Compare ready mix vs site mix concrete to find the right choice for your project. Learn differences in cost, quality, convenience, and durability. Concrete is the backbone of our society, building everything from small houses to large skyscrapers. When taking on a construction project, the question of whether ready-mix concrete (RMC) or site-mix concrete would be better is a popular one.
While each offers its own distinct advantage, we wouldn’t say there is a one-size-fits-all type of solution that we’d recommend. This article highlights multiple factors, including your project size, the construction location, and your budget, to help you decide for yourself which would be the better option for you.
RMC VS On-Site Mixing: Key Considerations
Whether you’re starting a construction project soon or you’re just curious about the different types of concrete mixes, here is a look at a few things that influence your final decision.
Continue reading as we lay down the foundations for your decision!
- The Size Of Your Construction Project
One of the first things you should take into consideration is the scope of your project. For large-scale projects like apartment complexes, office buildings, and residential estates, opting for ready-mix concrete is a better choice as it ensures consistency and time efficiency.
On the other hand, if you’ve got something small planned, like a concrete patio or a small home, an on-site mix will be much more suitable.
- Construction Site Location
Next, consider where you’re carrying out your project. If it’s easily reachable for large vehicles like mixer trucks, then ready-mix concrete is an easy choice. However, for areas that have rough terrains or narrow roads that heavy-duty vehicles can’t traverse, on-site mixing would be advisable.
- The Project Timeline
The choice between the types of concrete mixes also depends heavily on the timeline of the project. For large-scale projects like banks, malls, or hotels, there is often a strict deadline that must be adhered to. If that’s the case, then ready to mix concrete all the way. Conversely, if your project is small and you have a bit of extra time, then on-site mixing will be good enough.
- Budget Availability
Now this is a deciding factor that could either make or break your project. While ready mixes are expensive to purchase, they don’t require the added cost of on-site labor to mix them before molding. On the other hand, on-site mixing is much more cost-effective.
The downside? You’ll need to hire additional manpower to mix the concrete properly on-site before it can be used for your project. Consider this factor carefully before picking one option.
- Mixer skills & Consistency
Are you confident in your concrete mixer’s skills? On-site mixing requires precise measurements to get the exact consistency that you need, and if your mixer isn’t an expert or if he makes a small mistake the entire project can be jeopardized.
On the other hand, a ready-mix concrete batch is consistent no matter how many times you order and reorder. This can be crucial for large-scale projects where regulatory standards are stringent.
- Quality Assurance
Speaking of quality assurance… if your project does require ready-mix concrete, do thorough research before placing your order. Remember, not all concrete providers operate equally, and there are high risks of the concrete not meeting the required consistency once you receive the batch.
If you’re confident in your skills and don’t have a reliable, concrete provider whom you can place your trust in, then perhaps mixing the concrete on-site would be a better choice.
- Adaptability & Customization
Ready mix concrete is pretty much set in stone, leaving no room for improvisation if needed. Once the batch is ordered and delivered, that’s it. On the other hand, if you go for the on-site mixing option, you have the added advantage of changing up the consistency and curing time of the concrete.
This can help in specific weather conditions as well as when you need to use concrete for different types of structures like driveways, walls, and foundations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are a lot of factors that determine the type of concrete mix you should use. If your construction project is small and not easily accessible, opt for on-site mixes. Conversely, if you’re undertaking a large-scale project with a stringent timeline and regulatory standards, ready-mix concrete (RMC) would be a far better choice.
We hope this article helped you gain a clearer perspective on the type of concrete that would suit you best. For more insights, explore ready-mix concrete.
FAQs
What are the basic components of a concrete mix?
Concrete comprises sand, water, aggregate, and Portland cement.
What is the importance of the water-to-cement ratio?
This is what determines the strength and durability of the concrete. A low ratio means stronger concrete, while a higher one results in weaker concrete.
What causes concrete to crack?
Cracks in your concrete are the result of incorrect mixing, shrinkage, and pouring on frozen ground.