- August 18, 2022
- Posted by: RK Architect & Engineers
- Category: Blog
Ready Mixed Concrete is batched for delivery from a central plant and has its own benefits over being mixed on the job site itself. We at RK Architects and Engineers are a team of Best Contractors in Jaipur and advice using traditional concrete mixing at site or ready mixed concrete on case to case basis. We ensure that our clients get the best value out of the money they are investing in building homes as well as commercial projects.
Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials, and it is made from three basic components: water, aggregates, and Portland cement. The construction industry uses two main types, which are called ready-mix concrete and site-mixed concrete. Selecting the right type for a project is very important: both types have their own specifications, advantages and disadvantages depending on project conditions.
What is Ready Mixed Concrete?
Commonly known as RMC, the concrete is batched and completely mixed in a stationary mixer at the plant site before discharging it into the truck mixers and is therefore called as Ready Mixed Concrete.
RMC is manufactured in a plant and delivered to the construction site in an unhardened and plastic state, ready for use. RMC is sold by volume, usually expressed in cubic meters.
Differences Between Ready Mixed and Site Mixed Concrete
Both concrete types are viable in construction projects, but one may have significant advantages over the other depending on project needs. The following table describes some advantages and disadvantages of each type of concrete:
| Factor Being Considered | Ready-Mix Concrete | Site-Mixed Concrete |
| Time | Delivered ready to use and less time-consuming. | Slower process due to multiple steps, formulas and the setting time. |
| Equipment | Does not require equipment at the construction site. | Requires a weigh batch mixer to make concrete on-site. |
| Distribution | Can be delivered to multiple sites within a project. | Must be mixed at the exact point of use, to avoid contamination |
| Recommended Application | High-rise structures | Low-rise structures |
| Storage Requirements | Does not require additional storage space for raw materials | Requires a controlled storage space, to manage and protect materials like cement and aggregates |
| Waste | Material waste at the site is minimal | There is some material loss during storage and mixing |
| Quality | Consistent quality, thanks to an automated and controlled environment. | Continuous supervision is for consistency among batches. Setting time may vary due to inconsistency. |
| Work force | Skilled labour is required only to pour and compact the concrete. | Requires more man-hours to prepare concrete at the project site. |
| Material Take off | Concrete can be calculated as a single item. | Materials must be estimated individually, and their purchase must be planned separately. |
| Space | Requires a suitable access for the concrete mixer truck. | Requires space for material storage and batch mixers. |
| Batch Size | Large amounts of concrete can be delivered. | Mixing large amounts of concrete on-site is difficult. |
| Site location | If the batching plant is located very far from the construction site, the concrete will require retardants and other admixtures to prevent setting. Transportation costs will increase, there may be quality concerns. | Requires the transportation of all materials and mixing equipment to the construction site. |
Source: Nearby Engineers
Benefits of Ready Mixed Concrete
In spite of its higher cost, Ready Mixed concrete tends to be better for many projects. RMC offers a higher quality, and variation between batches is minimal when concrete is prepared in a plant environment. Another key factor is the project’s location: transportation requirements partially determine which type of concrete is more suitable for a project.
Ready Mixed Concrete is normally recommended for large projects that require a high volume. On the other hand, site mixing is a better option for small projects and renovations, where the concrete volume is smaller.
Hire Professional Services of Best Contractor in Jaipur
Making a decision like whether to use Ready Mixed Concrete or Site Mixed Concrete is a crucial part of your construction requirements. At RK Architects and Engineers, we evaluate total area, location, client’s budget, surroundings and other dynamics to arrive at the best solution for you. We are the Best Architects and Contractors available in Jaipur and have vast experience of handling hundreds of sites. Get in touch for the best quotation.
