You've probably come across the term "ready-mix concrete" on several occasions, but have you ever had the opportunity to use this mixture in a construction project? It's an innovation that's gaining ground in the market, and yet many people still don't know much about it.
If you find yourself in this situation when dealing with ready-mix concrete, let's clarify this topic right now. However, to understand its advantages and why this mix is a viable and desirable option for your next project, it's necessary to first understand what it is.
In this text, I will present the concept of ready-mix concrete, as well as its advantages and differences compared to concrete mixed directly on the construction site.
What is ready-mix concrete?
Ready-mix concrete, also known as Central-Mixed Concrete (CMC), is produced in a plant where there is strict control over the dosage of materials and mixing time. This process is monitored to ensure complete homogeneity of the concrete.
During the manufacturing of ready-mix concrete, moisture tests are performed on the fine materials and density tests are performed on the raw materials to ensure that the material meets the contractors' requirements.
Ready-mix concrete is transported by concrete mixer trucks or vehicles that do not have mechanical mixing equipment.
The main standard governing ready-mix concrete is ABNT NBR 7212 (Execution of Ready-Mix Concrete at a Central Plant – Procedure). In addition, there are other standards that can also be used:
What is the difference between ready-mix concrete and concrete produced on the construction site?
Ready-mix concrete is manufactured in a process that carefully monitors the precise quantity of materials and mixing time. On the other hand, concrete produced on the construction site, although using the same materials in the mix, generally lacks precise quantity control.
This is because the process on the construction site is done manually, often using shovels and buckets. Therefore, ready-mixed concrete offers better quality, since concrete plants use batching equipment that ensures a homogeneous mixture.
The application method also differs between ready-mix concrete and concrete produced on-site. In the case of ready-mix concrete, the material is applied all at once, allowing for faster and more uniform concreting.
Concrete produced on-site is applied in stages, which can result in different curing times and various mixtures with unequal dosages.
Benefits of ready-mix concrete:
Before opting for ready-mix concrete in your construction project, it's important to consider whether this choice is financially viable. To help with this decision, we've listed the main advantages of this material.
Advantages:
Quality assurance
Ready-mix concrete is manufactured using technological equipment and is monitored throughout the mixing process. This gives the client confidence in obtaining a quality material and guarantees structural safety.
Space saving
Since ready-mix concrete is supplied directly from the plant, there is no need to reserve space on the construction site to store sand, cement, and gravel.
Time optimization
The application of ready-mix concrete is faster because it arrives at the construction site ready for use.
Reducing material waste
By using ready-mixed concrete, the waste of materials commonly observed when concrete is prepared directly on the construction site is eliminated.
Reduced need for labor.
Manufacturing concrete on-site requires more workers to perform the mixing. Using ready-mix concrete, it is possible to reduce the necessary workforce.
Best value for money
Ready-mix concrete offers good cost-effectiveness. In addition to optimizing work on the construction site and allowing for better use of resources, it provides a more reliable structural function due to its controlled manufacturing process.
Considering these advantages, it's possible to make an informed decision about using ready-mix concrete, taking into account the specific characteristics of your project.
Disadvantages of using ready-mix concrete:
Increased cost of the project
One of the main disadvantages of ready-mix concrete is its high cost, which may not be within the project budget, making it less financially accessible.
Limited regional availability
It is crucial that the transport time of ready-mixed concrete does not exceed two hours (in the case of concrete mixer trucks) or one hour (if transported by vehicles without mechanical mixing equipment). Therefore, the concrete plant must be located close to the construction site, otherwise the quality of the material may be compromised.
Dependence on the delivery time of the concrete plant.
Another disadvantage of ready-mix concrete is that the construction project is subject to the delivery schedule of the material from the plant. This can result in delays in the construction phases, as the project does not have complete freedom to determine when the concrete will be supplied.
Is ready-mix concrete worth it for small construction projects?
The use of ready-mix concrete offers benefits such as higher quality and homogeneity, as well as optimizing work on the construction site. However, it is important to consider whether the high cost of this type of concrete is viable for small construction projects and renovations.
When deciding to use ready-mix concrete in a smaller construction project, it is essential to consider the amount of concrete needed, the origin of the materials used, and the qualifications of the hired workforce, in order to guarantee the safety and quality of the project.
Evaluation and monitoring of professionals
It is always recommended to have an experienced professional present, both when receiving the material and when deciding whether to use ready-mix concrete.
WGB Engenharia and its professionals can help you make the best decision. Contact us!
