Concrete-Related Metric Conversions
The metric system, in use by most of the world, is increasingly being used by the construction industry in the United States.
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the necessary conversions:
- Concrete Volume: One cubic yard = 0.7645549 cubic meters.
- Compressive Strength: One pound per square inch = 0.006894757 mega pascals (MPa).
- Batch Quantities: One pound per cubic yard = 0.5932764 kilograms (kg) per cubic meter.
- Unit Weight (Density): One pound per cubic foot = 16.018846 kilograms (kg) per cubic meter.
- Admixture Volume: One fluid ounce per 100 pounds = 65.19847 milliliters (ml) per 100 kilograms.
- Water Volume: One gallon per cubic yard = 4.951132 liters per cubic meter.
- Length/Depth: One inch = 25.4 millimeters (mm).
- Mass: One pound = 0.4535924 kilograms (kg).
- Area: One square foot = 0.0929034 square meters.
- Temperature: Degrees Celsius = (Fahrenheit degrees – 32 degrees) / 1.8.
Here are some specific examples to help:
| Measurement Type | U.S. Value | Metric Value |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete design strength | 3000 psi | 21 MPa |
| Cement content | 564 pounds/cubic yard | 335 kg/cubic meter |
| Ready-mix truck capacity | 9 cubic yards | 7 cubic meters |
| Slump | 3-4 inches | 75-100 mm (hard) |
| Slab thickness | 6 inches | 150 mm (hard) |
| Density of concrete | 145 pounds/cubic foot | 2,323 kg/cubic meter |
| Bag of cement, weight | 94 pounds | 40 kg (hard Canadian) |
| Rebar designation | #3 to #18 | 10-55 mm (hard) |
| Vapor barrier, thickness | 6 mils | 150 microns |