Ready mixed concrete has rapidly become a popular choice of material within the construction and landscaping industries. In this article, we’re going to highlight the pros and cons of ready mixed concrete.
What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?
source: nrs.ltd
Ready mixed concrete is a ready-to-use building material that is made up of cement, water and raw aggregates, such as sand or crushed stone. It is an incredibly versatile construction material that can be used for various applications, including:
- Groundworks
- Paving and roads
- Driveways
- DIY projects
- Agricultural projects (i.e., grain barns)
- RC frames
- High performance (i.e., self-levelling concrete).
With ready mixed concrete, the concrete mixture is accurately made up by an external provider in a dedicated space before being transported to you via a transit mixer.
In the United Kingdom, all providers should ensure that the ready mixed concrete is quality approved to BS8500 / BS EN 206 standards.
Types Of Ready Mixed Concrete
source: brijcement.com
There are three different types of ready mixed concrete; transit mixed concrete, shrink mixed concrete and central mixed concrete. The type you opt for will depend on your project.
Transit mixed concrete is the most commonly used type of ready mixed concrete. As the name suggests, it is part mixed continuously during transit from the base to your location. The rest of the mixing is completed on-site before use. It is often referred to as ‘truck mixed concrete’.
Shrink mixed concrete is an option often used when the truck load capacity needs maximising. It involves part mixing the concrete at the base to reduce the volume of the mixture before loading it into the truck where it will be mixed further.
Central mixed concrete, on the other hand, is entirely mixed in a stationary mixer before it leaves the base of the external provider. It is then rotated regularly during transit and arrives to you ready to use. It is often referred to as ‘wet batch concrete’.
Pros Of Ready Mixed Concrete
source: virtueindustries.co.in
There are various reasons why ready mixed concrete has become so popular amongst construction professionals (and novices!). Aside from being super versatile, ready mixed concrete is also:
- High in quality – ready mixed concrete is made using high-quality materials that are expertly measured and mixed with high-tech equipment. With the BS8500/BS EN 206 standards, you are guaranteed consistently high-quality ready mixed concrete.
- Made to your specifications – this means it is created using aggregates that work best for your specific project. Plus, you only pay for what you need, meaning there will be no waste to dispose of and raw materials will be utilised optimally.
- Time-saving – with ready mixed concrete, the supplier will ensure it has arrived at your site at the time and date you need it. It will be ready to use, and you won’t have to waste time sourcing and mixing materials.
- Kinder to the environment – on-site mixing can lead to noise pollution, dust emissions and a lot of wasted materials, which is why ready mixed concrete is the eco-friendly option.
- Cost-effective (in the long run) – by opting for ready mixed concrete, you don’t need to worry about hiring expensive machinery or sourcing raw materials. Plus, you don’t need to pay for additional labourers.
Cons Of Ready Mixed Concrete
source: smartguy.com
As with all materials, there are some disadvantages to ready mixed concrete. These include:
- High initial cost – ready mixed concrete tends to be more expensive than traditional site mixed concrete. But as mentioned above, it works out to be cost-effective overall.
- Delays may occur – unexpected external factors, such as very heavy traffic, can delay the transit of the ready mixed concrete and therefore delay the project at hand. Ready mixed concrete should be used within a specific time frame otherwise the quality may be impacted. A professional ready mixed concrete provider would prepare for any hiccups and manage them effectively.
However, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to ready mixed concrete.
