What Is Ready Mixed Concrete and When Should You Use It?
When you’re planning a construction project, choosing the right concrete can make all the difference. Ready mixed concrete has become the go-to choice for builders, contractors, and homeowners across the UK. But what exactly is it, and when should you consider using it for your project?
What Is Ready Mixed Concrete?
Ready mixed concrete is exactly what it sounds like – concrete that’s been mixed and prepared before it arrives at your site. Instead of mixing cement, sand, gravel, and water yourself, the concrete is prepared at a specialised plant using precise measurements and quality-controlled processes.
The mixture is then transported to your location in a concrete mixer truck, ready to pour straight away. This means you get consistent, high-quality concrete without the hassle of mixing it yourself.
How Is Ready Mixed Concrete Made?
The process starts at a concrete plant where trained operators carefully measure and combine the ingredients. Each batch follows strict recipes to ensure the concrete meets specific strength and durability requirements.
The basic ingredients include:
- Portland cement (the binding agent)
- Fine aggregate (sand)
- Coarse aggregate (gravel or crushed stone)
- Water
- Chemical admixtures (when needed for special properties)
These materials are mixed in large batches using industrial equipment that ensures thorough and consistent blending. The mixture is then loaded into rotating drum trucks that keep the concrete moving during transport to prevent it from setting prematurely.
Types of Ready Mixed Concrete
Not all ready mixed concrete is the same. Different projects require different strengths and properties. Here are the main types you’ll encounter:
Standard Grades The most common grades range from C20 to C40, with the number indicating the compressive strength in Newtons per square millimetre after 28 days. C20 is suitable for basic applications like pathways, while C40 is used for structural work.
High-Strength Concrete For demanding applications like multi-storey buildings or heavy-duty industrial floors, high-strength mixes (C50 and above) provide exceptional durability and load-bearing capacity.
Speciality Mixes These include waterproof concrete for basements, rapid-hardening mixes for urgent repairs, and decorative concrete for driveways and patios.
When Should You Use Ready Mixed Concrete?
Ready mixed concrete isn’t always the right choice for every job, but it’s ideal in many situations:
Large Projects If you need more than a few cubic metres of concrete, ready mixed is almost always more cost-effective and practical than mixing by hand or using a small mixer.
Time-Sensitive Work When you have a tight deadline, ready mixed concrete can be delivered exactly when you need it, allowing you to pour large areas quickly and efficiently.
Quality-Critical Applications For structural work like foundations, beams, or columns where strength is crucial, the consistent quality of ready mixed concrete gives you peace of mind.
Limited Space or Equipment If your site doesn’t have room for storing materials and mixing equipment, or if you don’t own suitable mixing equipment, ready mixed concrete solves these problems.
Professional Standards Required Many building regulations and insurance requirements specify minimum concrete standards that are easier to achieve with professionally mixed concrete.
Advantages of Ready Mixed Concrete
Consistent Quality Every batch is mixed to precise specifications using calibrated equipment and quality-controlled materials. This consistency is difficult to achieve with on-site mixing.
Time Savings You don’t need to spend time measuring, mixing, and preparing concrete. The delivery truck arrives when scheduled, and you can start pouring immediately.
Reduced Waste You order exactly the amount you need, reducing material waste. Any excess concrete can often be used for smaller projects around the site.
Professional Expertise Concrete suppliers can recommend the right mix for your specific application, taking into account factors like weather conditions, curing time, and structural requirements.
Cost-Effective for Larger Jobs While small amounts might seem expensive, ready mixed concrete becomes increasingly cost-effective as quantities increase, especially when you factor in labour and equipment costs.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Minimum Order Quantities Most suppliers have minimum delivery requirements, typically around 1-2 cubic metres. This can make small jobs expensive.
Scheduling Constraints You need to be ready when the concrete arrives. Delays can result in additional charges or unusable concrete.
Access Requirements The delivery truck needs adequate access to your site. Narrow lanes or restricted access can create challenges or additional costs for concrete pumping.
Weather Dependence Extreme weather conditions can affect delivery schedules and the concrete’s performance, requiring careful planning.
Planning Your Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery
Success with ready mixed concrete starts with proper planning:
Calculate Your Needs Accurately Measure your project carefully and add about 5-10% extra to account for variations in depth and wastage.
Prepare Your Site Ensure the area is properly prepared with correct levels and adequate access for the delivery truck.
Have Your Team Ready Make sure you have enough people and equipment (wheelbarrows, rakes, screeds) to handle the concrete when it arrives.
Check the Weather Avoid pouring in extreme temperatures or when rain is forecast, as this can affect the concrete’s quality.
Coordinate Timing Schedule delivery for when you’re completely ready to pour. Most ready mixed concrete has a working time of about 90 minutes from when mixing begins.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
Ready mixed concrete offers significant advantages for most construction projects, particularly those requiring substantial quantities or high-quality standards. The convenience, consistency, and professional expertise make it an excellent choice for foundations, driveways, patios, and structural work.
However, for very small jobs or situations where you need maximum flexibility with timing, mixing your own concrete might be more practical.
At Express Concrete, we understand that every project is unique. Our experienced team can help you determine the right type and quantity of ready mixed concrete for your specific needs, ensuring your project gets off to the best possible start.
Whether you’re building a new driveway, laying foundations, or working on a major construction project, ready mixed concrete provides the reliability and quality you need to get the job done right.