Concrete is used in a variety of construction projects due to its durable nature once it is completely cured. Concrete also tends to be a more cost effective alternative to other building materials. It can be used in construction roadways, buildings and a variety of other expansive and durable structures. For the best outcome, and to meet strict construction/building regulations and codes ready mix concrete is preferred over other concrete mixes.
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
To understand the different types of ready mix concrete plants available out there, it is important to start by defining ready mix concrete. The term ready mix concrete(concreto premezclado) refers to concrete that is made using a specific engineering mix in a manufacturing plant before being delivered to a construction site. Ready mix concrete is usually required for the most extensive and highly demanding construction projects.
Since the ready mix process uses a highly accurate ratio of materials, with sand, gravel, cement and water being measured by weight before being added to the concrete plant for mixing, it can also be used to formulate highly specialized concrete mixtures for special projects.
Types Of Ready Mix Concrete Plants
Now that you know what ready mix concrete is, here’s a brief look at the different types of ready mix concrete equipments available(equipos de hormigón disponibles).
Centralized/Stationary Ready Mix Batch Plant
As previously stated, ready mix concrete is usually made in batches in a manufacturing set up. These plants are usually made up of different bins for the different materials used in making the concrete mix, including gravel, sand, cement and water. To ensure that these materials are added to the mixer in the right proportions a weighing mechanism is built into the set up.
Since stationary ready mix concrete batch plants hold huge volumes of material and pump out similarly large volumes of concrete in a short amount of time, they are best suited to large scale applications.
In-transit Ready Mix Mixers
These truck mounted mixers are usually used to ferry the ready mix concrete, usually in plastic form, from a large scale stationary ready mix batch plant to construction sites miles away.
Mobile/Volumetric Ready Mix Plant
In cases where the use of in-transit ready mix plants is deemed impractical, or uneconomical, like where the construction site is too far, a mobile/volumetric ready mix plant can prove to be invaluable(planta móvil / volumétrica). Capable of being moved from site to site on a truck, these plants are designed to hold various amounts of the materials used in making ready mix, including sand, gravel, cement and water among others, and mix them on site. As smaller versions of the stationary ready mix plant, they can be used to mix smaller volumes of ready mix, as needed.
Ready mix concrete must be made in accordance to the specifications of a highly accurate engineering mix to ensure the best outcome. To ensure that these specifications are met, regardless of the location or unique requirements of the construction project in question, different types of ready mix plants must be used. Choosing the most suitable plant given the specifics of your project is much easier with the above information in mind.