Ready mix concrete is a type of concrete that is mixed at a central plant and delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use condition. It is also known as pre-mixed concrete or batched concrete. Ready mix concrete has many advantages over traditional on-site mixing, such as:
- Consistent quality and performance
- Reduced wastage and environmental impact
- Faster and easier installation
- Lower labour and equipment costs
- Greater flexibility and customisation
If you are looking for ready mix concrete in Leeds, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about ready mix concrete in Leeds, including:
- How to choose the right grade and strength of ready mix concrete for your project
- How to order and receive ready mix concrete in Leeds
- How to use and maintain ready mix concrete in Leeds
- How to find the best ready mix concrete supplier in Leeds
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| What is ready mix concrete? | Ready mix concrete is a type of concrete that is mixed at a central plant and delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use condition. |
| What are the benefits of ready mix concrete? | Ready mix concrete offers consistent quality and performance, reduced wastage and environmental impact, faster and easier installation, lower labour and equipment costs, and greater flexibility and customisation. |
| How to choose the right grade and strength of ready mix concrete? | The grade and strength of ready mix concrete depend on the type and purpose of your project, the load-bearing capacity, the exposure conditions, and the design specifications. You can consult with your engineer or architect, or use the British Standard (BS) codes as a reference. |
| How to order and receive ready mix concrete in Leeds? | You can order ready mix concrete online or by phone from a reputable supplier in Leeds. You will need to provide some information, such as the quantity, grade, delivery date and time, delivery location, and contact details. You will also need to prepare the site for receiving the ready mix concrete, such as clearing the access route, setting up the formwork, and arranging the pumping equipment if needed. |
| How to use and maintain ready mix concrete in Leeds? | You should use the ready mix concrete as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within two hours. You should follow the proper procedures for placing, compacting, finishing, curing, and protecting the ready mix concrete, according to the manufacturer's instructions and best practices. You should also monitor the weather conditions and take appropriate measures to prevent cracking, shrinkage, or damage. |
| How to find the best ready mix concrete supplier in Leeds? | You should look for a reliable and experienced supplier that can provide high-quality ready mix concrete at competitive prices. You should also check their reputation, customer reviews, accreditations, certifications, and guarantees. One of the best suppliers of ready mix concrete in Leeds is Pro Concrete Ltd., which offers a range of concrete services for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects. |
How to Choose the Right Grade and Strength of Ready Mix Concrete
The grade and strength of ready mix concrete are two important factors that determine its suitability for different applications. The grade refers to the ratio of cement, water, sand, and gravel in the mixture, while the strength refers to the amount of pressure that the hardened concrete can withstand.
The grade and strength of ready mix concrete depend on several factors, such as:
- The type and purpose of your project (e.g., foundations, floors, walls, driveways)
- The load-bearing capacity (e.g., light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty)
- The exposure conditions (e.g., weathering, abrasion, chemical attack)
- The design specifications (e.g., slump, workability, durability)
To choose the right grade and strength of ready mix concrete for your project, you can consult with your engineer or architect who can advise you based on their calculations and experience. Alternatively, you can use the British Standard (BS) codes as a reference.
The BS codes classify different types of ready mix concrete according to their grades (e.g., C10/C15/C20/C25/C30/C35/C40) and their characteristic compressive strengths (e.g., 10 MPa/15 MPa/20 MPa/25 MPa/30 MPa/35 MPa/40 MPa). The higher the grade and strength, the more durable and resistant the concrete is.
The following table shows some examples of common applications and recommended grades of ready mix concrete:
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Foundations for single-storey buildings | C10 |
| Foundations for multi-storey buildings | C15 |
| Floors for domestic buildings | C20 |
| Floors for industrial buildings | C25 |
| Driveways for domestic vehicles | C30 |
| Driveways for heavy vehicles | C35 |
| Reinforced concrete structures | C40 |
How to Order and Receive Ready Mix Concrete in Leeds
Ordering and receiving ready mix concrete in Leeds is easy and convenient, thanks to the availability of many suppliers in the area. However, you should be careful to choose a reputable and trustworthy supplier that can deliver high-quality ready mix concrete on time and within your budget.
One of the best suppliers of ready mix concrete in Leeds is Pro Concrete Ltd., which has over 20 years of experience in the industry. Pro Concrete Ltd. offers a range of concrete services for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects, including:
- Ready mix concrete
- Volumetric concrete
- Concrete pumping
- Concrete screed
- Concrete blocks
You will need to provide some information, such as:
- The quantity of ready mix concrete you need (in cubic metres)
- The grade of ready mix concrete you need (e.g., C10/C15/C20/C25/C30/C35/C40)
- The delivery date and time you prefer
- The delivery location and postcode
- Your name and contact details
Procon 24/7 Ltd. will then confirm your order and give you a quote for the price, which includes the cost of the ready mix concrete, the delivery fee, and the VAT.
