One essential part of construction is the structural component. The list of structural features of the building includes the foundation, columns, beams, and walls. These parts, which act as the backbone of the structure, are mostly made up of steel and concrete. That’s why it’s common to see bulk trucks of ready-mix concrete or even bags of cement and gravel with on-site cement mixing trucks or any ready-mix truck that you have.
In this blog, let us define, compare, and contrast these two mixtures: ready-mix and site-mixed concrete to help you assess the best one for your upcoming project.
What is Ready-Mix Concrete?
As its name suggests, ready-mix concrete is all set to be poured into designated construction areas. It is prepared in the factory, delivered to the job site, and is ready for concrete pouring. This is sold by volume, usually measured in cubic meters.
Advantages
- The ratio of aggregates, water, and Portland cement is input into the computer, so accuracy is not in question. The accuracy of the ratio is important as it affects the design mix that determines the durability of the concrete, including the desired strength.
- The process of mixing the raw materials is quick and does not require additional labor costs.
- Since it is processed in the factory, consistent material quality is maintained.
- This does not require storage space or raw materials onsite since the mix is delivered via a transit mixer.
- Ready-to-use concrete mix does not require additional equipment onsite.
- Concrete pouring can be done in big batches.
- Material waste is minimal.
- This can be quickly listed as one item in the material takeoff. Given this, the construction cost estimation is done faster.
Disadvantages
- Delays in delivery due to heavy traffic congestion may affect the quality of the concrete mix. Fresh concrete is perishable, so this is time sensitive. There is the risk of the mixture hardening if not poured within the recommended period.
- When not delivered and poured on time, it needs admixture to remedy the setting and hardening of the concrete.
- Wide site access for the transit mixer is a need. The access is not limited to the job site itself. The roads leading to the construction site should be checked as well.
- A certain quantity must be met to place an order with your supplier.
What is Site-Mixed Concrete?
This kind of mixture is combined on the job site. Hence, it is also called a job mix or on-the-job mix. The workers input the aggregates, water, and Portland cement, then mix it using a one-bagger concrete mixer.
Advantages
- Delays caused by traffic are not applicable since the mix is done onsite. There is no need for fresh cement delivery.
- Since the mixture batch is small and the location transfer is near, the addition of admixture is not necessary.
- The need for wide access is not a priority.
- There is no minimum quantity to buy raw materials.
Disadvantages
- There may be inaccuracy in the ratio if not properly supervised.
- The process of mixing the aggregates, cement, and water is time-consuming.
- The quality of the mix may vary since this will be done in several small batches.
- There is a need for onsite storage for the raw materials.
- Since the mixing process is done at the construction site, equipment use is a need.
- The amount of mixture per batch is small.
- During storage and mixing, there is a tendency for raw material loss.
Differences between Ready-Mix Concrete and Site-Mixed Concrete
Here is a chart to help summarize the two kinds of concrete mix.
| Aspect | Ready-Mix Concrete | Site-Mixed Concrete |
| Ratio Accuracy | Precise | May be inaccurate |
| Time | Efficient | Time-consuming |
| Quality of Mix | Consistent | May vary |
| Onsite Storage of Raw Materials | Not required | Required |
| Equipment Use Onsite | Not Necessary | Needed |
| Batch Size | Large | Small |
| Material wastage | Minimal | There is material loss during storage and mixing |
| Material Takeoff | Can be calculated as a single item | Raw materials should be listed individually |
| Delays caused by unexpected heavy vehicle traffic | Applicable | Not applicable |
| Need for admixtures | Needed | Not needed |
| Site Access | Requires wide access for entry of trucks | Can operate on narrow roads |
| Order Quantity | A certain quantity must be met for the minimum order | No minimum quantity |
For both types of concrete mixtures, tests are performed to ensure the quality is on par with the Philippine standards. This is done to check the compressive strength, durability, permeability, and air content of the mixture.
Cement, one of the elements in the mixture, plays a crucial role in binding the elements and in providing strength to the concrete when setting and hardening. This is one good reason to carefully evaluate the cement products to include in your mix.
Quality Cement Partner of Ready-Mix Concrete in the Philippines
Cement is a crucial building material to most modern-day construction. That’s why, it’s important to choose high-quality cement from a trusted cement supplier.
Whether you choose ready-mix concrete or site-mixed concrete, there is one high-quality brand you can count on. The product line of Union Cement can be used depending on your site requirements.
Union Ultra Strength 50: compressive strength of up to 50 MPa after 28 days (about 4 weeks), exceeding Philippine National Standards of 28 MPa after 28 days
Also, Union Cement offers Multi-Modal Transport Service to transport our cement products wherever you are, by land and sea! You can also avail Land Delivery Bulk Truck for ready-mix concrete deliveries. Talk to our team to get quality cement for your ready-mix concrete in the Philippines.
Consistent with parent company PHINMA’s vision of making lives better, Union Cement provides a reliable and consistent supply of high-quality cement products and services to support our country’s construction and infrastructure requirements.
Union Cement is part of the PHINMA Construction Materials Group (PHINMA CMG), which includes affiliates Union Galvasteel Corporation, and PHINMA Solar Energy Corporation. The synergy of these three companies allows PHINMA CMG to provide high-quality steel, cement, and solar solutions at outstanding value to customers nationwide.
Union Cement ang Sementong Astig. Basta semento, i-Union Cement mo! Visit our Contact Us page or Union Cement Facebook page to know more.
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