What is Ready Mixed Concrete? A Comprehensive Guide for Construction Projects

Ready Mixed Concrete (RMC) has revolutionized the construction industry by providing a reliable and efficient solution for concrete needs. RMC is a pre-mixed blend of cement, aggregates (sand and gravel), water and admixtures, delivered to construction sites in ready-to-use form. This innovative approach eliminates the need for on-site mixing, ensuring consistent quality and saving time and labour costs. In this informative blog, you will learn more about what is ready mixed concrete and which cement is best for concrete.

Benefits of Using RMC for Construction Projects

• Consistent Quality: RMC is produced in controlled environments, ensuring consistent quality and strength.
• Time Efficiency: Pre-mixed concrete is delivered to the site in a ready-to-use form, saving time and accelerating project timelines.
• Labour Savings: Reduced labour requirements for on-site mixing and handling.
• Reduced Waste: Precise batching and mixing minimize material wastage.
• Improved Workability: RMC can be customised to specific project requirements, such as slump and strength.
• Enhanced Safety: Eliminates the hazards associated with manual mixing and handling of concrete materials.

How is Ready Mixed Concrete Made?

The production of RMC involves a meticulous process:

1. Batching: Precisely measured quantities of cement, aggregates, water and admixtures are batched.
2. Mixing: The batched materials are thoroughly mixed in high-capacity mixers to achieve a homogeneous blend.
3. Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure compliance with industry standards.
4. Transportation: The mixed concrete is transported to the construction site in specialized concrete mixers.
5. Pumping (Optional, but common): In some cases, concrete pumps are used to efficiently deliver the RMC to higher levels.

Types of Ready Mixed Concrete and Their Uses

Different types of RMC are available to suit various construction applications:

• Normal Strength Concrete: Suitable for general construction purposes, such as foundations, slabs and walls
• High-Strength Concrete: Used in structures requiring exceptional strength, like bridges, dams and high-rise buildings
• Rapid-Setting Concrete: Sets quickly, ideal for urgent repairs or applications in cold weather
• Self-Compacting Concrete: Flows easily into formwork without vibration, reducing labour and improving finish
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete: Enhanced strength and durability due to the addition of fibers.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Ready Mixed Concrete Supplier

When selecting a RMC supplier, consider the following factors:

• Quality Assurance: Ensure the supplier adheres to stringent quality control standards.
• Reliability and Timely Delivery: A reliable supplier can significantly impact project timelines.
• Technical Expertise: Experienced suppliers can provide valuable advice and support.
• Customization Capabilities: Ability to provide RMC tailored to specific project needs.
• Environmental Commitment: Choose a supplier that prioritizes sustainable practices, such as Prism RMC.

Tips for Properly Using and Handling Ready Mix Concrete on Construction Sites

• Proper Placement: Ensure accurate placement and adequate consolidation to achieve desired strength and durability.
• Curing: Adequate curing is essential for optimal strength development.
• Temperature Control: Monitor and control the temperature of concrete during transportation and placement.
• Avoid Segregation: Prevent separation of components by minimizing drop heights and using proper handling techniques.
• Clean Equipment: Clean equipment promptly to avoid contamination of subsequent batches.

Potential Issues with Ready Mixed Concrete and How to Avoid Them

• Segregation: Can be mitigated by proper mixing, transportation and placement techniques.
• Bleeding: Reduced by using appropriate admixtures and proper curing.
• Plastic Shrinkage Cracking: Minimized through adequate curing and proper placement.
• Delayed Setting: Can be addressed by using suitable admixtures or adjusting the water-cement ratio.

Cost Comparison: Ready Mix Concrete vs. On-Site Mixing

While the upfront cost of RMC may be higher compared to on-site mixing, it often leads to significant savings due to:

• Reduced labour costs
• Improved efficiency
• Minimised material waste
• Enhanced quality control

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Ready Mixed Concrete

The RMC industry is committed to sustainable practices:

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Modern production processes and efficient transportation help reduce emissions.
• Waste Minimization: Precise batching and mixing minimize material waste.
• Water Conservation: Advanced technologies help optimize water usage.
• Recycling and Reuse: Many suppliers incorporate recycled aggregates and other materials into their products.

Conclusion: Is Ready Mix Concrete Right for Your Construction Project?

Ready Mix Concrete offers numerous advantages, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of construction projects. Understanding what ready mixed concrete is and which cement is best for concrete, its benefits and best practices can help you make informed decisions to maximize the value of RMC in your projects.

Prism Cement offers a wide range of high-quality PPC cement products tailored to meet the specific needs of construction projects. Prism’s commitment to quality and sustainability ensures that its products deliver exceptional performance and contribute to greener buildings.

• Prism Champion
• Prism Champion Plus
• Prism Champion Duratech
• Prism Champion All Weather

Experience the Prism difference in your next project and build with confidence using its superior PPC cement options.