What is the typical unit weight of normal-weight concrete?

• A. About 150 pounds per cubic foot (pcf)
• B. About 100 pcf
• C. About 200 pcf
• D. About 120 pcf

Answer: (A)

Normal-weight concrete has a density around 150 pounds per cubic foot, which translates to about 2400 kilograms per cubic meter. This value comes from the typical mix of cement paste and ordinary aggregates used in structural concrete. It sits between lighter lightweight concretes (roughly 90–120 pcf) and heavier dense concretes (which can exceed 180–200 pcf for special applications). That’s why the standard unit weight used in design and specifications is about 150 pcf. The other numbers describe mixes that are lighter or heavier than normal-weight concrete.