Ready Mix Concrete is an essential building material laying the foundation for the thriving development in Northern Texas. Its versatility and durability make it an easy choice for construction professionals, from small residential jobs to large industrial projects and skyscrapers.
The brilliance of Ready Mix Concrete is how it is made. Ready Mix is manufactured in an off-site batch plant, per order, in a recipe specific to your project, and then delivered to the job site ready for use. Being manufactured in this fashion establishes several advantages, including superior consistency, reduced labor costs, and overall higher quality compared to on-site mixing. Not to mention the eco-friendly benefits that manufacturing in a controlled environment influences, such as minimal waste, dust pollution, and noise pollution.
With the ability for customization, not all Ready Mix Concrete is created equal. Understanding the different types of Ready Mix Concrete is crucial for selecting the best option for a specific project. Below, we’ll take a look into the different types of Ready Mix Concrete.
The Ready Mix Concrete Process
Before we dive into the types of Ready Mix Concrete it is important to understand the three different ways that this building material can be processed for use.
Transit Mixed Concrete
This is the most common type of Ready Mix Concrete. The ingredients are sorted and compiled at the batch plant, loaded into the drum mixer, and transported to the site. Transit-mixed concrete can be mixed at the job site, in the yard, or in transit, depending on the demand of the project. The amount of drum revolutions and RPMs creates a point of difference between each method, according to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Transit mixed concrete is ideal for large-scale projects requiring large volumes of concrete, such as highways, bridges, and commercial buildings.
Shrink Mixed Concrete
Shrink-mixed concrete is partially mixed at the batch plant, with the rest of the mixing completed in the truck during transit. This approach reduces the volume of the concrete in the drum, allowing for the transportation of larger amounts. Shrink-mixed concrete is typically used when the construction site is far from the batch plant, as it allows for better control over the setting time and reduces the risk of premature hardening.
Central Mixed Concrete
Central Mixed Concrete, sometimes called “wet batch,” is mixed at the batch plant in a stationary mixer before being loaded into the truck. The truck mixer only serves as an agitator on the way to the construction site. This process is known for its uniform quality because the mixing process is carefully controlled in a central location. Central mixed concrete suits projects requiring high-quality concrete with consistent properties, such as precast structures, columns, and foundations.
The Types of Ready Mix Concrete
Now that you understand the different ways Ready Mix Concrete materializes, let’s take a brief look at the different types of Ready Mix Concrete and their applications.
Standard Ready-Mix Concrete
This is the most common type of Ready Mix Concrete. Standard Ready Mix is prepared according to a specific mix design, which includes a particular ratio of cement, water, aggregates, and sometimes admixtures. Standard Ready Mix Concrete usually has a range of 2,500 – 5,000 PSI. This versatile product can be tailored to meet the strength and performance requirements of various projects such as foundations, slabs, driveways, columns, and beams.
High-Strength Concrete
High-strength Ready Mix Concrete is designed to achieve higher compressive strength, often above 6,000 PSI. This type of concrete is used in high-rise buildings, bridges, and other structures that require superior load-bearing capacity and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Fiber-reinforced Ready Mix Concrete incorporates fibrous materials such as steel, glass, or synthetic fibers into the mix. These fibers enhance the concrete’s tensile strength, reduce cracking, and improve durability. Fiber-reinforced concrete is advantageous in applications where additional resistance to cracking and wear is needed, such as on pavements, industrial floors, airport runways, and structures subject to impact, vibration, or temperature changes.
Self-Compacting Concrete
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a highly fluid version of Ready Mix Concrete that can flow and settle into tight spaces without the need for vibration or mechanical consolidation. This makes it ideal for complex structures with intricate formwork or congested reinforcement. SCC is frequently used in bridges, architectural facades, precast structures, and areas with limited access to traditional concrete placement. It is also employed in high-performance structures where aesthetics and surface finish are important.
Ready For Ready Mix? Contact Us Today!
Each process and type of Ready Mix Concrete has unique characteristics and benefits that are tailor-made for any of your construction needs, and we are here to help guide you in the right direction.
Now, it’s time to talk about your next project. Ready Mix Concrete is measured in volume, and as the leading Ready Mix Concrete supplier in Northern Texas, we have taken the guesswork out of it. Using our concrete calculator, you can determine how much concrete you need for your project.