When you order ready mix concrete from ready mix concrete suppliers, you want to get the most from them, right? And you can. You only need to do several things that include:
Ensure your site is ready
Many companies that deliver ready-mix concrete complain that they don’t find adequately prepared sites, which makes their work difficult.
A poorly compacted subfoundation will produce an uneven surface finish and increase the likelihood of weak areas. Using gravel that is too small or too thin on the ground may also cause settling.
To be on the safe side, you should ensure your site is adequately prepared before ordering concrete.
Consider the layout, surrounding environment, and any potential barriers to the delivery process. Some of the things you should do include:
Ensure that trucks have a clear path to the site. If possible, walk the path to check for low-hanging tree branches, power lines, or tight corners that may obstruct access.
Ready-mix trucks are heavy and need a sturdy surface. Confirm that access roads and paths can support the truck’s weight without sinking, tipping, or causing earth to be displaced.
Rain or freezing conditions can affect both the delivery process and the quality of concrete. If you are expecting inclement weather, contact your provider to discuss potential changes or delays.
When it comes to the pouring site, you also need to ensure it’s ready. Some of the things you should include:
The pouring area must be adequately prepared to receive the concrete.
Ensure the area where you will pour concrete is level, stable, and free of debris. Any loose rocks, roots, or debris could reduce the strength of the pour.
Set up formwork to define the pouring area. Ensure that all forms are securely fastened and can withstand the weight and pressure of the concrete. Double-check your measurements and angles, as any deviation can result in an uneven pour.
For outdoor work, ensure that you set your site in such a way that water can adequately drain away from the site. Any standing water can affect concrete curing, potentially leading to cracking or structural weaknesses.
Remember to have a dedicated washout area so trucks can clean out their mixers after the pour. This should be a secure area away from drainage systems and environmentally sensitive locations.
Ensure that you have the necessary tools.
Having all the necessary tools and equipment for the work will help you proceed successfully and ensure everything runs smoothly. Some of the things that you need include:
Make sure you have vibrators to remove air pockets from the concrete and screeds to level the surface once it’s poured.
Concrete trowels, brushes, and other finishing equipment are necessary to create the desired surface texture and finish.
Additionally, provide all team members with appropriate safety gear, such as gloves, goggles, and protective footwear, to ensure their safety while working.
Consider the site’s safety.
The last thing you want is to have to stop working because someone gets injured on the site. To prevent this, you need to keep the site as safe as possible. Some of the things you should do include:
To avoid mishaps, restrict site access to only needed staff, particularly those near the pouring area.
Have communication protocols. Make sure all team members understand the hand signals or radios used to communicate with the driver during the pour.
In case of an accident, have an emergency plan in place that includes first-aid supplies and contact information for local emergency services.
Order your concrete from a reputable company.
There is no way you are going to get a good result from poor-quality concrete, so you need to ensure that you order your concrete from a reputable company.
You should note that a good concrete mix is challenging to make since it requires a precise balance of water, cement, and particles. Too much water weakens the concrete mixture, and too little makes it unusable.
Ordering ready-mix concrete from skilled professionals ensures you receive a high-quality mix for your project. A concreting specialist will even adjust a concrete mix to your individual needs.
To ensure you receive the concrete you need, discuss the concrete mix specifications with your concrete suppliers to confirm they meet the project requirements. Different blends have varying drying periods, strengths, and finishes, so determining the correct blend is critical.
Besides ordering the right mix from the concrete companies, you need to confirm the delivery schedule and expected duration of the pour, and provide any site-specific instructions to the delivery personnel. Avoid delays by ensuring that everyone knows the plan.
Protect the curing process.
Concrete must cure properly to acquire its full strength. Keep the surface moist as necessary, and use curing compounds or blankets if temperatures vary greatly.
After the initial set, check the pour for uniformity, cracks, and air bubbles. Address any issues promptly to avoid systemic problems in the future.
You should remove the formwork at the right time (typically 24-48 hours after pouring), clean up any debris, and remove the washout area to ensure a clean, safe site.
Parting shot
Here are some of the things that you should do to ensure a smooth experience with your ready-mix concrete.
As mentioned, you should ensure you work with ready mix concrete delivery Rockville professionals. This way, you can be sure the concrete you order is high-quality and meets your needs.
Properly preparing your construction site for ready-mix concrete delivery will significantly improve the quality and efficiency of your project.
By assessing site conditions, organizing tools, communicating with your supplier, and prioritizing safety, you can ensure a successful concrete pour and a strong, long-lasting structure.
Even after pouring, you should take measures to protect the curing concrete. As a rule of thumb, ensure that you cure it with enough water to avoid cracks. You should also regularly inspect the cured concrete for any defects and act promptly to fix them if possible.
