The anticipation of a new concrete pour is exciting. Whether you’re laying a new patio, constructing a foundation, or establishing a robust driveway, the success of your project is primarily dependent on one key phase: concrete site preparation.
A smooth concrete delivery day is more than simply having the truck arrive on time; it is also about having your site completely prepared to welcome the ready-mix concrete delivery.
To ensure that you have an easy time, here are the crucial “Dos and Don’ts” for concrete delivery to ensure that your project runs smoothly and that your concrete delivery and pouring yield the best results.
Do confirm your order and delivery schedule
A day or two before delivery, double-check the concrete mix design (strength, slump, admixtures), quantity (cubic yards/meters), and exact delivery time with your ready-mix delivery supplier.
At the same time, keep an eye on the forecast. Concrete dislikes extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and heavy rain. Address any problems with your concrete supplier as early as possible and ensure that your delivery won’t have any issues.
Be thorough in your sub base preparation.
Make sure that your sub-base (gravel, crushed stone, etc.) is correctly compacted and leveled. This prevents further settlement and cracking. A properly compacted base is essential for long-lasting concrete.
While this is the case, you should slightly dampen the sub-base before pouring. This is because the dry sub-base quickly absorbs water from the concrete, reducing its strength. And you don’t want this. As much as you should dampen the surface, don’t overdo it to the extent of having puddles.
Do set your forms correctly.
The forms that you use must be robust enough to sustain the weight of wet concrete without bowing. Secure them carefully with stakes and bracing.
You should always double-check your form heights and grades. Use string lines and levels to ensure that everything is put up exactly as you planned.
Have clear access for the concrete truck.
Ensure that the path from the roadway to the pour site is broad (at least 10-12 feet for most trucks) and solid enough to support a large vehicle. Look for tiny gates, overhanging branches, and soft ground.
You should remove any obstructions, such as cars, equipment, tools, or landscape elements, that may limit the truck’s movement or the discharge chute.
You should note that most ordinary concrete trucks feature chutes that stretch between 12 and 16 feet. If your pour site is further away, you can transport the wet concrete in wheelbarrows or by hiring a concrete pump. Discuss this with your supplier ahead of time to avoid problems.
Ensure that you have enough manpower and tools.
Concrete sets quickly, so ensure that you have enough skilled workers on hand to spread, screed, float, and finish the concrete properly.
You also should ensure that you have all necessary tools, such as shovels, rakes, screeds, floats, edgers, grooves, vibrators (if required), and your safety equipment, are clean, functional, and easily available.
Don’t underestimate the weight of the truck.
Never drive a heavy concrete truck over soft ground, septic fields, or over shallow buried utilities without first investigating and reinforcing. Remember that a stranded truck incurs considerable delays and costs, and you don’t want this.
Be aware of any weight restrictions on driveways, and if you have them, change your delivery path.
Don’t make last-minute preparations.
Avoid attempting to complete forms or sub-base preparation just before the truck arrives. This causes mistakes and stressful situations. You should complete all concrete site preparation far ahead of the anticipated ready mix concrete delivery.
Ensure the people working on the site are safe.
Ensure that everyone on site is wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye protection, and boots. Wet concrete can lead to skin burns, so be ultra-cautious about how you go about it.
Use clear hand gestures or communication tools with the concrete truck driver.
Ensure that you have enough water.
Make a hose and a water source readily available on location. You may need small amounts of water to adjust the slump (consistency) of the concrete, but only with the approval and supervision of the concrete professional on-site. Using too much water weakens the concrete, and this is the last thing you want.
Do protect the adjacent areas
You should protect the existing structures, landscaping, and other surfaces from splashes and spills during the concrete pouring process by using plastic sheeting or tarps.
Don’t have a schedule that is too tight.
Allow yourself a buffer in your schedule. This is because unexpected circumstances (traffic, minor truck delays, on-site adjustments) can occur. Rushing the pour reduces quality, and since you want perfect results, you should allow yourself some time.
Work with a reputable concrete delivery.
As much as you want concrete, it doesn’t mean that you should hire the first company you come across. Instead, you should take your time to research and find a reputable company with a proven record of consistently high-quality concrete delivery.
As mentioned, don’t be in a hurry when finding a company. Instead, you should take time to visit a number of companies and see their factories and their staff. You not only need a company that delivers high-quality concrete, but one that also has great staff members.
This is especially important if you have a large project that requires you to order large quantities of concrete from the ready mix concrete suppliers Montgomery County.
Parting shot
By following these ready-mix concrete delivery guidelines and guaranteeing precise concrete site preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a successful concrete delivery and a long-lasting, high-quality finished product.
As mentioned, a little planning can help make a potentially stressful day run smoothly and efficiently, so always ensure that you make the proper plans.
