Ready Mix Concrete Vs Site Mix Concrete

Concrete is a widely-used building material consisting of aggregate (sand and gravel) bound together by cement and water. It’s sturdy, resistant to rust, hardens over time, and finds extensive use in construction due to its high compressive strength. In this article, we delve into the distinctions between two common types: ready mix concrete and site mix concrete.

Types of Concrete in Construction

1. Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete is produced off-site, in a plant, and transported to the construction site in a plastic state, ready for immediate use.

Advantages of Ready Mix Concrete:

  • Convenient centralized batching plant.
  • High-quality, precise mixing by skilled labor.
  • Consistent concrete quality maintenance.
  • Speedier construction and reduced maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of Ready Mix Concrete:

  • Traffic considerations for transportation.
  • Careful planning required to avoid hardening before placement.

2. Site Mix Concrete
Site mix concrete, also known as on-site or manual mix concrete, is prepared at the construction site.

Advantages of Site Mix Concrete:

  • Customized batches for specific project needs.
  • Optimization of design for cost savings.
  • No order quantity restrictions.
  • Independence from external organizations for concrete works.

Disadvantages of Site Mix Concrete:

  • Requires more material storage space.
  • Site logistics management needed.
  • Regular monitoring of material wastage.

Key Characteristics of Concrete Mix

Creating a suitable concrete mix is crucial for ensuring a strong and stable infrastructure. Several key characteristics influence the quality of a concrete mix:
1. Water Cement Ratio

  • Proportional relationship to mix strength.
  • Higher ratio for increased workability but reduced strength.

2. Heat-Release : Management of heat generated during chemical processes.

3. Grade of Concrete : Selection based on intended use.

4. Size of Aggregates : Quality scaling of aggregates is essential.

5. Workability : Ability to consolidate and place the mix without segregation.

6. Reliability : Identification of slump and mobility.

7. Durability : Resistance to environmental variations.

8. Density : Classification based on intended use.


Comparing Ready Mix and Site Mix Concrete

Factors Under Consideration Site Mix Concrete Ready Mix Concrete
Time Slower procedure due to on-site processes. Delivered ready to use, quicker.
Equipment Requires on-site weight batch mixer. No on-site equipment needed.
Weigh Batching Manual process. Computerized process.
Selection of Materials Client’s responsibility. RMC supplier’s responsibility.
Distribution Mixed at point of use to avoid contamination. Can be delivered to multiple places within a project.
Application Suitable for low-rise structures. Ideal for high-rise structures.
Storage Requirements Needs controlled storage for materials. No additional raw material storage space required.
Waste Some materials wasted during storage and mixing. Minimal material wastage at the site.
Quality Continuous on-site supervision for consistency. Consistent quality due to automated and controlled environment.
Manpower Needs More man-hours required for on-site preparation. Skilled workers needed only for pouring and compacting.
Material Takeoff Independent estimation and separate purchases. Considered as a single item.
Batch Size Difficult to mix large amounts on-site. Large amounts can be delivered.
Site Location Transport of materials and equipment to site. Possible quality issues if batching facility is far from site.

In conclusion, both ready mix and site mix concrete have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on project-specific needs. Understanding these differences allows for informed decision-making in construction projects.