Fishstone HP50™ is a precision-blended, high-performance concrete bag mix designed to serve as a versatile base for a wide range of architectural and decorative concrete applications. Each 50 lb bag contains white cement, carefully graded sands, pozzolans, mineral admixtures, and other dry-blended components for consistent batching and repeatable results.
HP50 can be used as a simple just-add-water high-performance concrete mix or modified with polymers, fibers, lightweight fillers, water reducers, pigments, and specialty admixtures to create GFRC, ECC, lightweight concrete, countertops, sinks, furniture, panels, cast-in-place work, and other custom concrete mixes.
Choose an HP50 Mix Design
Start with one 50 lb bag of HP50 and select the formulation that best matches your application. Additional water reducer may be used as needed to achieve the desired workability without unnecessarily increasing water content.
High-Performance Concrete (HPC)
The simplest HP50 formulation. This mix can be used for countertops, sinks, furniture, architectural castings, precast work, and other high-performance concrete applications where a versatile just-add-water base mix is desired.
| Fishstone HP50 | 50 lb |
| Water | 8–8.5 lb |
| Fiber / Reinforcement | As required |
| Optimum 380 Water Reducer | As needed |
Begin at the lower end of the recommended water range and allow the mix to fully develop before adding additional water. If more flow is required, a compatible high-range water reducer can be used to increase workability.
Traditional GFRC Mix
This formulation converts HP50 into a traditional polymer-modified GFRC mix using acrylic polymer and alkali-resistant glass fiber reinforcement.
| Fishstone HP50 | 50 lb |
| Water | 6.75–7.25 lb |
| KongKrete™ Liquid Acrylic Polymer | 2.5 lb |
| AR Glass Fiber | 1.5 lb |
| Optimum 380 Water Reducer | As needed |
For premix GFRC, introduce the AR glass fiber after the base mix has developed good flow and a uniform consistency. Add the fiber gradually to help achieve even dispersion.
Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) Mix
HP50 can also be modified as a base for fiber-reinforced ECC-style mixes where toughness, crack control, ductility, and workability are important.
| Fishstone HP50 | 50 lb |
| Water | 7.5–8.5 lb |
| TruCast SiX™ Admix | 15–20 lb |
| Fiber / Reinforcement | As required |
| Optimum 380 Water Reducer | As needed |
Fiber type and dosage should be selected for the desired application and performance. When using PVA or other high-volume fiber systems, introduce the fiber gradually after the base mix has developed sufficient flow.
Lightweight HP50 Mix
HP50 can be modified with lightweight filler for castings where reduced density and easier handling are desirable.
| Fishstone HP50 | 50 lb |
| Water | 8–9 lb |
| Featherlight Concrete Aggregate / Filler | 1 lb |
| Optimum 380 Water Reducer | As needed |
Lightweight fillers can change water demand, consistency, surface texture, and finishing characteristics. Add water gradually and make adjustments based on the desired placement method.
HP50 Coverage & Yield
One 50 lb bag of standard HP50 yields approximately:
Approximately 10 sq. ft. at 1/2 inch thick
Approximately 5 sq. ft. at 1 inch thick
Actual coverage may vary slightly with added fibers, polymers, fillers, admixtures, placement method, and waste.
Integral Pigment Loading
Each HP50 bag contains approximately 25 lb of cementitious material. For integral color, the HP50 product formulation allows up to approximately:
2.5 lb of Fishstone Premium Pigment per 50 lb bag
When other cementitious or reactive materials are added to the mix, pigment calculations may need to be adjusted for the complete formulation.
Mixing HP50
Basic Mixing Procedure
- Measure the recommended starting amount of water.
- Add HP50 gradually while the mixer is running.
- Mix until the material is thoroughly wetted and develops a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Allow sufficient mixing time before deciding that additional water or water reducer is required.
- Add Optimum 380 or another compatible water reducer in small increments when additional flow is needed.
- Add fibers gradually after the base mix has developed good workability.
- Mix only until the fibers are evenly dispersed.
Different mixer types, batch sizes, fibers, pigments, and specialty admixtures can affect the preferred mixing sequence. Maintain the same procedure from batch to batch once a successful formulation has been established.
Controlling Water and Workability
Avoid adding excessive water simply to increase flow. High-range water reducers can often improve placement and self-consolidating characteristics while maintaining a lower water content.
When making adjustments, allow the mix time to fully develop before adding more water or admixture. Small changes can have a significant effect on consistency.
Customizing HP50
One of the advantages of HP50 is that a single base mix can be modified for many different concrete applications. Depending on the project, adjustments may include:
- Water content
- High-range water reducer / superplasticizer
- Acrylic polymer
- AR glass fiber
- PVA or other reinforcing fibers
- TruCast SiX or other specialty admixtures
- Lightweight fillers
- Integral pigments
- Decorative aggregates
- Mixing sequence and mixing time
- Curing conditions
Make small, documented adjustments and test the finished concrete before moving a modified formulation into full production.
HP50 Mix Design FAQ
What is HP50?
HP50 is a 50 lb precision-blended high-performance concrete base mix containing white cement, graded sands, pozzolans, mineral admixtures, and other dry-blended components. It can be used by itself with water or modified for specialty applications.
How much water do I add to HP50?
For the basic high-performance concrete formulation, begin with approximately 8–8.5 lb of water per 50 lb bag. Other HP50 formulations use different water ranges depending on the added polymer, fibers, admixtures, or lightweight fillers.
Can HP50 be used for concrete countertops?
Yes. HP50 is suitable as a base mix for countertops, sinks, furniture, architectural castings, and other decorative concrete applications.
Can HP50 be used for GFRC?
Yes. HP50 can be modified for traditional polymer GFRC by adding KongKrete acrylic polymer, AR glass fiber, and a compatible water reducer as required.
Can HP50 be used for ECC?
HP50 can be used as a base for ECC-style fiber-reinforced formulations by combining it with suitable performance admixtures and reinforcing fibers. The formulation should be tested and adjusted for the desired toughness, ductility, and workability.
Can I add pigment to HP50?
Yes. HP50 is made with white cement and is well suited for integral pigments and decorative color applications. Each standard bag contains approximately 25 lb of cementitious material for pigment-loading calculations.
Can I add additional admixtures to HP50?
Yes. HP50 can be modified with compatible Portland cement-based admixtures, polymers, water reducers, fibers, lightweight fillers, pigments, and other specialty materials depending on the application.
How much concrete does one bag of HP50 make?
One 50 lb bag yields approximately 0.4 cubic feet of concrete, or approximately 10 square feet at 1/2 inch thick and 5 square feet at 1 inch thick.
Start With HP50 and Build the Mix You Need
HP50 gives you a consistent 50 lb base mix that can be used straight from the bag or customized with fibers, polymers, pigments, lightweight fillers, and performance admixtures for your specific concrete application.
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