterweights.
• Classification: Special concrete (density >3200 kg/m³).
• Properties: Density 3360–3840 kg/m³, f_ck >40 N/mm², high attenuation for gamma rays (μ =0.1 cm^-1), low workability.
• Uses: Nuclear reactors, X-ray rooms, counterweights in cranes. Example: Barite aggregate for hospital radiation shields.
• Formula: Attenuation coefficient μ = ρ / (f_ck / 28), ρ = density; μ >0.15 cm^-1 for shielding per ACI 211.1-91.
• Advantages: Excellent radiation absorption, stable. Disadvantages: Heavy, difficult to place. US application: Medical facilities per ACI 349.

4. Reinforced Concrete

• Reinforced concrete combines concrete and steel bars to resist tension, forming the basis of modern structures.
• Classification: Normal reinforced (f_ck =20–40 N/mm²).
• Properties: f_ck =25–50 N/mm², steel yield f_y =415 N/mm², high durability with 40 mm cover, low thermal expansion.
• Uses: Frames, bridges, high-rises. Example: RCC beams with 12 mm bars at 150 mm c/c.
• Formula: Reinforcement ratio ρ = A_s / (b d); 0.8–4% for beams per IS 456:2000.
• Advantages: High strength, fire-resistant. Disadvantages: Corrosion risk. US application: Buildings per ACI 318-14.

5. Prestressed Concrete

• Prestressed concrete pre-compresses concrete to counter tensile stresses, allowing thinner sections.
• Classification: Pre-tensioned (factory), post-tensioned (site).
• Properties: f_ck >40 N/mm², pre-stress force P = 0.6 f_y A_ps, low creep, high fatigue resistance.
• Uses: Bridges, girders, sleepers. Example: Post-tensioned slabs for parking structures.
• Formula: Eccentricity e = h/6 for zero tension; σ = P/A ± M y / I per ACI 318-14.
• Advantages: Long spans, reduced cracking. Disadvantages: High initial cost. US application: Highways per AASHTO LRFD.

6. Precast Concrete

• Precast concrete is factory-cast elements transported to site, ensuring quality and speed.
• Classification: Precast prestressed or reinforced.
• Properties: f_ck =30–60 N/mm², high precision, low porosity due to controlled curing.
• Uses: Panels, beams, poles. Example: Precast beams for bridges.
• Formula: Lifting load = 1.5 self-weight + impact; design for M_u = w l² / 8 per ACI 318.
• Advantages: Fast erection, quality control. Disadvantages: Transport limits. US application: Parking garages per PCI guidelines.

7. High-Strength Concrete

• High-strength concrete exceeds 40 N/mm², using silica fume and low w/c ratio.
• Classification: HSC (40–80 N/mm²), UHSC (>150 N/mm²).
• Properties: f_ck >60 N/mm², low permeability, high modulus E_c = 5000 √f_ck, brittle failure.
• Uses: High-rises, bridges. Example: UHSC for thin beams in skyscrapers.
• Formula: w/c = 0.25–0.35; f_ck = 7 + 4.5 w/c at 28 days per ACI 211.1.
• Advantages: Slender members, durability. Disadvantages: High cost, low workability. US application: Tall buildings per ACI 318.

8. Air-Entrained Concrete

• Air-entrained concrete incorporates microscopic air bubbles for freeze-thaw resistance.
• Classification: Special concrete (4–7% air voids).
• Properties: f_ck =20–40 N/mm², air voids 4–7%, improved durability in cold climates, slight strength loss (5–10%).
• Uses: Pavements, bridges in freeze-thaw areas. Example: Airport runways.
• Formula: Air content = 5% for M20; f_ck = f_ck0 (1 - 0.1 × air%) per f_ck = f_ck0 (1 - 0.1 × air%) per ACI 212.2R.
• Advantages: 300+ freeze-thaw cycles resistance. Disadvantages: Lower strength. US application: Highways per ACI 201.2R.

9. Polymer Concrete

• Polymer concrete uses polymer resin as binder instead of cement for chemical resistance.
• Classification: Special concrete (polymer-aggregate mix).
• Properties: f_ck >50 N/mm², zero porosity, high chemical resistance, low water absorption
• Uses: Industrial floors, chemical tanks. Example: Epoxy resin for acid-resistant floors.
• Formula: Polymer content 12–15% by weight; f_ck = 80 MPa per ACI 548.8R.
• Advantages: Corrosion-proof, fast curing. Disadvantages: Low fire resistance. US application: Wastewater plants per ACI 350.

