During the construction process, you need to pay attention to the ratio of cement and sand to ensure the sturdiness of the building. Note that the ratio of sand and cement for various construction types varies. For example, the percentages of cement and sand in concrete casting work are different from those in bricklaying work.
To ensure the strength of the building you're constructing, you need to know the correct ratio of sand and cement you need. For those who still don't know the correct ratio of cement to sand, read this article to the end.
Ratio of Cement and Sand
Cement and sand are very important materials in construction. Though equally important, both have very different characteristics. One thing that construction workers need to consider when using these two materials is the mixture ratio. If the ratio is not right, it can negatively impact the adhesive or the strength of the construction.
Note that the ratio of sand and cement for each part of the building is different. For example, the cement and sand mix for floors and concrete is different due to each part's separate functions in the building. Hence, it's important to know how to mix cement and sand depending on the function of the building parts.
The following is a ratio of cement and sand for several building parts that you need to know.
1. Ratio of Cement and Sand for Plaster
Plaster coats building surfaces and protects them from extreme weather. To achieve the highest quality of the plaster, it's necessary to measure the sand and cement proportionately.
Note that there are two commonly used ratios of cement and sand for plaster. The first ratio, namely 1:4, is usually used for plaster on surfaces under the ground. Then, the second ratio is 1:6; this ratio is for plaster on surfaces above the ground.
Read also: 4 House Roof Renovation Tips
2. Ratio of Cement and Sand for Bricklaying
The ratio of cement and sand for bricklaying should be a major concern in the construction process due to its big influence on the strength of the building. Similarly to plaster, there are two ratios of cement and sand for bricklaying.
The first ratio is 1:4, usually used in the pond or other water reservoir construction to prevent water seepage. The second ratio is 1:6, which is usually used to build ordinary walls.
3. Ratio of Cement and Sand for Concrete
To put on concrete, you don't only need to measure the ratio of cement and sand, but also the right ratio of split stone. You can get a small split stone by splitting it. Generally, the ratio between cement, sand, and split stone in making concrete is 1:2:3.
Keep in mind that one of the factors impacting the quality of concrete is the material ratio. So, make sure you don't make a mistake when determining the ratio of cement, sand, and split stone for making concrete.
Note that there are now many providers of precast concrete that you can use to create a building. For those who want to be more practical, precast concrete could be your choice.
4. Ratio of Cement and Sand for Floors
Generally, the ratio of cement and sand for floors is 1:4. However, this ratio can also change depending on the application. Before cementing the floor, cover the soil where the floor will be constructed. You can cover it with a sprinkling of sand. Alternatively, you can use bricks.
If the ground for the floor is not flat, you can adjust the layer and shape it until it flattens.
Read also: 5 Building Material Types for Outdoor Flooring
Mistakes in Mixing Cement and Sand
As you may know by now, the ratio of sand and cement can affect the quality of the cement mixture. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to ensure the right measurement and avoid mistakes that usually occur when mixing cement and sand. Here are some mistakes in cement and sand mixing that you need to avoid.
1. Uneven Mixture
One mistake that often occurs when mixing cement and sand is uneven material distribution. Before mixing, sand and cement will be put together first.
At this stage, workers often make mistakes by being negligent and immediately continuing the process when the sand and cement are not evenly distributed.
Overcoming this problem requires a simple trick. Making a hole in the middle of the cement and sand mixture, filling it with water, and stirring it with a hoe or shovel can help mix the sand and cement more evenly.
2. Soil Mixed into Sand
Soil mixed into the sand can negatively affect the quality of the mixture. A cement mixture that uses sand and soil has lower adhesion than that with pure sand. In construction, soil can easily be mixed with several materials. Therefore, always pay attention to the sand you will use.
To ensure the sand is free from soil contamination or other materials, sift it first. That way, the sand and cement mixture will come out great.
3. Improper Cement Storage
Note that cement can easily absorb water. Therefore, always pay attention to the cement storage location. Make sure to store cement in a dry place, away from water sources. The quality of cement can decrease in a damp place.
One tip for safe cement storage is to use a base in the form of a pallet or cardboard. Storage can protect the cement from direct contact with a damp environment.
Read also: Concrete Shelf for Houses With Industrial Concept
4. Lack of Education for Human Resources
It should be noted that construction workers in Indonesia often use instinct when doing their work. Instead of using ratios or appropriate methods of measurement, local construction workers tend to trust their intuition when carrying out various types of work.
Therefore, construction companies need to educate workers to ensure the quality of the building process.
That's some information about the ratio of cement and sand that you need to know. Apart from paying attention to several mistakes in mixing above, you also need to pay attention to the quality of the cement chosen to ensure the strength of the building you are working on.
For those looking for high-quality cement, Semen Merah Putih could be your main choice. Semen Merah Putih is made of premium-quality materials, guaranteeing you a sturdy and long-lasting building in the long term. Apart from that, Semen Merah Putih meets the requirements of the SNI 7064:2014 quality standard.
So what are you waiting for? Make your building more durable with Semen Merah Putih. If you have questions about Semen Merah Putih products, just fill out our contact form.
