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Concrete — 5000 PSI High Strength

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Higher-strength concrete for structural columns, post-tensioned slabs, precast, and parking structures.

5,000 psi (34.5 MPa) normal-weight concrete: higher cement content, lower w/c ratio (0.40-0.45), often includes supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, slag). Uses: structural columns, post-tensioned slabs (most PT specs require 5,000+), precast/prestressed elements, parking structures, high-rise core walls. Specifications: ACI 318, ASTM C94 ready-mix. Slump: 4-8 in (superplasticizer for high slump without added water). Cure: critical — maintain moist cure 7+ days for strength development. Stripping: typically requires cylinder break verification before form removal. Cost: $10-$20/cy premium over 4,000 psi. 28-day strength may reach 5,500-6,500 psi. Early strength: 3-day typically 60-70% of 28-day. High-early available for fast-track projects.

TAGS
concretehigh-strength5000psipost-tensionedstructural
DETAILS
w c ratio
0.40-0.45
csi division
03 31 00
compressive strength
5000 psi
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