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.
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:
Disadvantages of Ready Mix Concrete:
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:
Disadvantages of Site Mix Concrete:
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
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.
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.