To receive ready mix concrete from Procon 24/7 Ltd., you will need to prepare the site for receiving the ready mix concrete, such as:
- Clearing the access route for the delivery truck, which should be at least 3 metres wide and 4 metres high
- Setting up the formwork for shaping and containing the ready mix concrete
- Arranging the pumping equipment if needed, which can be hired from Procon 24/7 Ltd. or another supplier
- Having enough manpower and tools for handling and placing the ready mix concrete
Procon 24/7 Ltd. will deliver the ready mix concrete to your site in a mixer truck, which can carry up to 8 cubic metres of ready mix concrete per load. The driver will then discharge the ready mix concrete into your formwork or pumping equipment, depending on your preference.
You should use the ready mix concrete as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within two hours, to avoid any loss of quality or performance.
How to Use and Maintain Ready Mix Concrete in Leeds
Using and maintaining ready mix concrete in Leeds is not difficult, but it requires some care and attention to ensure a successful outcome. You should follow the proper procedures for placing, compacting, finishing, curing, and protecting the ready mix concrete, according to the manufacturer’s instructions and best practices.
Here are some tips on how to use and maintain ready mix concrete in Leeds:
Placing
Placing is the process of transferring the ready mix concrete from the delivery truck to the final position. You can use different methods for placing, such as:
- Directly pouring from the truck chute into the formwork
- Using a wheelbarrow or a bucket to transport small quantities
- Using a pump or a crane to move large quantities over long distances or heights
You should place the ready mix concrete evenly and continuously, avoiding any segregation or bleeding of the components. You should also avoid any cold joints or gaps between successive batches of ready mix concrete.
Compacting
Compacting is the process of removing any air bubbles or voids from the ready mix concrete, which can reduce its strength and durability. You can use different methods for compacting, such as:
- Tamping with a rod or a board
- Vibrating with an electric or pneumatic vibrator
- Rolling with a roller or a trowel
You should compact the ready mix concrete thoroughly and uniformly, ensuring that it fills all corners and edges of the formwork. You should also avoid any over-compacting or under-compacting of the ready mix concrete.
Finishing
Finishing is the process of smoothing and levelling the surface of the ready mix concrete, which can affect its appearance and function. You can use different methods for finishing, such as:
- Screeding with a straightedge or a screed board
- Floating with a wooden or metal float
- Trowelling with a steel trowel
- Texturing with a broom or a brush
You should finish the ready mix concrete according to your desired effect and purpose, such as:
- Smooth and flat for floors or walls
- Rough and slip-resistant for driveways or pavements
- Decorative and patterned
Ready-mix Concrete is a type of concrete that has been pre-mixed in a batch plant to a client’s requirements so that it may be transported directly to the construction project and used immediately away. Grade, quantity, and kind of concrete are among the customer requirements. The highest quality concrete is produced by Procon 24/7 Concrete, which simply charges for the quantity of concrete you need.
Due to its durability, ease of delivery, and reduced wastage capabilities, ready-mix concrete has a wide range of purposes and is applied in a variety of contexts. Common uses include residential projects, civil engineering, roads, walls, bridges, structural foundations, driveways, and walkways.
Ready-mixed concrete is pre-mixed off-site in a batch factory and delivered to a site in specialized concrete mixer trucks. This is one of the main differences between ready-mixed concrete and regular concrete. On the other hand, regular concrete needs to be mixed on the spot.
How long does concrete mix have a shelf life? Concrete mix has a shelf life that ranges from a few months to several years. It may last up to a year if kept in an airtight container in a temperature and humidity controlled environment (which is highly unlikely).
- Quality and Precise concrete – Because ready mix is mixed to exact specifications in a batch plant, the process will be adhered to professional regulations and will be ensured to be of high quality. The amount of concrete will be much more accurate than the standard form of on-site concrete mixing and you will be less likely to waste concrete, meaning you could even save money.
- Time-efficient – Delivery of ready mix concrete sent straight to your construction site can end up saving you hours of labour so is economically beneficial and more productive, than having workers to spend time mixing the concrete on site.
- Eco-friendly – Ready-mix concrete can actually be more eco friendly than standard mixing on site because of the reduction in wastage due to ready mix concrete being much more precise and accurate.