Plum concrete is a normal concrete mix with large size stones of up to 300mm as inert fillers. Aggregates above 160mm are known as plums. The extended use of plum (boulders) saves PCC’s cost up to 30% and results in the apparent yield of concrete for a given amount of cement is increased.
Unlike reinforced or prestressed concrete, it is not reinforced with steel. Plum Concrete mix ratio will be up to M15, with use of boulders up to 300mm (60% concrete + 40% boulders). It is widely used as surface fillers under the foundation where the surface is uneven and sloped.
For Example, consider in the proposed site, there is a small area where the ground level is too sloped, and you can’t fill the area with soil. In that scenario, pluma concrete would be used as filler material.
As you can see from the purpose section, it is mainly used to level the surface. So, the plum concrete calculation is 60% of M10 or M15 concrete mix and 40% of boulders.
Plum concrete should be laid layer and should not exceed 900mm in thickness. You can refer IS Code 456 (2000) Clause 5.3.3 for plum reference.
There are seven steps in plum concreting.
Plain Cement Concrete (PCC) | Plum Concrete |
Used as a protective layer for RCC Footings from water entrainment | Used to level the surface mostly |
To support the formworks of RCC. | Used to achieve economic benefits |
To avoid moisture entering the RCC structure and to prevent the corrosion of concrete. |
Uses & Application of Plum Concrete
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Volume of plums is 20 percent of volume of Concrete As per IS:456 (2000) Clause no. 5.3.3.
Please Update It
20% Volume of plums per total volume of concrete is for (PCC) plain concrete work only.