General Purpose Cement Technical Data Sheet

Key things to remember

The essentials from this document in plain words. Check the full document before you rely on a figure.

• ✓Complies fully with AS3972 as a Type GP cement (general purpose and blended cements). Compatible with most admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials.
• ✓Applications listed: domestic slabs, driveways and footpaths; structural work such as pre-stressed slabs, columns and tilt-up walls; pavers, blocks, panels and pipes; mining; major engineering and civil projects needing high quality and consistency; adhesives, renders, mortars and grouts.
• ✓Paths and driveways, by volume 1:2:3 (cement:sand:aggregate), 16 × 20kg bags per m³. Foundations and footings 1:3:3, 13 × 20kg bags per m³.
• ✓Mortar for general purposes 1:4 (cement:sand), 15 × 20kg bags per m³. Render 1:3, 20 × 20kg bags per m³. The sheet calls its table a guide only; get advice for the materials you are using.
• ✓Combine the dry materials in a non-porous container (big jobs need a concrete mixer), then add drinkable water bit by bit and mix well. Use only enough water for a workable mix: excess water ruins good concrete.
• ✓Use the mix straight away. Best results come from keeping the concrete moist for 7 days.
• ✓Keep bags dry, away from rain, dew or any other moisture, and do not use cement that has turned hard or lumpy. For fast setting or high early strength, the sheet points to a more specialised cement.

Who it helps: Builders and home owners batching their own concrete, mortar or render, and staff answering how many bags a cubic metre takes.