Receiving your first ready mix concrete delivery might be daunting, but understanding the delivery procedure is critical to a successful project. This tutorial will walk you through the most essential components of ready-mix concrete delivery, allowing you to manage the process confidently.

Order the correct amount

One of the most critical components of ordering ready-mix concrete is ensuring you order the correct quantity. When placing your order, ensure you add a margin of error when determining your requirements.

Seasoned contractors may figure in a 5-10% margin, whereas first-timers may consider a 10-15% buffer. Accurate dimensions are essential; you should consult a contractor to ensure proper calculations.

Preparing for delivery

Being adequately prepared before delivery is critical. Remember, there is no going back once the concrete is in the truck. Avoid rushing to meet tight deadlines since the concrete will begin to solidify. Ensure your site is ready and all necessary preparations have been completed before the truck arrives.

Ready mix firms have a “Beyond The Curb Policy” that requires property owners or contractors to sign a liability release before the truck can drive onto their property.

If the delivery location is on a busy road, notify the delivery firm in advance so the driver can pull straight onto the driveway. Remember that concrete delivery can be messy, with minor spills occurring frequently. These loaded vehicles can also weigh more than 60,000 pounds, so ensure your area can carry the weight.

Watch out for the delivery trucks.

There are many types of ready-mix delivery trucks:

The most frequent type is rear discharge trucks, which discharge concrete from the back of the vehicle. The driver controls the flow and speed of the drum and chutes from the back of the car. Typical length is 30-36′.

Front Discharge Trucks: Concrete is dumped through a chute that extends above the cab. The chute and discharge are controlled inside the cab, providing superior vision. Typical length is 36-40′.

Volumetric Mixers: These trucks transport unmixed materials and mix concrete on-site. They produce less waste and lower carbon footprint than conventional drum trucks. Typical length is 30-40′.

Access Considerations

Delivery trucks are big, measuring 30 to 40 feet long and 11.5 to 13.5 feet tall. Ensure enough space for the vehicle to maneuver and unload safely. If access to the site is difficult, you should consider employing a concrete pump; while they are more expensive up front, they will save much time in manual labor and shorten everyone’s time there.

Taking the truck off a paved surface cannot be guaranteed, and the final choice is up to the delivery driver. Do not rely on off-road operations (get a concrete pump). A liability waiver will be necessary if the driver agrees to travel off a paved area.

The property owner will be responsible for any damage to the property, equipment, or infrastructure and any necessary towing. Be aware of any underground utilities, septic systems, or other infrastructure affected by the truck’s weight, as these vehicles are hefty.

Think about washout

This is the most frequently forgotten step. After the concrete is delivered, the truck must be cleaned on-site. This process is referred to as a “washout.” Concrete can solidify quickly, so cleaning the truck’s chute, drum, auger, and any other equipment that came into touch with it is critical.

The delivery driver will need a specified spot to do the washout, which should be ready before the truck comes. This area should be large enough to contain the washout components, often a mix of concrete residue, sand, aggregate, and water.

Standard washout procedures include the following:

Wheelbarrow: The most frequent way to collect washout materials is to use one or two wheelbarrows. The driver will rinse the chute and drum and empty the washout into the wheelbarrows.

Washout Pit: A washout pit is a pre-dug hole coated with plastic sheeting to keep washout materials from leaking into the earth. The driver will direct the washout into a pit, which can then be filled in and properly disposed of.

A washout bag might be used instead if a washout place is unavailable. These bags are intended to contain washout materials and can be stored on-site for later disposal.

It’s worth noting that volumetric trucks take more water to clean because of the lengthier mixing procedure inside the car.

After the washing is complete, let the materials settle and solidify. Once hardened, the washout can be disposed of according to local rules. The property owner or contractor ensures the washout materials are disposed of properly.

You should work closely with the contractor to ensure this is done properly.

Providing an appropriate washout area and understanding the washout process guarantees that your ready-mix concrete delivery runs smoothly and is environmentally responsible.

Schedule the delivery right.

Schedule the delivery and notify the supplier when any modifications or delays occur. This ensures a seamless delivery procedure and prevents any last-minute complications.

Weather conditions have a considerable impact on concrete supply and pouring. Be aware of the criteria for pouring in different weather situations, such as excessive heat, cold, and rain. Discuss any issues with your concrete suppliers to achieve the best possible results.

Safety precautions

Safety is paramount during a concrete delivery. Ensure that everyone on the job site wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and stays safe from the vehicle during unloading.

Follow the delivery crew’s instructions and any other safety requirements your contractor or supplier provided to ensure everyone is safe. If you have an issue, fix it as soon as possible before it gets worse.

Parting shot

Understanding the significant features of ready-mix concrete delivery will help you prepare for your first delivery. Remember to order the appropriate quantity, prepare your site, evaluate access and weather conditions, prioritize safety, and communicate efficiently with your ready mix concrete suppliers Montgomery County.

Your ready-mix concrete delivery and project will succeed with careful preparation and attention to detail. If you have any questions or issues, contact the delivery company before the delivery.