FAQ

Ready-mixed concrete is a type of concrete that is manufactured in a batch plant or factory according to a set recipe or mix design and then delivered to a construction site in a freshly mixed or unhardened state. This type of concrete is prepared under controlled conditions, ensuring consistency and quality in its composition.

The ingredients of ready-mixed concrete typically include cement, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), water, and sometimes additional additives or admixtures to enhance specific properties like workability, durability, or setting time. 

Once the ingredients are mixed thoroughly at the batch plant, the concrete is transported to the construction site using specialized vehicles such as transit mixers or mixer trucks. Upon arrival, the concrete can be directly poured into molds or formwork to shape it into the desired structure. Ready-mixed concrete offers convenience, consistent quality, and efficient utilization of resources, making it a popular choice in construction projects ranging from small residential buildings to large infrastructure projects..

People often confuse the use of the words cement and concrete. 

Cement is an ingredient used to make concrete.

Cement is a binder material, typically a fine powder, that when mixed with water forms a paste. This paste hardens and binds together aggregates (such as sand and gravel) to form concrete. The most common type of cement used in construction is Portland cement, which is made by heating limestone, clay, and other materials in a kiln and then grinding the resulting clinker into a fine powder.

Concrete, on the other hand, is a composite material composed of cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel or crushed stone), water, and sometimes additional additives or admixtures. When mixed together in the correct proportions, these ingredients form a fluid mixture that hardens over time to become a strong and durable construction material.

The time it takes for concrete to set can vary depending on several factors, including the specific mix design, environmental conditions, and desired strength of the concrete. However, here are some general guidelines:

1. Initial Setting Time: Concrete typically begins to set within a few hours after it’s mixed and poured. This initial setting time can vary from around 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on factors like temperature, cement type, and water-cement ratio.

2. Final Setting Time: The final setting time of concrete is when it reaches its full strength and becomes hard enough to resist significant pressure. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of cement and the environmental conditions.

3. Curing Time: While concrete may reach its initial and final set relatively quickly, it continues to gain strength over time through a process called curing. Curing involves keeping the concrete moist and at the right temperature to allow the hydration process to continue. Concrete can continue to gain strength for weeks or even months after it’s been poured, depending on the specific mix design and environmental conditions.

Overall, the setting time of concrete can range from a few hours to several days, with curing continuing for an extended period to achieve optimal strength and durability.

Joints allow for the expansion and shrinkage of concrete due to temperature and moisture variations. There are three kinds of joints: construction joints, contraction joints, and expansion joints. Consider them engineered cracks.Concrete joints are intentional breaks or separations incorporated into concrete structures to control cracking and movement caused by temperature changes, shrinkage, and other factors. These joints help to minimize the likelihood of uncontrolled cracking and maintain the integrity and appearance of the concrete over time. There are several types of concrete joints commonly used in construction:

1. Control Joints: Control joints, also known as contraction joints, are planned joints placed in concrete slabs or structures to control cracking caused by shrinkage as the concrete cures. They are typically sawn or tooled into the surface of the concrete at regular intervals to create weakened planes along which cracks can occur in a controlled manner.

2. Expansion Joints: Expansion joints are designed to accommodate expansion and contraction of concrete due to temperature changes, moisture variations, and other factors. These joints allow the concrete to move freely without putting excessive stress on the structure. Expansion joints are often filled with compressible materials like cork, rubber, or foam to provide flexibility while maintaining a seal to prevent the intrusion of debris and water.

3. Construction Joints: Construction joints are formed when concrete placement is halted temporarily or when new concrete is poured against existing concrete. These joints are created intentionally and are typically planned in advance to facilitate construction sequencing or to join different sections of concrete together. Construction joints may require special treatments or joint fillers to maintain structural integrity and prevent water infiltration.

4. Isolation Joints: Isolation joints are used to separate concrete structures from adjacent elements, such as walls, columns, or foundations, to allow for independent movement and prevent cracking caused by differential settlement or movement. Isolation joints are typically filled with a compressible material to accommodate movement while maintaining a gap between the concrete elements.

Overall, concrete joints play a crucial role in controlling cracking and movement in concrete structures, ensuring durability, longevity, and structural integrity. Proper design and installation of joints are essential to minimize maintenance and repair issues over the lifespan of the concrete.

