Ready mix concrete has transformed the way concrete is delivered, enabling the uniformity, quality, and efficiency required to meet the demands of modern construction.
From the batch facility to the jobsite, this blog will show you how ready-mix concrete is delivered to your project.
It all starts at the batch plant.
The batch facility is where the magic happens. These environmentally friendly facilities include silos, aggregate bins, additive tanks, scales, and ready mix vehicles. Batch plants receive and store the cement, rocks, sand, and water required to produce concrete.
Once you place your order, an operator will precisely measure the elements required for your work. The batching process uses a computerized system to ensure accurate measurements and consistency in the mix.
The chemicals and additives are blended in specified proportions based on the project specifications and soil conditions. After being assembled, the blend is routed through a huge central mixer or directly to the concrete delivery vehicle for mixing.
Because concrete forms quickly, it is critical that the materials be transported to the job site immediately and mixed. As a result, collaborating with a batch facility near your project is vital for a successful concrete delivery.
Concrete is delivered using trucks.
When you order ready-mix concrete, it’s delivered using ready-mix concrete trucks. These big trucks use revolving drums with folding chutes to release concrete. The most popular ways for distributing ready-mix concrete are transit mixing or shrink-mixing.
Transit mixing is exactly what it sounds like. Your project’s concrete mix is loaded into the truck’s rotating drum at a high speed, often referred to as “charging” speed.
Water is kept separate from the mix and added just before use to prevent it from hardening in transit. This mixing process necessitates precise planning and is ideal for applications requiring a large amount of concrete.
The shrink-mixed method involves partially mixing your concrete in a plant mixer before placing it on a transit truck to finish the work on the trip to the construction site. Shrink-mixing increases a truck’s load capacity by reducing the initial volume of concrete at the plant.
When ready-mix concrete arrives at your site, it is often discharged down a chute that leads straight to the form location required. Concrete pumps are used in some cases, such as high-rises, to access difficult-to-reach areas.
There are several types of ready-mix delivery trucks:
The most frequent variety 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′.
There are also front-discharge trucks. Here, concrete is dumped through a chute that extends above the cab. The chute and discharge are controlled from inside the cab, which provides superior vision. Typical length is 36-40′.
Finally, there are volumetric mixers. These trucks transport unmixed materials and mix concrete on-site. They produce less waste and have a lower carbon footprint than conventional drum trucks. Typical length is 30-40′.
Best practices when ordering ready-mix concrete
To ensure that you get the appropriate ready-mix concrete for your project, you must do several things. These things include:
Specify what you want.
When you are making your order, you need to pay attention to several things, including:
Compressive Strength: Determine the required strength at 28 days.
Workability: Describe the level of workability required for ease of installation and long-term durability. This is critical for maintaining the concrete’s structural integrity during and after curing.
Lead Time: Let the company know how much notice you need before delivery.
Site Accessibility: Ensure the site is accessible to ready-mix trucks. Components such as cement and aggregates are usually measured and mixed by mass, so mention any preferences here.
Providing these specifics helps prevent delays and ensures the concrete meets your project’s specifications.
Know the quantity that you need.
After determining your ready-mix concrete needs, the following step is to calculate the quantity you need for your project.
Use the formula: Volume = Length x Width x Depth. For accuracy, ensure that all measurements are in the same unit; if necessary, convert thickness from inches to feet. Accurate estimating is critical for avoiding costly mistakes and achieving project success.
For example, a slab of 10 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 0.33 feet deep has a volume of 19.8 cubic feet. Divide this by 27 to get cubic yards. The RMC Calculator helps you figure out how much ready-mix concrete you’ll need.
Remember to provide an additional 5-10% for waste. For convenience, you can use online calculators to calculate volume, but always double-check your values for accuracy.
Properly prepare for delivery.
Before pouring concrete, make sure the ground is prepared correctly. This is essential for a strong foundation. Here’s how to get it correct:
Excavate: Dig to the appropriate depth until you hit firm, undisturbed soil.
Clear rubbish: To prevent contamination, remove all trash, stones, and grass.
Base Material: To improve drainage and support, spread a layer of gravel 2-4 inches thick.
Soil Compaction: Level and compact the soil thoroughly to create a uniform foundation.
Before you begin, check the base for any abnormalities or weak points. Proper preparation is required for adequate concrete placement, which ensures that your project will last.
Schedule your delivery wisely.
When the site is ready for concrete placement, the following step is to schedule delivery.
Begin by coordinating your delivery timeframes with the construction plan to ensure rapid pouring when the concrete arrives. Maintain open contact with your concrete suppliers, detailing your project’s requirements, such as the sort of mix and quantity needed.
It is critical to create contracts that specify delivery schedules and contain consequences for tardiness. Include buffer times to allow for unanticipated disturbances without derailing your project.
Regular coordination meetings with site managers and logistical teams will enable you to handle possible difficulties quickly. Finally, create emergency contingency plans to minimize any disruptions to your timeframe, ensuring that your project works smoothly and efficiently.
Parting shot
Ready-mix concrete is delivered using specialized trucks. When requesting a ready mix concrete delivery Silver Spring, it’s essential to understand the basics, state your requirements, determine the quantity needed, and prepare for delivery, which will help ensure a seamless procedure.
Consider it like following a recipe—each step is essential for getting the perfect blend. So, be ready to dig in; your project will soon take shape with the strength and beauty of newly poured concrete.
