Micro concrete: Applications, advantages and challenges

Micro concrete is a practical way to create surfaces that look good. The thickness of the micro concrete that has been applied ranges from 2 to 3 mm. The material’s surface is non-slip, mold-free, hygienic, and stain-free. Micro concrete is sometimes offered as a prefabricated mix, making it simple to make and install without needing expert labour. Human error is fully eliminated because there is no need for on-site concrete mix preparation. As a result, it is a simple surface option for practically any environment where a faux concrete finish is sought. 

Micro concrete is appropriate for people with limited space and limited concrete-laying abilities. It is suitable for mending old or damaged concrete structures due to the material’s capacity to create a strong bond. 

All about workability of concrete

 

What is Micro Concrete? 

Micro concrete is a cement-based coating that can be thinly applied to various surfaces, such as tile and wood. It offers the appearance and texture of concrete at a fraction of the price and weight of genuine concrete. A wonderful solution for bathrooms and kitchens, micro concrete—also known as micro concrete or Micro Concrete—provides a clean, stain-free surface. The material is also anti-slip and mold-free, making it a great option for indoor and outdoor floor surfaces. 

Additionally, even though the wall and steps appear to be entirely concrete, the concrete aesthetic was much simpler and affordably achieved by covering the wall’s and stairs’ underlying surface with this material. The adaptable nature of the material is demonstrated in the inspiring home design concept below. It can be applied to home furnishings, such as dining room tables, floors, and walls. The illustration demonstrates other texture finishing options as well. 

 

Source: Pinterest

known about modulus of elasticity formula

Why is Micro Concrete used to build homes? 

Pre-packaged mix 

Micro concrete is offered as a simple, prefabricated, one-component mix that is simple to use and lay. Additionally, because the mix is packed, no special equipment is required, and it can be applied by hand. The finished surface quality is improved and more consistent as a result. In addition, human error is virtually eliminated by doing away with the requirement for on-site concrete mixing. In environments where a faux concrete finish is desired, the product becomes an easy surface alternative. Additionally, it is perfect for individuals with limited room and concrete laying expertise. 

Reduced water requirements 

Compared to traditional concrete, micro concrete initially sought to use less water. However, the product was chosen to successfully repair damaged or old concrete structures because of its simplicity of use and capacity to stick to other materials. Additionally, less heavy equipment is needed since no pumping is required. Therefore, it not only lowers application expenses but also significantly impacts working in places with restricted access. 

Fast drying 

Micro concrete is frequently utilised because it dries rapidly, allowing designers and homeowners to redecorate with a surface option that causes the least interruption. The surface could be used in just one day because it dries quickly. The final surface also has a controlled, consistent quality due to the rapid drying period. Micro-concrete is a great material to use if you need to complete a project quickly because it dries so quickly. It allows you to apply it one day and use the item the next. It also requires no pricey professional tools and is simple to apply yet appears professional. 

See also: Are fibre sheets a good roofing option?

 

What are micro concrete’s major benefits? 

Over traditional concrete, micro concrete has many benefits. The following are some of these: 

No compaction is necessary. Hence heavy machinery is not required. 

Low permeability makes it suitable for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and the outdoors. 

Nearly any surface with good adhesion. 

Nearly immediately after application; strong 

Having no chloride makes it a safe and long-lasting surface alternative. 

Upon application, it will not shrink, preventing fractures and folds from developing. 

 

See also about flexural strength of concrete

How is micro concrete used? 

Numerous household and commercial applications of micro concrete have been made. Because it offers a seamless, strong, and modern finish, it has been employed for products like kitchen countertops and shelves. 

 

Micro Concrete: A strong and flexible option for infrastructure

 

It is strong and simple to apply to surfaces both indoors and outside. It is a fantastic choice for people who want to create a hard-wearing, reasonably priced concrete vibe on floors or walls everywhere. It is also a waterproof material, which makes it a perfect choice for bathroom and kitchen splashback coverings. 

Various textures, tones, and colours are available for the versatile product known as micro concrete. The image above shows one of the many textures and colour combinations that are conceivable. Micro concrete is an excellent choice for those looking to add distinctive design elements and a modern finish to their homes.

 

What is the method of applying micro concrete ideally? 

Micro concrete differs from conventional concrete because it does not require specialised laying equipment or abilities. However, standard practices should be followed when applying the material to produce the best finish possible. 

Surface cleaning 

Surface preparation comes before applying micro concrete. First, the surface that will be coated needs to be washed, cleaned, and any dirt, gravel, or dust must be taken off. Then, it is necessary to clean and coat for protection any metal or exposed reinforcement that could corrode. 

Mixing 

Micro concrete can be mixed by hand. However, a mixing vessel is simpler if a significant amount is required. Depending on the mixture, different amounts of water are required; nonetheless, the ratio is typically 1:8. (water to micro concrete). The micro concrete must be slowly added to the water while swirling continuously to blend. 

Application 

For the best flow and consistency, it is crucial to pour the micro concrete onto the inclined surface as soon as possible once it has been well blended. Then, smooth the mixture out and let it dry using clean tools.

 

Why choosing the right micro concrete crucial? 

Micro concrete is produced specifically to meet the needs of structural repairs, including low shrinkage, flowable concrete, workability, qualities that help it harden, rapid strength, and little curing. In layman’s terms, it is a product that does not shrink upon settlement and is flowable enough to pour in tight spaces without compacting. In addition, it creates concrete with a high strength that achieves full strength quickly. 

