Ready-mix concrete consists of rock, sand, water, and cement mixed in a specified ratio. The ratio varies depending on the type of project, its specifications, climate conditions and other factors.
Since they are made in a closed, controlled environment using high-tech equipment, their composition, texture, and quality remain consistent throughout all batches being made.
When Do You Need to Buy Ready-Mixed Concrete In Bromley?
Ready Mixed Concrete in Bromley is made by mixing cement with the other ingredients in batch plants. The concrete experts offer consistent customisation of the mixed ingredients to cater to project requirements. Furthermore, ready-mix concrete offers consistent quality.
On-site concrete drains a lot of energy and time. If you want to save your time then ready-mix concrete is the right choice. Moreover, if you are working on large-scale projects then ready-mix concrete is more beneficial as it saves a lot of time, energy and cost.
Types of Ready Mix Concrete
Ready-mix concrete majorly has three types depending upon the ratio of the ingredients in the mixture. Here are a few types:
Central mixed concrete
Central mixed concrete refers to ready-mix concrete that is mixed in massive stationary mixers located at a concrete batch plant. All the ingredients, including cement, water, aggregates, catalysers or other additives, are added and mixed in a precise ratio. After the concrete is mixed, it is transferred to transit mixtures or concrete supplier trucks to be supplied at the construction site. It is highly preferred for large-scale projects where concrete quality and consistency can’t be compromised.
Shrink mixed concrete
This type of ready-mix concrete involves mixing at two levels. In the first level, the ingredients are partially mixed in the stationary mixer in the central concrete batch plant. Then it is loaded and further mixed in the truck-mounted drum mixer during transit.
This is the best option when the concrete has to cover long distances. If the complete mixed concrete is transferred over a long distance, it starts getting hard and loses its efficiency. The level of mixing during transit depends on how much mixture was primarily done in the central mixing plant.
Transit mixed concrete
It is also known as dry-batched concrete. In this type of ready-mix concrete, complete mixing is done during the transit. The raw materials in the fixed ratio are added to the rotating drum mixer mounted on the truck. The mixer keeps on rotating at a fast speed then the speed starts reducing slowly when a normal agitating speed is achieved. This type of ready-mix concrete is available in three variations as follows:
Concrete mixed at the job site:
The drum revolves at an agitating speed of 2 rotations per minute (RPM). Once the truck reaches the construction site, the speed will be increased to around 70 to 100 revolutions at a maximum speed of 12 to 15 rpm to ensure a smooth mixture.
Concrete mixed in transit:
It involves a constant drum speed during transit, i.e., roughly 8 rpm at 70 revolutions. Afterwards, the rotation is slowed to an agitating speed of 2 rpm. Then, the mixed concrete is discharged at the site.
Concrete mixed in the yard:
During transit, the drum is mixed at an agitating speed of 2 rpm. On reaching the site, the mixer’s speed is increased to 12 to 15 rpm for approximately 50 revolutions.
Advantages of Ready Mixed Concrete
- Ready-mix concrete offers premium quality concrete, free of pollutants and external waste as it is made in batches.
- It eliminates the need to rely on massive labour. It saves your time and budget and eases the management at the construction site.
- It mitigates the chances of human errors as the ratio and mixing are all done by precise machines.
- It can be reused and recycled.
- It prevents raw materials from being wasted. You can control how much you want the concrete and order accordingly. Even if it gets short, you can order more.
- As it produces very little waste, it’s a sustainable method. Moreover, due to less cement wastage, less cement is manufactured, hence a contribution to saving the resources used in its formation.
- It reduces any delays due to unseen issues in the batch plant on the construction site.
- It has versatile applications from patios, underlays, and buildings to almost everywhere.
If you are considering buying ready mix concrete or simply want to calculate the amount of Liquid Screed Calculator, just contact our experts at Ready Mix Concrete.