10. No-Fines Concrete

• No-fines concrete omits fine aggregates for high porosity and drainage.
• Classification: Special concrete (coarse aggregate + cement).
• Properties: f_ck =10–15 N/mm², high voids 25–30%, high permeability k =10^-3 m/s.
• Uses: Permeable pavements, drainage layers. Example: Porous concrete for stormwater management.
• Formula: Mix 1:8 (cement:aggregate); porosity = 25–30% per ACI 522R-10.
• Advantages: High drainage, lightweight. Disadvantages: Low strength. US application: Parking lots per ACI 522.

11. Vacuum Concrete

• Vacuum Concrete uses vacuum dewatering to remove excess water, improving strength.
• Classification: High-performance concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =40–60 N/mm², low porosity
• Uses: High-strength elements, repairs. Example: Vacuum-processed beams for bridges.
• Formula: Water removal 20–30%; f_ck = f_ck0 + 10 MPa per ACI 304.1R.
• Advantages: High bond to reinforcement. Disadvantages: Specialized equipment. US application: Precast elements per ACI 551.

12. Cellular Concrete

• Cellular Concrete incorporates gas or foam for cellular structure, reducing weight.
• Classification: Lightweight concrete (density 400–1600 kg/m³).
• Properties: f_ck =5–20 N/mm², thermal conductivity 0.1 W/mK, fire-resistant up to 4 hours.
• Uses: Insulation panels, void filling. Example: Foam concrete for roof insulation.
• Formula: Foam volume 20–60%; density ρ = 1000 (1 - foam fraction) per ACI 523.1R.
• Advantages: Excellent insulation, easy pumpable. Disadvantages: Low load-bearing. US application: Fireproofing per ACI 216.1.

13. Self-Compacting Concrete

• Self-Compacting Concrete flows under its own weight, filling forms without vibration.
• Classification: High-performance concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =40–60 N/mm², slump flow 650–800 mm, V-funnel time
• Uses: Congested reinforcement, high-rises. Example: Bridge girders with dense rebar.
• Formula: Filling ability = slump flow / 700 mm; passing ability = V-funnel time per EFNARC guidelines.
• Advantages: Reduced labor, better finish. Disadvantages: High cost (20% more). US application: High-rises per ACI 237R-07.

14. Stamped Concrete

• Stamped Concrete imitates stone or tile through texturing and coloring.
• Classification: Decorative concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =20–30 N/mm², colored pigments, sealers for UV resistance, slip-resistant texture.
• Uses: Patios, driveways, walkways. Example: Stamped patios mimicking flagstone.
• Formula: Color = 5–10% cement weight; f_ck = f_ck0 per ACI 302.1R.
• Advantages: Aesthetic, durable. Disadvantages: Initial cost high. US application: Residential driveways per ACI 332.

15. Ready-Mix Concrete

• Ready-Mix Concrete is batched at a plant and delivered to site.
• Classification: Normal/high-performance (transit-mixed or central-mixed).
• Properties: f_ck =20–60 N/mm², consistent quality, slump 50–150 mm, low variability
• Uses: Large projects, urban sites. Example: High-rises with pumpable mix.
• Formula: Mix per ACI 211.1; f_ck = f_ck0 ±3% tolerance per ACI 117.
• Advantages: Quality control, no site batching. Disadvantages: Time-sensitive. US application: Commercial buildings per ACI 301.

16. Asphalt Concrete

• Asphalt Concrete uses bitumen as binder for flexible pavements.
• Classification: Hot-mix asphalt (HMA), warm-mix asphalt (WMA).
• Properties: f_ck equivalent 2–10 MPa, 4–6% voids, high fatigue resistance, temperature-sensitive.
• Uses: Roads, airports. Example: HMA for highways.
• Formula: VMA = V_a + V_b; VMA >14% for durability per ASTM D6927.
• Advantages: Flexible, quick repair. Disadvantages: Low in tension. US application: Interstates per AASHTO M323.

17. Polymer Concrete

• Polymer Concrete uses polymer resin as binder instead of cement for chemical resistance.
• Classification: Special concrete (polymer-aggregate mix).
• Properties: f_ck >50 N/mm², zero porosity, high chemical resistance, low water absorption
• Uses: Industrial floors, chemical tanks. Example: Epoxy resin for acid-resistant floors.
• Formula: Polymer content 12–15% by weight; f_ck = 80 MPa per ACI 548.8R.
• Advantages: Corrosion-proof, fast curing. Disadvantages: Low fire resistance. US application: Wastewater plants per ACI 350.

