Description

Ready-mix concrete is concrete that is manufactured in a batch plant, according to each specific job requirement, then delivered to the job site "ready to use". There are two types with the first being the barrel truck or in–transit mixers. This type of truck delivers concrete in a plastic state to the site. The second is the volumetric concrete mixer. This delivers the ready mix in a dry state and then mixes the concrete on site. However, other sources divide the material into three types: Transit Mix, Central Mix or Shrink Mix concrete. Ready Mix Concrete - Helping the Construction Industry Achieve Sustainable Development The use of RMC has several advantages, making it a more viable and efficient alternative to site-mix concrete. It circumvents the messy and long-drawn task of producing the concrete onsite. The consumption of cement reduces by nearly 10% to 12% with better handling practices and proper mixing. Furthermore, the responsibility of producing fresh concrete, its transportation, pumping and laying of concrete on the site lies with the supplier. The supplier plays an essential part since one of the primary goals of ready-mix concrete is to provide materials of the best quality with timely delivery, regardless of the size of the order. The quality of concrete used has a direct impact on the strength and durability of the structure and it is in this context that ready-mix concrete plays an important role. The production of RMC provides the opportunity to produce concrete in line with the requirement of the project. Elements such as compressive strength, proportioning of ingredients, workability, water-cement ratio, and slump can be configured according to the project. An added advantage is the reduced air and noise pollution since RMC is produced in organised manufacturing units. Sustainable development in the construction industry is aimed at improving the quality of life for everyone, now and for the next generations. The challenge for the construction industry in India is to meet the growing need for infrastructure development and housing while limiting the impact of its CO2 emissions. This requires drastic improvements in the use of alternative materials in construction and supplementary cementing materials as partial replacements to OPC. By knowing the numerous advantages of industrial by-products, RMC industries have partially replaced their cement with flyash and GGBS, which are the by-products of other industries. These products enhance the workability, durability, and sustainability of construction, and because of the enriched properties of these supplementary materials, like quality, availability, and low cost, they are being widely used for construction works.