Imagine this: You’ve just poured fresh concrete for a high-stakes project in Dubai, but the surface ends up uneven, cracking under the scorching sun. Sound familiar? Whether you’re laying a residential driveway or a commercial warehouse floor, screed concrete is the make-or-break step that ensures durability, flatness, and longevity. With over a decade of experience in UAE construction, I’ve seen how proper screeding techniques can save projects from costly rework. In this guide, you’ll learn everything from mixed designs to climate-specific strategies—tailored to the unique challenges of the Gulf.
What is concrete screeding?
Concrete screeding is an essential technique in construction focused on achieving smooth and level surfaces. After pouring concrete, workers utilize a tool called a screed to remove excess material and create a uniform surface. This process usually involves sliding the screed along pre-established edges or plastic forms, ensuring the desired height and level are met. Engaging in good screeding practices eliminates air bubbles and impurities, ultimately enhancing the strength and durability of your concrete.
Why It Matters in the UAE:
Extreme Heat: Rapid evaporation can weaken the concrete. Screeding must be timed perfectly—early mornings or evenings—to avoid premature drying.
Durability Demands: Desert sand and heavy traffic require mixes fortified with additives like superplasticizers or silica fume for crack resistance.
Precision: Even minor slopes can lead to water pooling or structural stress in high-rise projects.
Screed concrete specification
When screeding concrete, knowledge of the specifications can help you achieve the best possible results. I will explain these specifications in more detail below.
Mix Ratio Design
- Cement: Usually, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) or Portland cement is employed.
- Aggregates: A mixture of fine and coarse aggregates is used, typically natural sand and gravel, with particle sizes based on specific design criteria.
- Water-Cement Ratio: Generally maintained between 0.4-0.6, heavily influenced by the desired strength and durability.
- Additives:Incorporating plasticizers, water reducers, or waterproofing agents can enhance the concrete’s workability and longevity.
- Mix Ratio Example:A standard mix ratio might be 1:2:4 (cement:sand: aggregate), though adjustments may be required based on project needs.
Thickness
Residential Floors: Typically between 100mm to 150mm.
Commercial Floors: Thickness can range from 150mm to 200mm, depending on load and usage.
Industrial Floors: Usually exceed 200mm, potentially reaching 300mm or more for heavy machinery.
Strength Grades
Residential & Light Commercial: Generally utilizes C25/30 or C30/37 grades of concrete.
Commercial & Industrial: May employ C35/45 or higher grades based on load requirements.
Special Applications: For high strength or durability requirements, C40/50 or greater grades are used.
Other Considerations
Reinforcement: Steel rebar or mesh may be added for additional tensile strength and crack resistance.
Construction Methods: Proper techniques for pouring, vibrating, and curing are crucial to ensure quality.
Environmental Factors: In the UAE’s hot, dry climate, special attention should be paid to curing and crack prevention measures.
In addition to the introduction above, I have also created a table for you to visually understand the various screed concrete specifications.
| Application Type | Thickness (mm) | Strength Grade (MPa) | Grade | Mix Ratio | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Building | 150 | C25 | CC25 | 1:02:04 | Suitable for typical loads and foundations |
| Commercial Building | 200 | C30 | CC30 | 1:02:04 | Used for offices, shops, and medium load buildings |
| Industrial Building | 200 - 300 | C30 - C40 | CC30/CC40 | 1:1.5:3.5 or adjusted ratio | Suitable for heavy machinery and storage areas |
| Parking Lot | 250 - 300 | C35 - C50 | CC35/CC50 | 1:1.5:3.5 or adjusted ratio | Designed to support long-term loads from vehicles |
| Heavy Machinery Area | 300 and above | C40 and above | CC40+ | Adjust based on requirements (special design needed) | Suitable for very heavy equipment and high loads |
| Playground/Outdoor Area | 150 - 200 | C25 | CC25 | 1:02:04 | Needs consideration for slip resistance and durability |
Concrete Screeding Process
Choose the right screed concrete tools.
The right tools make all the difference in screeding concrete. Here’s a quick guide:
Small to Medium Areas Screed Tools
- Hand Screed:A simple metal or wood tool for manual levelling.
- Power Screed:A motorized version that reduces labour and speeds up the process.
Large Areas Screed Tools
- Roller Screed: Ideal for driveways and parking lots, pulled by a machine.
- Truss Screed: A long, sturdy system for large, flat surfaces.
- Laser Screed: Advanced technology for precise levelling in industrial projects.
Finishing Tools
- Hand Trowel: For final smoothing and detailing.
- Power Trowel: Efficient for medium-sized areas.
- Ride-On Trowel: Perfect for large surfaces, allowing operators to sit while working.
Hiking UAE Group provides cost-effective screed machines and trowel machines for clients in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. We welcome your inquiries!
Working Process
- Site Preparation:Begin with a stable, debris-free subgrade. Set up wooden or metal forms that are level and aligned.
- Pouring the Concrete:Use pre-mixed concrete or mix on-site. Choose the appropriate mix ratio to ensure workability.
- Initial Spreading:A manual or power concrete rake spreads the concrete evenly, setting the stage for levelling.
- Leveling: Use screed boards, power screed machines, or laser screeds to achieve a flat surface.
- Finishing:As the concrete sets, utilize trowels for final texturing. Set control joints to minimize cracking.
- Curing:Proper curing is vital. Techniques include covering, using wet burlap, or applying curing compounds to retain moisture for at least seven days.
Factors Unique to the UAE
Extreme temperatures significantly influence concrete workability and curing—always consider pouring during cooler periods.
Use high-quality materials designed for the intense local climate to ensure long-lasting, durable concrete.
Finally
You’re not just laying concrete—you’re building the backbone of the UAE’s skyline. By choosing the right mix, tools, and timing, you can turn a brittle slab into a structure that withstands decades of desert heat. Ready to elevate your next project? Share your screeding challenges in the comments, or tag a contractor who needs this guide!