It may not be wrong to say that concrete is the backbone of the modern construction industry. Although it has existed for the past several years various advancements in concrete, have made it more popular. Today’s concrete not only caters to different construction requirements but also offers exceptional quality and durability to big and small building projects. Overall, concrete has greatly contributed to the development of today’s era from building small houses to big buildings and bridges etcetera. When it comes to delivering concrete to a construction site, there are two primary methods: ready-mix concrete delivery and volumetric concrete delivery. Among both, volumetric concrete delivery stands out as the better option for various reasons.
This post will shed light on different reasons that make volumetric concrete delivery a better option for various construction projects.
What do You Understand by Volumetric Concrete?
Site-mix concrete or volumetric concrete is made by mixing materials according to their volume instead of their weight. Volumetric Concrete is usually made on-site in volumetric concrete mixers, which are self-contained portable batch plants. These special kinds of trucks contain all the requisite concrete ingredient materials ( such as aggregate, water, cement, sand, and admixture).
In addition, mobile volumetric mixers confer the flexibility to create concrete at the building site in any quantity without waste. They also generate concrete at any specified slump or water-cement ratio.
Why Volumetric Concrete Delivery Is the Better Option to Consider?
Check the following reasons:
Customisation and Flexibility
The flexibility and personalization offered by volumetric concrete is one of its biggest advantages. On the flip side of ready-mix concrete (which is premixed at a batching plant according to standard specifications), volumetric concrete is prepared at the construction site. This allows contractors or builders to adjust the mix design in real time to fulfil the particular requirements of your building project. Whether it’s altering the strength, slump, or colour of the concrete, volumetric mixers offer unmatched flexibility, enabling contractors to adapt to altering conditions and create the perfect concrete for every project.
On-Demand Production
Volumetric concrete supply enables builders or contractors to maintain a consistent workflow without depending on outside suppliers by providing on-demand production capabilities. With volumetric mixers, Contractors may manufacture concrete whenever and wherever which eliminates reliance on outside variables like batching plant schedules and shipping delays. This on-demand production availability allows builders or contractors to meet strict deadlines and stay on schedule. It also saves time and permits you to complete all work regularly without any delays.
Freshness and Quality
Another significant advantage of volumetric concrete distribution is the freshness and quality of the concrete produced. Since the mixing process occurs on-site, the concrete is freshly prepared and delivered directly to the point of placement. This makes sure optimal workability and bonding properties, leading to premium-quality concrete structures or buildings. On the flip side, ready-mix concrete could take longer to get from the batching plant to the building site, which raises the possibility of setting and slump loss and jeopardizes the concrete’s integrity.
Reduced Environmental Impact
As compared to traditional techniques, volumetric concrete delivery contributes to a minimised environmental impact. By making concrete at the construction site, the requirement for transporting already mixed concrete over long distances is minimised and leads to lower carbon emissions associated with transportation. Along with this, the ability to adjust mix designs and precisely control the amount of material used can lead to reduced waste generation. It also minimises the environmental footprint of construction projects.
Longer Usage Timeframe
If talk about the freshness quality, ready-mix concrete can become stale if left in the drum too long, meaning it requires more water and the quality is compromised. This means should the construction project be delayed, or an issue arises, there is the possibility that ready-mix concrete will be of poorer quality or not fit for use if the delay is too great.
As volumetric concrete is not mixed until the delivery vehicle is on-site, the concrete is not affected by project and weather delays.
Versatility in Applications
Volumetric concrete distribution is incredibly adaptable and ideal for numerous kinds of applications. Volumetric mixers can be used to satisfy the specific needs of each construction project by accommodating different mix designs and specifications, whether it be for pouring decorative features, sidewalks, driveways, or foundations. This level of versatility makes volumetric concrete the perfect selection for both commercial and residential construction projects, offering exceptional scalability and superior performance across a variety of applications.
Cost-Effectiveness
When compared to other concrete types, volumetric concrete distribution can be more economical, particularly for small to medium-sized projects. Builders can avoid ordering surplus material and paying disposal fees for unsold concrete by using volumetric mixers, which allow them to simply pay for the precise amount of concrete they require for their construction work. Furthermore, the capacity to modify mix designs on-site can result in improved resource management and decreased waste, which eventually adds to cost savings.
Benefits of Volumetric Concrete
Check the following:
- Quality control: Since volumetric concrete is mixed at the location of construction, builders have greater control over the quality of the concrete. They can adjust proportions, monitor mix consistency, and make sure that the concrete fulfils specified standards and requirements.
- Customisation: Mobile concrete enables the customisation of concrete mixes to suit particular project requirements. Builders can adjust the mix design (including aggregate, strength, size, and additives in real time) to meet changing project requirements.
- Flexibility: Volumetric concrete trucks can generate concrete on demand, conferring flexibility in project scheduling and reducing downtime. Contractors can adjust production rates and deliver fresh concrete as required, even in hard-to-reach or remote locations.
- Time-saving: Volumetric concrete trucks eliminate the need for multiple trips to a concrete batching plant, saving time and improving efficiency. This allows builders to complete projects quickly by having access to fresh concrete on-site whenever needed.
The Bottom Line
For several building projects, the volumetric concrete delivery method is the favoured choice due to its numerous advantages. Volumetric mixers are excellent at producing high-quality concrete that is customised to meet the demands of individual projects while maintaining cost-effectiveness, freshness, and environmental sustainability. With its flexibility, on-demand production capabilities, and versatility in applications, volumetric concrete distribution continues to revolutionize the way concrete is produced and delivered in the construction industry, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable building practices. Hope this post will help to understand how volumetric concrete delivery is the better option for construction.
