Knowing the basics of ordering ready mix concrete should be a top priority in your construction plans. It is important to ensure that the quality of the concrete you use will be suitable for the project. This purchase should be a priority. Otherwise, you will invite disaster and ruin the whole project.
After years of working in the concrete industry, many suppliers, such as Rush Concrete in California, have the process of ordering down to a fine art. Learn how to choose a concrete supplier, place an order, and what you can expect from the delivery of concrete to your job site. Moreover, you will find tips on how to match the concrete mix you use with job site conditions.
Upgrade Your Construction with Quality Ready-Made Mix Concrete
How to Choose a Ready-Mix Supplier
The goal of choosing a provider for ready-mixes should be to obtain a product that performs when you need it and at a reasonable price. Here’s how.
Find concrete-ready mix in the Yellow Pages. Note the plant addresses if they are given. You can also call them to find out the address. Second, limit your list of suppliers to the two to three closest to your house (job location). We advise that concrete has to be discharged within 1.5 hours or 300 rotations after it is batched.
A site visit by your supplier of ready mix
It is common for reputable suppliers to send out a representative several days in advance to inspect the work. Make sure to schedule the visit and plan. Talk to the representative now:
- Ask them their opinion regarding the amount of concrete you have calculated.
- Discussion of any admixtures.
- Clarify the accessibility of the site to ready mix trucks.
- You can discuss how many trucks you will need and the distance between them.
To save on hauling costs, use a local provider
You’d expect that you will pay higher transport costs the further away the ready mix plant from your workplace is. When possible, it’s important to use local suppliers. The greater the distance that the truck must cover, the greater the chance it will arrive late.
If you have a remote worksite or use a supplier from across the city, schedule deliveries outside of rush hour. Also, suggest alternate routes if there are road constructions or traffic problems.
What do you want to achieve with the Mix?
After selecting a ready-mix supplier, you must inform them of your performance requirements, both for the concrete’s plastic state and its hardened condition. The supplier will only be able to work with you once they have your performance requirements for the concrete, both in its plastic and hardened states.
For example, if you’re laying concrete on an enormous stamped concrete project, the time needed for it to set may be slowed to allow for stamping. Your supplier must know the conditions under which the concrete will be used and exposed. This allows him to provide you with concrete materials strong enough to withstand the exposure.
Understand the basics of mixing, but leave proportioning to the experts
In the event that your supplier’s formula is wrong, at least you will have an understanding of how components interact in a concrete mix so you can troubleshoot any problems. A reputable supplier like Rush Concrete is likely to welcome your feedback, and will modify the mix according to your requirements. In some instances, even small modifications to the mix can have a major impact on how concrete performs.
Decide how much concrete is needed.
The next step, after working with your supplier on the perfect mix for your needs, is to order enough. The same can be said for errors that are either positive or negative. NRMCA advises to add an extra 4% – 10% to the total cost to cover any errors or spillages.
Ready mix concrete is typically sold by cubic yard. A typical truck mixer will hold between 9 and 11 cubic yards. It is relatively easy to calculate how many yards are needed for rectangular or square slabs (you can use the concrete calculator as a tool to assist you). The trickier part is figuring out how much cement you will need to pour for irregular slabs. When in doubt, you can ask your ready mix provider to help you calculate.
Place and confirm your order
Placing a successful Order
If you have spoken to the Ready Mix Company before about lead time, be sure to give them plenty of notice.
- Give time if you want concrete.
- Order the correct mix or type.
- Add up the total yards required.
- Let them know how many minutes apart you would like the trucks. For example: “I require the trucks to be spaced out 30 minutes.”
Confirming your order one day in advance is essential since many orders are canceled. You can’t order a whole week in advance then never call again!
Checklist to order the right concrete
- Have you used the calculator?
- Do you require admixtures of any kind?
- Is there a place where Ready Mix trucks can park? Verify with your Ready Mix supplier.
- After choosing a Ready Mix Supplier, confirm what you hope to achieve with the mix and how to best order it to achieve that goal. The admixtures list is intended to inform you on the best questions to ask, and not to turn you into an expert.
Upgrade Your Construction with Quality Ready-Made Mix Concrete
Ready Mix Concrete Delivery
Determine if the concrete will be placed directly from the truck or if it will have to be pumped.
For four reasons, trucks can’t reach the pour.
- The ground is too wet around the project and the truck may sink.
- The truck is unable to climb the slope leading to the concrete pour.
- The opening is too small for the concrete truck to be able to reach the desired location.
- The pour is large, and the truck’s chute will not be able to reach all of the concrete that needs to go down.
Confirm the availability of truck access. Ready Mix Companies have different criteria as to what they believe is accessible for trucks. They should be consulted.
Plan and Ensure On-Time Delivery
Ask the ready-mix provider how many working days they need to deliver your order. If you prefer concrete delivery at an earlier time, such as in the morning or evening (to avoid placing during peak hours), ask them. Ensuring priority service will be possible if you give your supplier adequate notice. You can also confirm your order a day before the pour.
If you are working on a large project that will require multiple truckloads, discuss the best arrival sequence with your supplier. Schedule the trucks so that they arrive at least an hour apart, for instance, if your crew estimates it will only take them an hour or less to pour a full concrete truckload.
Fresh concrete loses its quality when it is left in the truck. ASTM 94, Standard Specification for Ready Mixed Concrete, states that concrete should not be discharged after 90 minutes. It must also be discharged before 300 rotations of the mixer.
Be Sure to Get What you Pay for
All of the ingredients in a concrete mix will influence the characteristics that arrive at your worksite. When you pour the concrete, certain qualities such as ease of finishing and workability are evident. Others, such as air content and compressive force, are difficult to observe. The importance of testing the delivered concrete on-site is a result. These tests can ensure you are receiving the material you ordered.
Most commonly, field tests to determine concrete quality include tests of slump (measure of consistency), air contents, unit weight, and compressive strength. The ASTM specifications list the procedures for these tests and allowable timeframes. Certified technicians should perform them.
Conclusion
Ordering ready mix concrete requires careful consideration to ensure quality and efficiency. Rush Concrete provides expert advice and services related to ready mix. Our experienced team is prepared to assist in selecting an appropriate mix, scheduling deliveries, and making sure your project in California goes as planned. Reach out today for personalized guidance regarding all of your ready mix needs!