The use of ready mix concrete has revolutionized and has had a profound impact on modern construction. It has reshaped how we build, becoming the go-to choice for most architects, engineers, and contractors alike due to its versatility, consistency, and unparalleled convenience.
In this article, we’ll be listing 5 interesting facts you should know about this game-changing building material, but before that, let’s establish what it is.
What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is a type of concrete that is prepared off-site in a batching plant or factory and delivered to the construction site in a form where it can be used immediately it gets to the site.
It’s always delivered to the construction site using trucks equipped with rotating drums, which keeps it agitated during the transit to maintain it’s work-ability.
Once it arrives on the construction site, it is discharged and used for pouring foundations, casting walls, slabs and other construction activities.
Producing ready mix concrete involves carefully batching the necessary ingredients such as cements, aggregates (gravel, crushed stone and sand), admixtures and water in specific proportions depending on the type of ready mixed concrete required for the project in hand.
It is a very exciting construction material prevalent in a wide range of construction applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects. It is commonly used for foundations, slabs, walls, columns, beams, and other structural elements.
There are many advantages to using it and there are few potential disadvantages or drawbacks to using it. To highlight these advantages and drawbacks, find out below, 20 facts you should know about ready mixed concrete before using it.
Facts About Ready Mix Concrete
1. It is used globally.
Ready mix concrete is the most widely used construction material globally, with an annual consumption of over 10 billion cubic meters.
Its unparalleled popularity can be attributed to a multitude of factors. With its convenient and ready-to-use form, ready mix concrete saves valuable time and effort during construction projects. Its consistent quality, achieved through precise batching and rigorous quality control, ensures reliable and predictable performance.
Additionally, ready mix concrete offers versatility in terms of customization, enabling it to meet specific project requirements. Its exceptional durability, strength, and ability to withstand diverse weather conditions make it an ideal choice for constructing robust structures.
As a result, it has become the material of choice for a broad range of construction applications, ranging from residential buildings to complex infrastructure projects, solidifying its position as the go-to construction material worldwide.
2. There are different types
Ready mix concrete is available in various types, each designed to meet specific construction needs and project requirements. Here are some of them.
Normal Strength: This is the most commonly used type of ready mix concrete. It offers a balanced combination of strength and workability, making it suitable for general construction purposes such as foundations, slabs, and walls.
High-Strength: As the name suggests, this type is engineered to have higher compressive strength than normal strength concrete. It is commonly used in structures that require exceptional strength, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and heavy-duty pavements.
Self-Compacting (SCC): SCC is highly flow-able and easily compactable which makes it ideal for filling intricate forms and congested reinforcement without the need for excessive vibration. It is commonly used in precast applications, where it ensures better compaction and surface finish.
Fiber-Reinforced: This type of ready mix concrete contains fibers (such as steel, synthetic, or natural fibers) that improve its tensile strength, crack resistance, and impact resistance. Fiber-reinforced concrete is commonly used in applications where enhanced durability and toughness are required, such as industrial floors, parking lots, and bridge decks.
Lightweight Concrete: This type is formulated by replacing traditional aggregates with lightweight materials, such as expanded clay, shale, or pumice. It offers reduced weight while maintaining adequate strength, making it suitable for applications where weight reduction is desired, such as in upper floors or insulation panels.
High-Performance: High-performance concrete is engineered to provide superior strength, durability, and resistance to harsh conditions. It often incorporates advanced admixtures and carefully selected materials to achieve exceptional performance. It is commonly used in demanding applications, such as in marine environments, heavy industrial structures, and infrastructure projects.
Decorative Concrete: This type is specially designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of surfaces. It can be colored, stamped, exposed aggregate, or polished to create unique textures, patterns, and finishes. It is often used in architectural applications, sidewalks, patios, and driveways.
These are just a few examples of ready mix concrete types used for construction purposes. Each type has specific characteristics and benefits, allowing contractors and professionals to choose the most suitable option based on the project requirements, desired performance, and aesthetic considerations.
3. Ready mix concrete is produced under controlled conditions which guarantees quality.
Its production follows strict quality control measures under the careful supervision of skilled technicians and engineers who are trained in concrete technology. The ingredients, including aggregates, cement, water, and admixtures, are carefully selected and tested to meet the required specifications. Batching plants have laboratory facilities to conduct regular tests on the materials and monitor their quality.
