Ready-mix concrete is delivered where the concrete goes from the mixing site to its final place (job site) in a mixer truck. This method of delivering concrete has been in effect and still is practiced today since the 1920s.

Perhaps, the reason for the longevity and why it has lasted to this day is because the method is the most effective among the many that had been tried since then.

Order

When a ready-mix concrete order is received at the supplier, the date and time for their order to be delivered are marked. On the day of delivery, the concrete mixture is prepared at a batching location.

Since the concrete is prepared at the mixing plant, the quality of the finished product is decidedly higher compared to that of the short order delivery. However, since the concrete travels from the mixing plant to the job site, it must be poured immediately on arrival

Some of the most common ready-mix concrete projects include commercial slabs, commercial retaining walls, and large footings.

Cancellation

Buyers have the right to cancellation of your contract with the supplier and delivery. Contracts for your goods and materials can be cancelled should not be later than 24 hours

You need not pay any penalty for cancellation by this deadline. Within 24 hours, you can cancel your order. The buyer need not give any reason for cancelling nor pay any fee.

Loading   

In loading the concrete, the rotating mixer drum in the mixer truck is set up at an angle. Inside the shell of the mixer drum is a set of blades (or fins) in a spiral configuration from the head to the opening of the drum.

The spiraling fins make the concrete to load a mix while the drum goes in one direction. (Discharging the concrete cargo is to simply rotate the drum the other way.)

In loading the raw materials into the truck, the drum is set to move very fast rotating in the loading direction. The concrete is mixed and loaded. This is hauled to the job site with the drum rotating at 3 to 6 rotations per minute.

Product consistency

Since the mixing drum moves, albeit slow enough, the mixture is ensured to remain at its optimum consistency. This is to ensure that it still remains at optimum consistency when it arrives at the job site.

Mixer trucks keep the ready-mix concrete at the right consistency even when the concrete is mixed offsite. However, they can also do all the mixing while delivering the product.

Premature hardening (slump loss)

This actually solves the problem of premature hardening or slump loss that can result from delays between mixing and transportation. It also allows concrete to be hauled to sites that are further away from the plant.

Most trucks discharge the concrete at the back. These days, front-discharge units are becoming popular.

With the increased visibility that front-discharge units offer, the driver can now take the truck directly onto the site and direct the discharge chute without having to rely on anyone.

Drums

In practice, drums are designed to be filled with the concrete at between 60 to 80 percent capacity. This depends whether the drum is used as a mixer or agitator. More quantity could result in overflows.

If the concrete is not transported in time or is exposed to significant temperature changes, the consistency might be seriously affected. If the consistency is too thick, water can be added to the mix.

Water added

The process is that water cannot be added all at once. The drum of the mixer should be turned at least 30 revolutions at mixing speed.

The concrete must be discharged within 90 minutes and before 300 revolutions after water has been added. (The buyer can intervene here regarding this.)

There are conditions that may need air-entraining, air-reducing, or set-retarding admixtures to compensate the loss of air, high temperatures or long delivery times.

Air entrainment

A 5% air entrainment, for instance, traps microscopic air bubbles. It helps the concrete handle of expansion or shrinking aloud caused by temperature changes.

These ready-mix concrete are best for deliveries suited for specialty and commercial projects that call for specific types of concrete.

Concrete solutions

In general, the short-load and ready-to-mix deliveries are the most excellent concrete solutions in their own ways.

The ready-mix delivery is more suitable, on the other hand, for the large commercial projects with special applications.

While a ready-mix concrete delivery is more suitable for large commercial projects with special specifications, short-load concrete deliveries are best for small to moderate residential projects.

For best results, homeowners who are uncomfortable laying their own concrete should work with a licensed contractor to design and build their project.

Concrete delivery preparation

If the projects are for concrete bases (floors, driveways), the area that have to be dug out needs a minimum of 100 millimeters or 4 inches depth, is advised.

The soil must be compacted .a layer of hardcore 100 mm deep should then be placed and compacted so that the concrete a solid base and prevent sinking. A layer of hardcore 100mm deep should then be placed and compacted to give the concrete a solid base and prevent sinking.

Concrete bases

For concrete bases, floors and driveways, the area should be dug out to twice the required depth of concrete (a minimum of 100mm or 4 inches is advisable, so you should dig the area out to 200mm or 8 inches depth), and the soil should be compacted.

The thin layer of sand on top of the hardcore will provide a smooth surface where one can work. This is also used to do all the calculations.

Water absorption

If a layer of polythene damp proof membrane is used between the hardcore and concrete, it will help stop water being absorbed from the fresh concrete and problems of rising damp on your finished project.

One note to remember is to take into considerations insulation depths when laying concrete for an internal floor. Ground conditions should be able enough to withstand a heavy lorry.

The paving slabs, the domestic block paving and others will not accept the weight of a truck mixer. Brickwork, windows, asphalt should also be protected against splashing.