For decades, we’ve been using concrete in construction projects throughout the world.
Have you ever given any thought to just how much concrete weighs?
Short answer is a lot.
Generally, a cubic yard of concrete weighs around 4,050 pounds (1,837 kg).
That is nearly as heavy as a full-grown rhinoceros!
Concrete trucks, or cement trucks as you might call them, can hold 10 yards of concrete at one time. That comes out to 40,500 pounds (18,370 kg) a load.
Think that’s a lot? How many yards of concrete are in the Hoover Dam?
There are 4,360,000 cubic yards of concrete in the Hoover Dam, which means it weighs in at over 17,685,000,000 pounds.
Yes, that’s 17 billion pounds (7,711,070,290 kg)!
How Much Does Concrete Weigh Per Cubic Foot?
A cubic foot of concrete weighs 150 pounds (68 kg). That’s pretty heavy isn’t it?
Keep in mind that other variables, such as the aggregate used in the mix, the strength of concrete, and how thin or semi-dry the concrete is prepared are all going to play a role in knowing the exact weight.
How Much Does A Concrete Block Weigh?
A standard 8 in. x 12 in. x 16 in. concrete block will weigh on average around 30 to 35 pounds (13 to 15 kg).
Some may weigh a bit more, while other lighter blocks a little less.
~ Fun Fact ~
Have you ever wondered if a load of concrete can dry up and harden inside the drum if it stops turning? Yes, it can and does happen at times. It’s not pretty, either. In some cases, it may require a jackhammer to get the hardened concrete out of the drum. It can take days of exhausting work to accomplish. Not an enjoyable job, for sure.
Resources:
https://www.tx-taca.org/members/files/2011/07/Concrete-and-cement-faq.pdf
https://www.everything-about-concrete.com/weight-per-cubic-foot-for-1-yard-of-concrete.html
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/saving-the-drum-of-disabled-transit-mixer_o