The major factor defining the environmental impacts of concrete is the amount of cement in the product which depends on the concrete strength class (e.g. C25/30 in Europe). If you cannot find the exact product you are using, choose one that has the same strength class.
In the One Click LCA in the material filter we first make a distinction between Ready-mix concrete and Precast concrete. Under these material classes we have the following subclasses:
Selecting ready-mix concrete
Concrete for Lightweight applications (domestic and auxiliary), C10-C15, Up to 2500 psi
Concrete for Foundations and internal walls, C20-C25, 2501-4000 psi
Concrete for External walls and Floors, C30-C35, 4001-5500 psi
Concrete for Structures (beams, columns, piling), C40-C45, 5501-6500 psi
Concrete for High Strength, C50-C70, Above 6500 psi
Specialty Concrete
The concretes are named after their general use, however this does not mean you cannot use a higher or lower strength if required.
Concrete type | Strength class | Generally used for: |
C20 / GEN 3 | 20 Newton (mPa)/28 day strength | Foundations for large walls, garages, houses & extensions |
C25 / ST 2 | 25 Newton (mPa)/28 day strength | Footings, foundations and reinforced bases for houses & extensions |
C30 / PAV1 / ST 3 | 30 Newton (mPa)/28 day strength | Pavement construction, paving external kennels and reinforced hard standings |
C35 / PAV2 | 35 Newton (mPa)/28 day strength | Raft foundations, piling, external slabbing and pacing, and reinforced bases for commercial buildings |
C40 | 40 Newton (mPa)/28 day strength | Construction of structural and support beams footings and foundations, roadworks |
Selecting Precast concrete
Aerated/Autoclaved concrete products
Concrete masonry units
Fiber cement products
Other precast concrete products
Concrete slabs (Hollow and solid)
Structural concrete (beams, columns, piling)
Concrete wall elements
Hollow-core concrete slabs: There is a large quantity of option available and they can be added by the total area or volume of the element. Make sure you choose one with the correct thickness so that the amount of air in the element will be calculated correctly. The majority of elements include reinforcement, make sure to double check if it is included.
Concrete slabs: Check that the amount of concrete is correct and if the element includes reinforcement. Make sure to include reinforcement separately if it's not included in the resource.
Sandwich elements and other wall elements: If you cannot find the exact product from the manufacturer, add concrete and insulation layers separately (check the above guidance for concrete).