• Low-shrinking characteristic  
• Necessary hardening/setting quality 
• Workability 
• A strong connection to the substrate 
• Compatible thermal expansion coefficient 
• Compatible substrate strength and mechanical characteristics 
• Relative time, if anticipated 
• Little to no cure is necessary. 
• Alkalinity 
• Low permeability to water and air.

Also read about AAC Blocks, the new age building construction material

 

Why is it important to use caution during construction? 

As a prospective homeowner, you must ensure that the cement and other building supplies you choose are of the highest calibre and should not be substituted with less expensive options. To reduce building expenses and boost their profit margin, it is common practice among construction experts to use low-quality cement and blend it with other inexpensive materials. 

Furthermore, it is harmful because it may shorten the strength and longevity of your house in the long term. Therefore, to ensure that all raw materials, from cement to a small screw, are bought from a reputable supplier and are used by the building experts in the proper quantities, be diligent and firm. Since you and your family will be residing in the home for many years, only quality can guarantee durability.

 

Guidelines for picking the best concrete for your house 

Make sure you select top-notch concrete with the right specific gravity, and the cement supplier should be reputable and licensed. Always choose a well-known and well-established brand of concrete. 

Never compromise on concrete quality and pick less expensive substitutes based on the recommendations of less qualified experts in this sector. Make sure test certificates with confirmed quality are validated when purchasing cement. 

Before building, ensure that concrete and other raw materials are stored and exposed properly and that the soil is sulphate-free; if so, choose cement resistant to sulphates. 

Check the water used to mix concrete to ensure no harmful salts or sulphates are present. Long-term corrosion and crack failure will be avoided by doing this. Also, never, ever shorten the time that concrete needs to cure because doing so will drastically weaken the concrete. 

 

Various tests to verify the quality of concrete 

Concrete quality tests are conducted as part of the quality control of concrete constructions. Various quality tests on concrete, including compressive strength tests, slump tests, and permeability tests, are utilised to ensure the quality of the concrete supplied for a certain specification. In addition, these concrete quality tests provide insight into the material’s strengths, durability, air content, permeability, and other characteristics.

Quality checks on fresh concrete 

• Workability checks 
• Air quantity
• Setting duration

Other tests conducted on fresh concrete are: 

• Segregation resistance 
• Unit weight 
• Wet analysis 
• Temperature 
• Heat generation 
• Bleeding

Checks on solidified concrete

• Compressive solidity 
• Tensile stability 
• Permeability checks on concrete 
• In situ test on concrete 

 

Quality tests conducted to test the following:

• Modulus of rupture 
• Shrinkage
• Density  
• Creep 
• Freeze/thaw resistance 
• Resistance to abrasion 
• Resistance to aggressive chemicals
• Bond to reinforcement 
• Absorption 

Compression Test and Slump Test for Quality Tests 

In practice, the compressive strength test and the slump test are chosen for concrete quality control testing for the following reasons: 

• The majority of the qualities of concrete are connected to the compressive strength measured by a compressive strength test. 
• The compressive strength test is the simplest, most affordable, and most precisely determinable. 
• Compressive strength tests are the most effective method for examining the concrete’s variability. 
• The slump test is used to evaluate the mix’s quality. This research examines the variety of building materials present. These tests concentrate on the concrete mix’s water-to-cement ratio. 
• Conducting the slump test is simple. Before the concrete is placed, it quickly ascertains its quality. The placement standards follow what the corresponding concrete practice codes advise. 
• Slump tests are performed on-site without needing a lab setup or expensive testing equipment. As a result, this test is affordable. 
• Before pouring into the formwork, the slump test is performed. Consequently, the tested batch may be rejected if there is a problem with the concrete quality. However, it would assist in exposing a flawed structural member and prevent further disassembly and repair. 

 

Micro concrete: The future of repair and protection

Micro concrete is essential for determining the quality and assisting homeowners in making an informed decision. Therefore, conducting lab and field testing is necessary to guarantee that Micro Concrete is of the greatest caliber. 

 

Micro concrete: The perfect solution for complex geometries

 

For designers and house owners who wish to beautify the surface of their buildings without causing any interruption, it is the perfect option.  

 

FAQs 

How is micro concrete created?

Micro-concrete is a mixture of appropriately graded sand, cement, and water to mimic concrete in miniature scale models. Pre-packaged packages of the dry cement and sand mixture are available. It is a dry powder ready to use; all that must be done before applying is adding water and mixing.

Is micro concrete waterproof?

It is a terrific choice for anyone who wants to create a durable, cost-effective concrete aesthetic for walls or floors everywhere. It is also waterproof, making it a perfect material for splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms.

Does micro concrete cost a lot?

The number of square meters of the surface area determines how much micro concrete costs. As a general rule, the cost of micro concrete per square meter will decrease the squarer meters of surface area to be covered, but the cost will increase the smaller the surface area. However, the price goes up as the surface area decreases.

Is curing necessary for micro concrete?

Minimal or no need for curing.

How do micro cement and micro concrete differ from one another?

In essence, it has to do with the products' thickness. Micro concrete is more delicate. Typically, 0.8 to 1mm each coat of micro concrete is applied (typical application will be two or three coats, but some products may require as many as 6 layers).