Is Ready Mixed Concrete Worth It?
Yes. Ready-mixed concrete is a versatile construction material used widely amongst building and construction companies across the UK. Why? Because it has a range of advantages!
In this article, we’re going to outline the different types of ready-mixed concrete, the advantages of ready-mixed concrete and share tips on how to source it from reputable manufacturers.
Types Of Ready Mixed Concrete
There are three main types of ready-mixed concrete:
- Transit Mixed Concrete
- Shrink Mixed Concrete
- Central Mixed Concrete
But what’s the difference?
Transit mixed concrete, often referred to as ‘truck mixed concrete’ is one of the most popular types of ready-mixed concrete. As the name suggests, with transit-mixed concrete, the supplier batches the materials before adding them to a truck that part-mixes the concrete in transit.
This keeps the water separate from the concrete and aggregate materials and prevents the mixture from hardening. The rest of the mixing is then completed on site just before the ready-mixed concrete is used.
With shrink-mixed concrete, the concrete is partially mixed by the supplier before it is loaded into the truck. The aim of this is to shrink the volume of the mixture and increase the loading capacity of the transport vehicle. The drum mixed on the truck will then complete the mixing of the ready-mixed concrete on route to the site.
Central-mixed concrete is often referred to as wet-batch concrete and is entirely mixed by a stationary mixer before it leaves the supplier’s site. Central-mixed concrete offers improved quality control, better consistency and higher production capability. It also reduces wear on the truck mixer drums.
Advantages Of Ready Mixed Concrete
Ready-mixed concrete has a number of amazing benefits! It is a versatile and efficient material that is suitable for a vast array of applications.
This includes civil engineering projects, agricultural projects, road developments, building foundations, bridges, walls, floors/bases and domestic projects (such as driveways and footpaths). Ready-mixed concrete can even be used by novices to complete DIY projects.
Ready-mixed concrete can speed up the construction process and requires less manual labour than mixing concrete onsite, meaning you can cut labour costs. Because it is pre-mixed before it reaches your construction site, you can also significantly reduce the noise and air pollution on site.
The reduced material waste (as opposed to natural concrete) also means that ready-mixed concrete is more environmentally friendly. With ready-mixed concrete, you are also guaranteed consistency in quality and texture, ensuring optimal results every time.
When purchased from the right supplier, you can be assured that the ready-mixed concrete has undergone rigorous quality control measures to ensure perfect results every time.
Sourcing Ready Mixed Concrete
A ready-mixed concrete supplier will prepare the concrete specifically to meet your design and manufacture criteria before pre-mixing it. They will then deliver it directly to your site.
When choosing a ready-mixed concrete supplier, always opt for ready-mixed concrete that is quality approved to BS8500/BSEN206 standard. It is also a good idea to check the supplier’s reputation by reading their customer reviews and case studies.
Where possible, speak to the supplier’s team to discuss what type of ready-mixed concrete is best for your project. As experts in their trade, they will be able to help you determine the type and volume of ready-mixed concrete your project requires.