The use of automated systems minimizes the chances of human error in measuring and mixing the materials. This ensures precise and consistent proportions of the ingredients, resulting in a uniform mix.
The rotating drums of transit mixer trucks ensure thorough mixing and prevent segregation of the ingredients during transportation. The mixing process is closely monitored to maintain the desired consistency.
Water/cement ratio is also controlled carefully to achieve the desired strength while maintaining workability. This is essential for consistent and reliable performance of the resulting mixture.
4. It includes curing agents which facilitates proper hydration and enhances the curing process
These agents are applied to the concrete surface after placement to create a favorable environment for hydration, preventing moisture loss and promoting optimal strength development. Some of these curing agents include:
Curing Membranes: These liquid coatings form a thin film on the concrete surface, creating a barrier that retains moisture. They can be either solvent-based or water-based and provide effective curing by reducing evaporation.
Curing Compounds: These compounds are liquid mixtures that are directly applied to the concrete surface. They form a thin film that helps to retain moisture within the concrete, preventing premature drying and promoting proper curing.
Sealers: These sealers are typically acrylic-based or polymer-based coatings that not only provide curing properties but also offer additional protection to the concrete surface against moisture intrusion, chemical attack, and abrasion.
Wax-Based Curing Agents: Wax-based curing agents are commonly used for vertical or overhead applications. They form a temporary moisture-retaining film that gradually degrades over time.
Colored Curing Compounds: These curing compounds incorporate color pigments, allowing the concrete surface to be aesthetically enhanced while still providing the necessary curing benefits.
It’s important to note that the selection and application of curing agents should align with the specific project requirements and the recommendations provided by the manufacturers. Proper curing is essential for achieving optimal strength, durability, and crack resistance in concrete structures, and the use of suitable curing agents plays a vital role in this process.
5. Hydration can be slowed to allow for longer transit and waiting time
Slowing down the hydration process of ready mix concrete can be useful in certain construction scenarios where extended working time or delayed setting is desired. Especially is the construction site is very far from the batching plant. The following methods can be used to slow down the hydration.
Retarding Admixtures: Retarding admixtures, also known as retarders, are chemical additives that are added to the concrete mixture to delay the setting time. These admixtures work by temporarily inhibiting the chemical reactions that cause the concrete to set. Common retarders include lignosulfonates, gluconates, and sugar derivatives.
Lowering the Cement Content: The rate of hydration is directly influenced by the amount of cement in the concrete mix. By reducing the cement content, the hydration process can be slowed down. However, it’s important to ensure that the cement content is not reduced to the point where it compromises the desired strength and durability of the concrete.
Controlling Water Content: Adjusting the water-to-cement ratio can also affect the rate of hydration. A higher water content typically accelerates hydration, while a lower water content slows it down. However, it’s essential to maintain a proper water-to-cement ratio to ensure the desired strength and workability of the concrete.
Lowering Temperature: Lowering the temperature of the concrete can extend the hydration process. Cold water or ice can be used in the mixing process to reduce the concrete temperature and slow down the hydration reactions. However, extreme temperature reduction should be avoided, as it can affect the overall strength development.
Curing Methods: Proper curing can help control the hydration process. By providing a favorable environment for hydration, such as using curing compounds or moist curing methods, the hydration process can be prolonged. This allows for a more gradual and controlled setting of the concrete.
It’s important to note that slowing down the hydration process should be done carefully and in accordance with project specifications and requirements. It’s recommended to consult with concrete experts, such as suppliers or engineers, to determine the most appropriate method for achieving the desired concrete properties while effectively controlling the hydration process.
Conclusion
Ready mix concrete is a fascinating and essential construction material that offers numerous benefits in its production and use. From its convenience and time-saving advantages to its versatility and consistent quality, it has revolutionized the construction industry.
Understanding the facts above such as its production process, types, and curing methods, empowers contractors, builders, professionals and enthusiasts to make informed decisions on the job.
Whether you’re embarking on a small DIY project or undertaking a large-scale construction endeavor, it is a reliable material you can use to reduce labor, duration, and improve the quality of your projects.
You May Also Like: What is Concrete Resurfacing – How It’s Done
