How to Estimate the Amount of Aggregate Base for Concrete

Concrete is a mixture of water, cement, sand and gravel that becomes as hard as rock when it dries. The sand and gravel are called the “aggregate,” because they are made out of many small pieces. These aggregates are mixed in certain proportions to produce a product that has specific properties. Before undertaking your concrete-related project, learn how to estimate the amount of aggregate materials that you will need. Before committing to purchase a specific amount of aggregate materials, mix up a small test batch of concrete. Vary its ingredients until you find a mixture that has the properties you are seeking.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Gravel
• Cement
• Wheelbarrow
• Rake
• Water
• Styrofoam cup

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Add 2 cubic feet of sand and 3 cubic feet of gravel for every cubic foot of cement you use, in order to make a basic mix of ordinary concrete. Mix these ingredients in the wheelbarrow, using the rake, while slowly adding enough water to make a workable paste.

   • 2

     Add additional sand and gravel to increase the stiffness of the concrete. Add as much as 1 cubic foot of extra sand and 1 cubic foot of extra gravel to create a very stiff concrete.

   • 3

     Remove some of the gravel to create a soupy, more workable concrete. Using only 2.25 cubic feet of gravel with 2 cubic feet of sand and 1 cubic foot of cement makes a runnier concrete product.