Ready-mix concrete has been specially made to be delivered to construction sites in a ready-mixed and unhardened state. This type of concrete, also known as RMC, is made in a batching facility or factory under controlled conditions. RMC can be mixed with specialized equipment to achieve the perfect mixture. This makes RMC a preferred choice for the on-site concrete mix. The ready-mixed mixture is made according to a specific recipe. It then gets delivered to the work site using trucks equipped with in-transit mixers. You can send special mixtures right to where you need them, just like a gourmet meal on wheels. Concrete made from the ready-mix is the most popular type of concrete. It accounts for almost three-quarters of all concrete. Ready-mix concrete is usually sold by volume and measured in cubic meters. On-site mixes are sometimes used instead of ready-mixed concrete because the job or supply chain requires more flexibility.
What is ready-mix concrete? RMC is a mix of cement, water, and aggregates. Concrete’s most important ingredient is cement. It is made up of water, cement, and aggregates. Water is the essential fluid in the mix. When it comes into contact with cement, it sets off a chemical reaction. The most common part of the mix, approximately 60 to 70%, is made up of aggregates. These include sand, gravel, and crushed stones from quarries and aggregate banks. Ready-mix concrete can also be treated with liquid or solid additives during or before preparation. These additives can increase the concrete’s durability and reduce its setting time.
Each of these ingredients is purchased individually and then mixed according to the job’s requirements. The components are combined into a cohesive concrete mass during the mixing phase. The mixing time is measured precisely. It begins when water and other materials are added to the cement mixer. After that, the mixer starts rotating. The mixer rotates at a speed of between two and six rotations per hour while it is on its way to the site.
Ready-mix concrete is still the most popular type of concrete because it can be mixed on-site to exact specifications using specialized equipment.
Tips to Choose the Right Concrete Mixture
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the options when it comes to building your driveway or parking lot. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of terms such as “ready-mix”, “concrete”, and “cement”. Keep reading to learn how we help you choose the best concrete mix for your project.
- Learn the difference between cement and concrete
First, it is important to understand that cement and concrete are not the same things. Concrete is made up of cement, gravel, and sand. Concrete is made from cement, which is a dry, powdered material. It is then mixed with gravel, water, and sand to make concrete. You need the correct proportions of these materials to create concrete that is of high quality.
- Calculate the temperature and area of the concrete to be poured.
An entrained air mix may be the right choice for you if you live in an area with unpredictable weather and your concrete will be exposed to different temperatures. A mixture with a plasticizer will allow concrete to flow into tight spaces.
- Understanding the different types of mixes
Mixing concrete can be very difficult and very fast. Concrete supplier Birmingham provides ready-mix concrete. This is a pre-mixed mixture of perfectly proportioned cement, sand, and gravel that can be mixed quickly. These are the top five varieties of ready-mix concrete:
Self-Leveling Concrete – A flat and smooth surface for your project is required by self-leveling concrete. Concrete with high flow characteristics can be leveled by itself without the use of water or hand-leveling.
Rapid Setting Concrete – This is the best choice if you are working on a concrete project and want to reduce your energy consumption. This type of concrete sets quickly so your project can move quickly and you’ll be back to work no matter how long it takes.
Fiber-reinforced concrete – This is a great choice for driveways and parking lots that will be exposed to extremely cold winters. Fiber-reinforced concrete can withstand harsh weather conditions better. It is ideal for structural design because of the microfibers it contains.
Standard Ready-Mix Concrete – This is the best choice if you want a material that is easy to use, has a controlled environment, and is efficient. This concrete form is simple and most popular for standard driveways. This option is the most reliable as it comes directly from the concrete plant.
High Strength Concrete If your concrete needs to withstand heavy industrial loads, high-strength concrete may be required. This concrete is made with more resilience than other concrete types. It doesn’t need to be difficult to choose the right concrete mix. Port Aggregates can provide ready-mix concrete solutions for all your needs.
