Concrete is a fundamental material in construction, used for everything from residential buildings to large-scale commercial projects. One of the most popular types today is pre-mix concrete.
But what is pre mix concrete exactly? It is concrete that is mixed in a controlled environment before delivery, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency. Unlike traditional on-site mixing, pre mixed concrete is manufactured in batching plants and transported to construction sites, ready for immediate use.
While the choice ultimately is yours and you can choose according to the project you have at hand. Still, it is always useful to know your options and understand them before you make a decision. This way, you can be sure to choose the best possible option in front of you.
What is Pre Mix Concrete?
Pre-mix concrete refers to concrete that is prepared before it reaches the construction site. It is manufactured in specialized batching plants where raw materials like cement, sand, water, and aggregates are precisely measured and mixed.
These batching plants are fully automated and computer-controlled, ensuring each batch meets strict quality standards. This eliminates inconsistencies and reduces errors that may occur with on-site mixing.
Once prepared, the pre mixed concrete is transported using specialized trucks designed to keep the mix fresh until it is ready for use.
How Ready Made Concrete is Produced?
The production of ready made concrete follows a strict process to maintain consistency and quality. Here’s how it works:
- Raw Material Selection
- High-quality cement, sand, aggregates, and water are selected.
- Additional admixtures (e.g., retarders, accelerators) may be added for specific properties.
- Precise Measurement and Mixing
- The required amounts of materials are measured using automated systems.
- Mixing occurs under controlled conditions to ensure consistency.
- Quality Testing
- Slump tests and strength tests are conducted to ensure the mix meets project requirements.
- Transportation to Site
- The mixed concrete is loaded into specialized trucks equipped with rotating drums.
- Continuous rotation prevents the mix from setting before reaching the site.
- On-Site Pouring
- The concrete can be poured directly from the truck or pumped using boom or ground-line pumps.
This process ensures pre-mix concrete is always delivered fresh and ready to use.
Why Batching Plants are Used for Pre Mixed Concrete?
Unlike on-site mixing, batching plants provide numerous advantages:
- Quality Control – Automated systems ensure the mix meets industry standards.
- Efficiency – Large volumes can be prepared quickly and delivered as needed.
- Reduced Waste – Precise measurements minimize material wastage.
- Environmental Benefits – Less dust, noise, and pollution compared to on-site mixing.
Most batching plants are located outside city limits due to space and environmental regulations. They contain large silos and conveyor belts that feed materials into mixing drums, ensuring uniform consistency in every batch.
How Ready Made Concrete is Delivered?
Once mixed, pre mixed concrete is transported using specialized trucks. These trucks are equipped with rotating barrels that:
- Keep the mix agitated during transit.
- Prevent premature hardening.
- Ensure even distribution of materials.
For hard-to-reach construction sites, concrete pumps are used to transport the mix efficiently. These include:
- Boom Pumps – Ideal for large-scale projects, extending high above the ground.
- Ground Line Pumps – Used for smaller projects where access is limited.
This delivery method ensures that the concrete remains fresh and easy to apply.
7 Benefits of Using Pre Mix Concrete
1. Saves Space on Site
On-site mixing requires designated areas for storing materials like cement, sand, and aggregates, along with setting up bulky mixing stations. This not only takes up valuable space but also creates logistical challenges in an already busy construction zone.
Pre mix concrete eliminates this need, as it arrives ready to pour, freeing up space for other critical tasks, reducing congestion, and improving overall site efficiency.
2. Reduces Labor Costs
Manual mixing is time-consuming and requires extra workers. With ready made concrete, you eliminate the need for additional labour, reducing overall costs.
3. Ensures Consistency and Quality
Manually mixed concrete can vary in strength and durability due to:
- Inconsistent ingredient proportions
- Improper mixing techniques
Pre mixed concrete is produced under strict factory-controlled conditions, ensuring each batch meets the required specifications. Advanced automation ensures precise measurements of cement, water, and aggregates, resulting in a uniform mix that is stronger, more durable, and free from common defects like cracks or weak spots.
4. Eliminates Material Waste
With pre-mix concrete, you can order the exact quantity needed for your project, which reduces unnecessary waste and helps you save on costs. This not only prevents financial losses but also contributes to more sustainable construction practices by minimizing excess material use.
5. Keeps the Worksite Clean
Concrete mixing on-site generates significant mess, including dust, spills, and hardened material left behind. This clutter can create hazards for workers and slow down construction. Pre mix concrete arrives ready to use, eliminating the need for on-site mixing and keeping the work area clean and organized.
6. Speeds Up Construction
With pre mixed concrete, there’s no waiting for manual mixing. Once delivered, it’s ready to pour, speeding up construction timelines. This significantly speeds up construction timelines, helping projects stay on track and reducing costly delays.
7. More Environmentally Friendly
- Lower carbon footprint – Reduced transportation emissions compared to raw material delivery.
- Efficient resource use – Less material waste due to precise measurements.
- Energy-efficient production – Batching plants optimize the use of energy and water.
- Longer-lasting structures – Durable concrete reduces the need for repairs and replacements.
Takeaway
We at Pro-Mix Concrete offer Volumetric concrete, floor screeds, mix-on-site concrete and ready mixed concrete in Chelsea. We are happy to answer any question and help you find exactly what you need. No unnecessary delays, no wasted materials—just the right mix, exactly when and where you need it. Get in touch today to discuss your concrete needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ready mixed concrete offers superior quality control, consistency, and efficiency compared to on-site mixing. Since it’s produced in controlled batching plants, it eliminates errors from manual mixing and ensures each batch meets industry standards. It also speeds up construction and reduces material waste.
Pre mix concrete is transported in specialized trucks with rotating drums that keep it fresh and prevent it from hardening too soon. Typically, it should be used within 90 minutes of dispatch, but factors like weather conditions and admixtures can extend or shorten this time frame.
Yes, suppliers like Pro-Mix offer flexible ordering options. Whether you need a small batch for minor repairs or a large volume for major projects, you can order the exact quantity required, helping you avoid waste and unnecessary costs.
Ready mixed concrete is suitable for a variety of projects, including:
- Residential buildings (driveways, patios, foundations)
- Commercial constructions (offices, warehouses, parking lots)
- Infrastructure projects (bridges, roads, tunnels)
- Specialized applications (floor screeds, decorative concrete, precast elements)
