Volumetric concrete mixers, as you would imagine, are truly the premier method of transporting large volumes of concrete mixtures. The flexibility and efficiency they offer in concrete delivery services are truly unparalleled. Unlike traditional drum mixers, which transport ready mix concrete, volumetric mixers carry the raw materials separately and combine the ingredients on-site – the sand, stone, cement and water. In this article we will analyse exactly how these concrete mixtures work and the type of benefits they offer over similar vehicles.
What are Volumetric Concrete Mixers?
A volumetric concrete mixer is essentially a mobile batch plant, in that it carries all the necessary materials to make concrete – cement, aggregates, water, and any required additives – in separate compartments and mixes them on-site. This method provides precise control over the concrete mix, allowing for adjustments on the spot, which is a significant advantage over traditional methods where the mix cannot be changed once the truck leaves the plant.
The mixer itself is a sophisticated piece of equipment. It consists of a series of augers, conveyors and mixing blades that work together to combine the ingredients. The operator controls the ratio of materials and the mixing process via an onboard computer system, ensuring that the concrete meets the exact specifications required for the project.
Volumetric Mixers vs. Traditional Drum Mixers
When it comes to choosing between volumetric mixers and traditional drum mixers, the key differences boil down to flexibility and precision. Drum mixers transport ready mix concrete, meaning what you get is set in stone – quite literally. The quantity of mix itself cannot be changed on the way to the site, which means you need to get your measurements right the first time – and if your needs shift, you’re out of luck. Plus, the concrete’s quality can decline during transit, especially on longer hauls.
On the other hand, volumetric mixers mix the concrete on-site, ensuring freshness and allowing for customisation in terms of the concrete mix. Need to tweak the strength or amount? No problem. This flexibility reduces waste and ensures you get exactly what you need, when you need it. While drum mixers work well for straightforward, large-scale jobs, volumetric mixers offer more control and efficiency, making them ideal for projects where precision matters, or in those situations where it is harder to estimate the quantity needed such as on residential jobs or during repair/maintenance work.
The Advantages of Volumetric Concrete Mixers
Volumetric concrete mixers offer numerous advantages over traditional drum mixers, making them a favourite of industry professionals across the UK. Just some of the benefits volumetric concrete mixers offer include:
Fresh Concrete Every Time: Since the concrete is mixed on-site, it’s always fresh, which enhances its quality and durability.
Customisation: You can adjust the mix to meet the exact specifications of your project, whether it’s the volume, strength or other properties.
Reduced Waste: By mixing only what is needed, volumetric mixers minimise waste, making them an eco-friendly option.
Efficiency: These mixers allow for continuous pour operations, which can save time and labour costs on large projects.
Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of projects, from small repairs to large construction sites.
How Can I Change the Strength of the Concrete Using a Cement Mixer?
One of the key advantages of using a volumetric concrete mixer is the ability to adjust the concrete mix on-site to achieve the desired strength and workability. The strength of the concrete is largely determined by the water-cement ratio. A lower water-cement ratio typically results in stronger concrete, but it may be more challenging to work with. A higher ratio increases workability but can reduce the concrete’s strength. The goal is to find the optimal balance where the mix is workable without compromising the concrete’s strength and durability.
With a volumetric mixer, you can adjust the mix ratio directly on-site. If you need stronger concrete, such as for a foundation, you can increase the amount of cement without altering the water content. For projects requiring more workable concrete, you can add a plasticiser or adjust the mix design without compromising the overall strength. It’s crucial to avoid adding too much water, as this can weaken the concrete and reduce its durability.
Moreover, volumetric mixers allow for the inclusion of various admixtures that can further modify the properties of the concrete. These additives can enhance workability, set time, and durability, providing even more flexibility in tailoring the concrete to meet specific requirements. This ability to adjust the concrete mix on-site is invaluable, particularly when dealing with complex projects where different parts of the structure may require different concrete strengths.
How Do You Check the Volume of the Concrete You Deliver?
With the ability to accurately measure the volume of concrete delivered, our volumetric concrete mixer trucks take a much more precise approach to providing you with your mix, compared to the traditional method of estimating the volume based on the number of barrels filled.
Our mixers come equipped with flow meters and sensors that monitor the amount of each material being mixed. As the materials are dispensed, the mixer calculates the total volume of concrete being produced, whilst our calibrated pouring system, comprised of an intelligent computer and conveyor system ensures zero excess or wastage when your concrete is being delivered via the pouring arm. This real-time measurement ensures that you get exactly the amount of concrete you need – no more, no less. Additionally, the digital display on the mixer allows the operator to monitor the volume continuously, providing an accurate readout that can be recorded for quality control purposes.
This level of precision helps in reducing waste and ensures cost-effectiveness. Whether you need a small batch for a minor repair or a large quantity for a significant project, our volumetric mixers can provide the exact amount of concrete required, tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
At CCS Concrete, we specialise in providing high-quality volumetric concrete tailored to your exact needs. Our on-site mixing and properly calibrated volumetric concrete trucks ensure fresh, customisable concrete for every job. Get in contact with us today to get premium volumetric concrete mixtures delivered to your worksites now, or use our completely free concrete calculator to find out how much mixture you’ll need to fulfil your job site’s requirements.
continue reading
