Ready Mix Concrete vs Traditional Manual Mixing

There are two main types of concrete mixes in the construction industry: ready-mix and traditional manual-mixed concrete.

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Although both can be used for various construction projects, one is more beneficial than the other. In this article, we will find out which one that is. But first, let’s define them.

Ready-Mix Concrete is concrete that is manufactured at a plant and transported to the site when it has not fully hardened but is ready for use. Traditional Manual Mixing, on the other sees concrete prepared at the construction site where components are mixed according to specific ratios that would deliver the desired concrete quality.

Comparison

Ready-Mix Concrete

Traditional Manual Mixing

Consumes less time since it is delivered when it is ready for use

Time is consumed trying to mix on-site, following the steps meticulously for mixing.

No equipment is required at the construction site.

Weigh batch mixer is often required by the workers

You may not need any storage space hence allows for free movement of transit mixer.

You need storage space for cement, sand, and aggregate.

It is easier to deliver at multiple sites within a particular project.

The mixing has to be done at one point at the construction site.

Limited wastage of material at the site

Materials are wasted and lost during storage and mixing.

High consistent quality is often achieved since the mixing is done under factory monitoring.

High quality can only be achieved where there is consistent monitoring.

Large batch sizes of concrete can be delivered.

Concretes are only mixed at the site.

Good for projects that demand a high volume of concretes

Suitable for projects that need small volumes of concretes

The skilled labor needed is to only pour and compact the concrete.

A lot of hours are spent by workers preparing the concretes at the site.

Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Ready Mix Concrete

Advantages of Ready-Mix Concrete Over Manual Mixing

✓ You could be asking yourself why you should use ready-mix instead of manual mixing. Well, here are the advantages of ready-mix concrete over manual mixing.

✓ It guarantees you quality- ready-mix ensures the aggregates are evenly mixed and balanced and that will give the best quality for construction.

✓ Efficient- you can use the modern equipment to deliver and apply ready-mix, and that makes it efficient to use.

✓ Less wastage- concrete delivery is done according to the exact requirement hence you incur less wastages.

✓ Reliability- it is reliable as you can do casting on the day and time you agree upon.

✓ Encourages environmental conservation- unlike the manual mixing where aggregate dusts are realized into air, and wastage materials streamed down the drain, ready-mix is environmentally friendly. You experience less dust and water wastage when you use ready-mix.

✓ Needs less space for working- using ready-mix saves you the hassle of getting adequate space when building where space is limited.

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The construction industry has come a long way from the days of manual labour. The advent of machines and automation has transformed the way we build structures today. Among the most significant innovations in construction is the introduction of concrete mixing plants or concrete batching plants. 

These plants have revolutionised the way concrete is mixed, and the benefits they bring to the construction process are simply game-changing. In this article, we will explore the advantages of machine mixing of concrete and how it has become a game-changer in construction.

The Need for Concrete Batching Plants

The traditional method of manual mixing of concrete was a tedious and time-consuming task. It required a lot of manual labour and was prone to errors. The challenges that construction workers faced while mixing concrete manually were:

• Time-consuming:

  The traditional method of manually mixing concrete was time-consuming. It required a lot of physical effort and took significant time to mix the ingredients manually. The workers had to manually mix cement, sand, gravel, and water, which was an arduous task.

• Labour-intensive:

  The process of manual concrete batching requires a lot of physical effort from the workers. It involved lifting and carrying heavy bags of cement, sand, and gravel, which not only resulted in fatigue but also increased the risk of injuries.

• Prone to errors:

  Manual concrete mixing was prone to errors, which could result in structural failures and costly repairs. Achieving consistency in mixing throughout the project was a challenge, and even a slight deviation could affect the structure’s quality.

• Difficult to maintain consistency throughout the project:

  Maintaining consistency throughout the project was another challenge of manual mixing of concrete. It took a lot of work to ensure that the mixture was uniform and consistent, which could affect the strength of the structure.

These challenges led to the invention of concrete mixing plants, which have revolutionised the construction industry. The use of these machines has made the process of mixing concrete faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Advantages of Machine Mixing of Concrete

With the continuous advancement of technology, it is reasonable that concrete plants will become even more efficient, making them an even more attractive option for construction companies. Here are some of the practical benefits of these mixing machines:

• Consistency

One of the most significant advantages of using these plants is that they produce consistent concrete mixtures. These machines ensure that the materials are measured accurately and the mixing is done uniformly. 

This consistency ensures that the quality of the concrete is maintained throughout the project. This is particularly important for large-scale construction projects where consistency is key to the integrity of the structure.

• Speed

These plants are designed to mix concrete quickly and efficiently. These machines can produce large quantities of concrete in a short period, reducing the time it takes to complete a project. This speed is particularly useful for large-scale construction projects where time is of the essence.

• Quality

The quality of the concrete produced by a mixing plant is superior to that produced manually. These plants use precise measurements and uniform mixing to ensure that the concrete is of the right consistency and quality. This high-quality concrete is essential for the strength and durability of the structure.

• Cost-Effective

Although concrete batching plants require a significant investment, they are cost-effective in the long run. These machines can produce large quantities of concrete, reducing the need for manual labour. 

This automation also reduces the risk of human error, which can be costly in the long run. Moreover, using these plants ensures that the concrete is mixed uniformly, reducing the risk of structural failures and resulting in fewer repairs.

• Environmental Benefits

With the use of these machines, there is less wastage of cement, sand, and gravel, reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. Also, the use of concrete plants reduces the need for heavy machinery, which reduces carbon emissions from construction sites.

Types of Concrete Mixing Plants

Two types of concrete plants are commonly used in construction today:

Stationary Concrete Mixing Plants

Stationary mixing plants are designed for large-scale construction projects. These machines are fixed in one location and can produce large quantities of concrete. They are ideal for construction projects that require a consistent concrete supply over an extended period. 

Some of the features of these plants include the following:

• High production capacity

• Large storage capacity

• Computer control system for precision

• Automated cement loading and weighing systems

• Modular design for easy transport and installation

Portable Concrete Mixing Plants

Portable mixing plants are smaller in size and are designed for smaller construction projects. These machines can be easily transported from one location to another and can produce concrete on-site. They are ideal for construction projects that require a smaller quantity of concrete. 

Some of the features of these plants include the following:

• Compact design for easy transportation

• Quick set-up time

• Easy to operate and maintain

• Can produce concrete on-demand

• Built-in water and additive tanks

Both types of these plants have distinct advantages depending on the scale and needs of the construction project. The selection between these two types of plants depends on the specific needs and demands of the construction project.

Conclusion

The advantages of machine mixing of concrete are clear. These machines have revolutionised the way we mix concrete, making large-scale construction projects faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. 

As technology continues to advance, it is evident to expect that concrete mixing plants will become even more efficient, making them an even more attractive option around the world.

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