Sand is the component of the mix which determines the abrasiveness of the concrete. Sand can either be "sharp" (abrasive) or "round" (non-abrasive). Crushed sand or bank sand are usually sharp; river sand is usually round.

Larger aggregates tend to make a blade cut slower while smaller aggregates tend to allow a blade cut faster. The most common aggregate sizes are:

There are many different types of rock used as aggregate. Generally hard aggregate breaks down the cutting diamonds faster which means the bond must be softer to expose new diamonds. Softer aggregate generally does not break down the cutting diamonds as quickly and therefore requires a harder bond to hold the diamonds in place to use their full potential. The Mohs' scale is used to estimate hardness:

Steel reinforcing tends to make a blade cut slower. Less reinforcing allows a blade to cut faster. Heavy rebar can also result from different grades of steel. Typical rebar is grade 40 but grade 60 is also common. Rebar gauges are in eights of an inch. #4 is 1/2" diameter, #5 is 5/8" diameter etc.

The drying or curing of concrete greatly affects how the concrete will interact with a diamond blade. Green concrete is freshly poured concrete that has not yet cured. It is softer and more abrasive than cured concrete. A harder bond with undercut protection should be used in this application until it is cured at which point a softer bond would be appropriate.The definition of green concrete can vary widley. Water, temperature, moisture in the aggreagate, time of the year and the amount of water in the mix all influence the curing time.