Very few people now mix their own concrete on site, except for the smallest jobs that require less than 1m3 of product. This means less mess, less waste and much less time spent mixing and barrowing concrete. But while the popularity of concrete delivery amongst self-builders and keen DIYers is growing steadily, what’s not clear is what type of concrete delivery is most appropriate for smaller jobs.
At North West Ready Mix we have decades’ experience delivering different types of concrete to large and small-scale commercial and domestic construction sites, so we know a thing or two about concrete and are more than happy to share our insight.
Less waste means less expense
The traditional approach to concrete supply involves mixing the approximate amount of required product in a batching plant, transferring it to a barrel truck or in-transit mixing truck and delivering it to site. Customers tend to have to over-order, because too little concrete will require more product delivering to site and the delays involved could cause problems with the pour, which will inflict additional pressure on what may be a tight budget. Any excess or unwanted concrete needs to be disposed of, so not only will you pay for too much concrete, you’ll pay a fee to then dispose of that concrete.
A volumetric concrete truck mixes the product on site, transporting the constituent ingredients of concrete in separate compartments. This means you only pay for what you lay and there’s no waste, no additional cost and less harm done to the environment.
Time is of the essence
Concrete should be laid at least two hours after batching, preferably much sooner than that. If a barrel truck gets stuck in traffic or a problem occurs on site, the quality of the pour could be affected. In some cases it will be necessary to return the truck and dispose of the concrete, due to the slump and mix specifications having been compromised.
This issue never occurs with volumetric concrete because it’s only mixed on site, as and when the concrete is required.
Flexibility
Ready-mix is mixed to spec at the batching plant and then transported to site. If two or more specifications of product are required on site, separate vehicles will be required, which can complicate matters if the site is small and can’t accommodate more than one truck.
Not so with volumetric, which allows for the delivery of multiple specifications of concrete on the same site, supplied by the same vehicle. It’s even possible to introduce different admixtures or change the spec with a moment’s notice, something that just wouldn’t be possible using the traditional barrel truck approach to concrete delivery.
Most significantly, many ready-mix suppliers prefer not to supply small volumes such as 1-2 cubes of concrete for logistical reasons. However, companies operating volumetric concrete mixers tend to be much more amenable, so it seems like a no-brainer to go the volumetric route for smaller scale projects such as garage, garden room or kitchen extension footings.
