Every batch of concrete that leaves a concrete facility is planned and mixed to meet the exact specifications for each assignment. The batch considers everything from aggregate size and strength grade to distance to the construction site and weather conditions on the pouring day.
When ordering premixed concrete from a ready-mix concrete delivery company, you must submit particular parameters to ensure that each project has the greatest potential outcome.
This article aims to help you make informed decisions when obtaining premixed concrete.
Always order in advance.
To ensure that your local concrete plant has enough time to prepare premixed concrete to your specifications, put your order at least one week (7 days) before the delivery date.
All orders are subject to availability, and orders requiring testing should be scheduled when the initial order is placed. Short-notice orders are often accepted on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability.
To be on the safe side, place your order and confirm all details as soon as possible. the last thing you want is to have to make changes when it’s too late as you often end up paying too much extra and you don’t want this, do you?
Be specific about the class of concrete
N20, N25, N32, N40, or N50 are the standard strength grades to specify. Special Class concrete has a strength grade of more than 50.
The normal aggregate size is 20mm unless 10mm or 14mm aggregate sizes are specified. The installation technique, reinforcing spacing, and concrete element thickness can also determine aggregate size.
To obtain the desired concrete workability, specify a slump of 20mm to 120mm. The larger the slump, the more workable the concrete. You should do a slump test to analyze the slump carefully; however, the final results can be 20mm over or below the requested slump.
Pumping, site practices, and putting needs frequently necessitate larger slumps, while intricate formwork or congested reinforcing may require a higher slump to facilitate placement and compaction.
You should note that water should be added to the concrete on-site to promote slump, as this might degrade the concrete’s quality.
Specify the method and rate of placement.
When constructing the concrete mix, consider the method of placing the concrete, such as a chute or pump, the type of pump, and the size and length of the line.
You should also specify the rate of concrete laying so that the concrete company can plan production and delivery schedules accordingly. You also should consider pump placement and accessibility.
Also, be strategic with the truck size and traffic control to avoid delays on the day of the pour. While at it, consider safe site access. This involves evaluating the delivery truck’s size and traffic control planning to avoid delays on the pour day. You should also pay attention to pump placement and accessibility.
Prepare your site for delivery.
Proper site preparation ensures that concrete bulk deliveries run smoothly and efficiently. Clear the delivery area of obstructions, debris, or hazards to ensure that concrete trucks have unimpeded access.
To avoid congestion and delays, create specific staging areas for concrete mixing and placing, keeping them free of equipment and materials. Ensure that the site is level, solid, and well-compacted to hold the weight of concrete trucks and prevent settling or shifting during delivery.
Mixer trucks and concrete pumps require a lot of space to function (on the ground and overhead), so ensure your site has enough room for them. This involves inspecting the width of your entryway and any overhead clearances.
Mixer trucks range from 10 to 11.6 meters long and 3.5 to 4 meters tall at the hopper (the section that holds the concrete mix). Concrete pumps, on the other hand, are classified into two categories with varying sizes:
Line pumps are smaller and designed to pump concrete over long distances using hoses. Their trucks are generally between 2.4 and 3 meters tall and 5 to 7 meters long.
Boom pumps’ height varies according to whether the arm is folded or unfolded. When folded, they can be as short as 3 meters tall.
Their unfolded reach can vary greatly, with boom lengths ranging from 16 to 62 meters. The truck is similar in length to a line pump truck, measuring 5 to 7 meters.
You should also designate a washout station with sufficient drainage so the concrete delivery company can clean the equipment after each pour.
To avoid cracking in the finished product, ensure that the area where the concrete will be poured is level and compacted. Also, remove any grass, roots, sticks, pebbles, or other debris since organic matter can weaken the concrete.
Check the weather a few days before, as severe temperatures can disrupt drying. If rain is forecast, prepare a tarp or other covering to protect the fresh concrete.
If it is going to be hot, try soaking the ground slightly before the concrete arrives to keep it from absorbing too much moisture from the concrete, which can cause uneven curing.
Parting shot
When ordering pre-mix concrete, you need to be cautious and ensure that you do it right. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you get it from reputable ready-mix concrete suppliers Rockville.
For a great experience, take advantage of sophisticated delivery methods and technologies to increase the efficiency and accuracy of concrete bulk deliveries.
Consider volumetric concrete mixers or transportable batch plants, which enable on-site mixing and bespoke concrete blending to meet individual project needs.
These delivery systems provide more flexibility, precision, and control over the mixing process, reducing waste and maximizing material consumption.
Consider alternative transportation solutions, such as conveyor belts or pump trucks, for delivering concrete to difficult-to-reach or elevated regions. These solutions can save physical labor and boost job site safety.
