Ready-mix concrete contains sand, gravel, cement, and water. This product is prepared prior to being delivered to a worksite. Learn about the different types of ready-mix products that you can choose for your next residential hardscape project.
Ready-Mix Concrete
Ready-mix is a product that contains a specific amount of sand, gravel, cement, and water. A concrete contractor will place an order for concrete. They will consult with a concrete plant operator. During the consultation, the concrete contractor will specify which components the concrete blend should contain.
Transit-Mix Versus Shrink-Mix
Transit-mix concrete is partially mixed while en route to its final destination. A truck that contains a mixing chamber will be used to prepare fresh concrete. Once the concrete reaches its destination, the concrete is further mixed.
Shrink-mix concrete is partially mixed at a concrete plant. Once the mixing takes place, the concrete is loaded into a transport vehicle. The concrete is not mixed while it is actively transported. Once the concrete arrives at its destination, the concrete is fully mixed.
When shrink-mix concrete products are being delivered, more of the product can be loaded into a transport vehicle than a transit-mix blend. Both types of concrete have similar properties.
The Concrete Order
If you would like a new driveway installed on your land, your contractor may suggest that you have concrete pavement installed. If so, they will inspect your land. During the inspection, they will mark and measure the land where the concrete will be poured. Then, they will order the ready-mix concrete from a plant.
The amount of concrete that is needed for the job may influence whether your contractor chooses a transit-mix product or a shrink-mix product.
The Project
Your contractor will schedule the delivery of the concrete. The scheduling will be dependent upon how quickly the preliminary steps for the driveway installation are conducted. First, the contractor will clear and excavate your property. They will grade the land where concrete will be poured.
Your contractor may install concrete forms. Concrete forms are used to contain fresh concrete that is being poured. A final inspection of your property will take place. Then, the contractor will contact the concrete plant operator.
They will request that the fresh concrete is delivered to your residence. Once the concrete is transported, the final mixing process will take place. Your contractor will immediately pour the concrete. Once the concrete has been poured, it will be leveled.
Contact a company like Puente Ready Mix to learn more about residential concrete mixes.
Why do we have structures built? In some cases, it's because we need them. We do, after all, need buildings like homes and banks. Sometimes, though, we have things constructed simply for our enjoyment. This is true of parks, and it also tends to be true of landscaping. Construction workers build things so we can enjoy them — that's a concise way of putting it!
This blog is not much different, really. We write here so that you, our readers, can enjoy the content. Yes, you might get other benefits from reading here, too, but that's just extra. All topics will be related to construction and contractors, so we hope you dig in and let the knowledge fill your mind.