Concrete Strengths
All garden ornaments made by Classic Rock
are made from concrete, but not all concrete is "created equal."
Basic concrete is the material made from combining cement (the powder), aggregate(s) like sand or gravel, and water. Beyond this point the design of the concrete mix is usually professionally tailored for the specific use intended. Engineers will adjust the amounts and type of elements used, recommend admixtures to obtain certain qualities and ensure the final concrete has the properties required.
THE
MIX DESIGN FOR CLASSIC ROCK CONCRETE IS ENGINEER-DESIGNED
Classic Rock has worked with two engineers over the last several years to perfect its mix design. Currently, we have settled on a mix design that provides optimum strength and optimum freeze-thaw protection. The kind and size of aggregate, the exact proportions of water and admixtures, and the length of time that each piece is vibrated are all specifically set to make Classic Rock statuary exceptionally durable.
CONCRETE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH REPORT
In the last two months we employed an engineering firm to do
compressive strength tests on our concrete. Without this
official report we could only guess at the actual hardness. We poured
test cylinders, noting all admixtures used and the time of the pour, and
delivered the cylinders to Thurber Engineering of Victoria. We received
the first report after seven days and the final report after 28 days.
Our engineer phoned excited and explained the numbers. While a compressive strength rating of 32 MPa is considered excellent in the industry for concrete that is used in sidewalks, driveways, etc.(for hard use outdoors), Classic Rock's concrete was rated at 45 MPa! In his own words, "You should be proud to show those numbers to anybody!" He also said that any strength beyond what we are doing would simply be "overkill." Even the strength of our concrete after seven days (36 MPa) exceeded the 32 MPa that is often the goal of 28-day concrete.
CONFIDENCE IN CLASSIC ROCK PRODUCTS
What does this mean to you the retailer or the consumer? You can know
that when you spend your money to purchase products from Classic Rock,
you are purchasing top quality products. It matters that you receive excellent
products and years of enjoyment when you choose to purchase from us.
At Classic Rock we are constantly striving to improve our products and service. Even now we are experimenting with new mix designs, hoping to upgrade specific aspects of our casting and finishing.
Thank you for allowing us to "brag a bit," and for choosing to purchase Classic Rock Garden Ornaments.