Wet Weight Vs. Dry Weight for Zero Slump Concrete Blocks

Zero Slump Weight Requirements

• Zero slump or no slump concrete has its uses, especially when concrete needs to be laid down and dried very quickly, such as concrete for roadwork. But slump is related to weight only when it comes to the amount of water used. There is no single wet weight for any type of concrete, since this depends on how much water is added on site by the contractors. Zero slump concrete blocks will have a much lower wet weight than typical concrete, but variations are a natural aspect of the process.

Wet Weight

• Wet weight refers to a concrete mix with water already added. When concrete like this is applied, it tends to have a density of around 150 pounds per cubic foot, if the aggregates are normal and it is created properly. For low-density concrete that is designed to dry very quickly, the density will be less than 50 pounds per cubic foot. Zero slump concrete is more likely to fall in the latter category with a low weight, but measurements vary slightly based on where the concrete is in its curing stage.

Dry Weight

• Dry weight describes concrete mix, including aggregate materials, as it is shipped and before any additives are mixed in. In this case, weight will tend to be less overall when compared to wet weight, but density is often higher, since liquids allow the concrete materials to disperse. Larger aggregates create lower weights, while smaller aggregates allow for even greater density and lead to more weight. Dry weights are used for mixing concrete materials before liquids are added.

Air and Other Alternatives

• Zero slump concrete cannot use much water, but it still needs to be strong and durable. As a result, the additives that create the wet weight of the concrete tend to be lightweight themselves. Air is sometimes mixed in when creating zero slump concrete, since it can add strength without adding water. Chemical enhancers, protectives and curing agents may also be combined as a substitute for traditional water use.