18. Salt Finishing Concrete

• Salt Finishing Concrete uses salt to create textured surface.
• Classification: Decorative concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =25–35 N/mm², slip-resistant, aesthetic texture.
• Uses: Pools, patios. Example: Salt finish for outdoor decks.
• Formula: Salt embed 3–6 mm; f_ck = f_ck0 per ACI 302.1R.
• Advantages: Non-slip, easy clean. Disadvantages: Maintenance needed. US application: Pool decks per ACI 332.

19. Stained Concrete

• Stained Concrete applies acid/water-based stains for color.
• Classification: Decorative concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =20–40 N/mm², colored surface, UV-resistant with sealer.
• Uses: Floors, countertops. Example: Acid-stained warehouse floors.
• Formula: Stain penetration 1–3 mm; f_ck unchanged per ACI 310R.
• Advantages: Custom colors, durable. Disadvantages: Fading if unsealed. US application: Interiors per ACI 302.

20. Water-Repellent Concrete

• Water-Repellent Concrete uses hydrophobic admixtures for water resistance.
• Classification: Special concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =25–50 N/mm², water absorption
• Uses: Water tanks, tunnels. Example: Silane-treated reservoirs.
• Formula: Admixture 0.5–1% cement weight; contact angle >90° per ACI 212.3R.
• Advantages: Reduced efflorescence. Disadvantages: Higher cost. US application: Tunnels per ACI 350.

21. Bacterial Concrete

• Bacterial Concrete incorporates bacteria for self-healing cracks.
• Classification: Innovative concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =30–50 N/mm², self-healing up to 0.8 mm cracks, durable with Bacillus subtilis spores.
• Uses: Sustainable buildings, bridges. Example: Self-healing beams in highways.
• Formula: Bacterial concentration 10⁵ cells/ml; healing time 7 days per ACI 242R.
• Advantages: Low maintenance. Disadvantages: Costly. US application: Green buildings per ACI 242.

22. Ferrocement Concrete

• Ferrocement Concrete uses thin mortar layers over wire mesh.
• Classification: Innovative concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =20–30 N/mm², thin (10–50 mm), high tensile resistance from mesh.
• Uses: Boats, domes, low-cost housing. Example: Ferrocement roofs in rural areas.
• Formula: Mesh layers 4–6; f_t = 5–10 N/mm² per ACI 549R.
• Advantages: Lightweight, formable. Disadvantages: Labor-intensive. US application: Boat hulls per ACI 549.

23. Dry Pack Concrete

• Dry Pack Concrete is a stiff mortar packed by hand for repairs.
• Classification: Repair concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =30–50 N/mm², low water, high bond to substrate.
• Uses: Patch repairs, anchors. Example: Fixing cracks in beams.
• Formula: Mix 1:2 (cement:sand), w/c =0.15; f_ck = f_ck0 + 20 MPa per ACI 546R.
• Advantages: High early strength. Disadvantages: Labor-intensive. US application: Repairs per ACI 546.

24. Lime Concrete

• Lime Concrete uses lime as binder for eco-friendly applications.
• Classification: Traditional concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =5–15 N/mm², breathable, self-healing, low thermal conductivity.
• Uses: Historical restorations, plasters. Example: Lime mortar in heritage buildings.
• Formula: Mix 1:2:2 (lime:sand:aggregate); f_ck =10 N/mm² per ASTM C270.
• Advantages: Sustainable, flexible. Disadvantages: Low strength. US application: Restorations per ACI 530.

25. Roller Compacted Concrete

• Roller Compacted Concrete is vibrated and rolled like asphalt for mass placement.
• Classification: High-performance concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =20–40 N/mm², low cement (10% by weight), rapid construction.
• Uses: Dams, pavements. Example: RCC dams like Tarbela.
• Formula: w/c =0.35–0.45; f_ck = f_ck0 per ACI 207.5R.
• Advantages: Fast, economical. Disadvantages: Joints needed. US application: Pavements per ACI 207.

26. Rapid Hardening Concrete

• Rapid Hardening Concrete achieves high early strength using high C3S cement.
• Classification: High-performance concrete.
• Properties: f_ck =40 N/mm² at 3 days (vs 28 days normal), low heat, high early f_ck.
• Uses: Cold weather, repairs. Example: Road repairs in winter.
• Formula: C3S >50%; f_ck3 = 20 N/mm² per IS 12600.
• Advantages: Quick set. Disadvantages: High heat. US application: Precast per ACI 231R.

Conclusion

The 26 types of concrete offer solutions for every construction challenge, from lightweight concrete for roofs to bacterial concrete for sustainability. Choose based on classification, properties, and uses, consulting ACI 318 or IS 456 for design. For GATE/IES, focus on normal vs high-performance. Test f_ck per ASTM C39 for quality.