Asphalt and concrete are both commonly used materials in construction, particularly for pavements like roads, driveways, and parking lots. While they serve similar purposes, they have different compositions, properties, and applications. Here are the key differences between asphalt and concrete:

1. Composition:

   – Asphalt: Asphalt, also known as bitumen, is a dark, sticky substance derived from crude oil through a refining process. It consists of aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone) mixed with bitumen binder. The mixture is heated and then laid hot, allowing it to cool and harden into a solid pavement surface.

   – Concrete: Concrete is a composite material made of cement, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), water, and sometimes additives or admixtures. The cement binds the aggregates together, forming a hard and durable material when cured.

2. Appearance:

   – Asphalt: Asphalt pavements have a dark black color and a smooth surface texture.

   – Concrete: Concrete pavements typically have a light gray or white color and a textured surface, which can vary depending on the finishing techniques used.

3. Strength and Durability:

   – Asphalt: Asphalt pavements are flexible and can withstand minor movements and deformations without cracking. However, they are generally less durable than concrete and may require more frequent maintenance, such as sealing and periodic resurfacing.

   – Concrete: Concrete pavements are rigid and have high compressive strength, making them more durable and resistant to heavy traffic loads, abrasion, and weathering. While concrete can develop cracks over time, proper jointing and reinforcement techniques can help control cracking and extend the lifespan of the pavement.

4. Construction Process:

   – Asphalt: Asphalt pavements are typically constructed by heating and mixing the asphalt binder with aggregates at a hot mix plant and then laying the hot mixture onto a prepared base or subgrade. The asphalt is compacted using rollers to achieve the desired density and smoothness.

   – Concrete: Concrete pavements are constructed by mixing the concrete ingredients at a batching plant and then transporting the mixture to the construction site. The concrete is poured into forms or directly onto the prepared base, leveled, and finished using various techniques such as screeding, floating, and curing.

In summary, while both asphalt and concrete are widely used for pavements, they have distinct differences in composition, appearance, strength, durability, and construction processes. The choice between asphalt and concrete often depends on factors such as cost, traffic volume, climate conditions, and project requirements.

1. Site Preparation:

   – Clear the area where the concrete will be poured of any debris, obstacles, or vegetation.

   – Ensure the ground is compacted and graded to the proper elevation and slope.

   – Install any required formwork or reinforcement, such as rebar or wire mesh, according to the project specifications.

2. Access and Accessibility:

   – Ensure there is clear and unobstructed access for the concrete truck to reach the pouring location. Remove any obstacles such as vehicles, equipment, or materials that may impede access.

   – Check the route from the street or roadway to the pouring location for any potential obstacles or hazards.

   – Make sure there is sufficient space for the concrete truck to maneuver and position itself for pouring.

3. Equipment and Tools:

   – Have all necessary equipment and tools ready, including wheelbarrows, shovels, rakes, and concrete finishing tools.

   – Ensure that equipment such as concrete pumps or conveyors, if needed, are set up and in working order.

4. Safety Precautions:

   – Ensure workers wear proper safety gear and equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and high-visibility vests.

   – Secure the area to prevent unauthorized access and ensure the safety of workers and bystanders during the pouring process.

– Guide all Mixer trucks in so they know were any caution areas are.  Powerlines, gates, vehicles, ect. 

5. Coordination and Communication:

   – Coordinate with the concrete supplier to schedule the delivery and ensure the concrete truck arrives at the designated time.

   – Communicate with the concrete truck driver to provide clear instructions on where to position the truck and pour the concrete.

   – Coordinate with other workers or contractors on the jobsite to ensure everyone is prepared for the concrete pour and knows their roles and responsibilities.

By following these steps and adequately preparing for the arrival of the concrete truck, you can help ensure a successful concrete pouring process and minimize delays or issues during construction.

Concrete finishing refers to the process of creating a smooth, durable, and aesthetically pleasing surface on freshly poured concrete. It involves various techniques and tools to achieve the desired appearance and functionality. Concrete finishing is typically performed after the concrete has been poured and leveled but before it has fully cured.