Choosing the right type of concrete for a project can be confusing, with so many options available. One popular choice is volumetric concrete. This type of concrete is mixed on-site using specialised trucks, offering several benefits over traditional ready-mix concrete.
Volumetric concrete is mixed by volume rather than weight. Specialised trucks equipped with separate compartments for cement, aggregates, water, and sometimes additives mix the concrete on-site according to the project’s specific needs. This is different from ready-mix concrete, which is pre-mixed at a batch plant and delivered to the site in a drum mixer. Once ready-mix concrete is delivered, it has a limited time before it starts setting, which can lead to wastage if there are any changes or delays.
Benefits of Volumetric Concrete
1. Less Waste: Since volumetric concrete is mixed on-site, you only mix what you need. This minimises waste and helps keep costs down, especially if project requirements change unexpectedly.
2. Flexibility: One significant advantage of volumetric concrete is its flexibility. You can adjust the mix on the spot based on real-time needs, which is handy if the project requirements change or different mixtures are needed for other parts of the job.
3. Higher Capacity: Volumetric mixer trucks can handle larger quantities of concrete compared to traditional drum mixers, making them suitable for both big and small projects.
4. No Time Pressure: With volumetric concrete, there’s no rush to use it before it starts setting. This is in contrast to ready-mix concrete, which needs to be used within a certain timeframe after delivery.
5. Pay for What You Use: You only pay for the concrete you use. This avoids the issues of over-ordering and wasting excess concrete or under-ordering and having to wait for more.
When to Use Volumetric Concrete
Volumetric concrete is versatile and can be used for various projects, including:
- Domestic Projects: Such as driveways, foundations, and shed bases.
- Commercial and Industrial Projects: For larger-scale tasks like construction, basement foundations, groundworks and flooring.
Its ability to be mixed on-site and adjusted as needed makes it a practical choice for many different applications.
How Volumetric Mixers Work
Volumetric mixers are trucks equipped to carry and mix all the necessary ingredients for concrete. The truck’s compartments hold the cement, aggregates, water, and any additives. The mixer’s controls allow operators to set the mix ratios based on the project’s requirements. Once the mix is ready, it’s either poured or pumped to the desired location.
These trucks also have a display that shows the amount of concrete being used and its cost, similar to a petrol pump. This ensures that you get exactly what you need and pay for only what you use.
Volumetric vs. Traditional Drum Mixers
Volumetric concrete mixers have a few key advantages over traditional drum mixers:
On-Site Mixing: Volumetric mixers mix the concrete on-site, allowing for adjustments and reducing waste. Drum mixers mix concrete off-site, which means any changes can’t be accommodated once the mix is dispatched.
Reduced Waste: Since volumetric mixers only mix what’s needed, there’s less waste compared to drum mixers, which may leave you with excess concrete if not used in time.
Capacity and Flexibility: Volumetric mixers can handle larger volumes and offer more flexibility in adjusting the mix compared to traditional drum mixers
Volumetric concrete offers a flexible and efficient solution for a range of projects. Mixing concrete on-site and adjusting the mix as needed helps reduce waste, manage costs, and adapt to changing requirements. Whether working on a small domestic project or a commercial job, volumetric concrete can be a practical choice for meeting your concrete needs.
Simplify your build with New Mix: quick concrete delivery when you need it
When it comes to construction projects, whether you’re a builder, contractor, or homeowner, having dependable and efficient concrete delivery can make all the difference. New Mix Concrete aims to simplify the process by providing high-quality barrow mix concrete exactly where you need it, when you need it. Serving the Northwest of England, Shropshire, and Leeds, New Mix Concrete focuses on fast delivery, offering both same-day and next-day services, as well as on-site mixing to ensure the right blend for every job.
Fast and efficient concrete delivery
In construction, staying on schedule is essential. New Mix Concrete helps by delivering concrete when you need it, ensuring your project continues smoothly. Whether you’re in the Northwest, Shropshire, or Leeds, their team works to make sure your concrete arrives on time, minimising the risk of delays.
Same-day and next-day service
We know that plans can change quickly. Whether it’s a sudden project need or a tight deadline, sometimes you need concrete sooner than expected. That’s where New Mix Concrete’s same-day and next-day services come in. Whether you’re in a pinch or want to stay ahead of schedule, New Mix is ready to deliver.
Our flexible scheduling helps ensure you get the concrete you need without added stress. This is especially helpful for contractors and builders who often have to adjust to changing project demands. With same-day and next-day delivery, New Mix helps keep your project on track, even when time is tight.
On-site mixing
One of the standout features of New Mix Concrete is their use of volumetric mixing trucks, which mix the concrete on-site. This approach has several advantages over traditional pre-mixed concrete delivery. First and foremost, it guarantees freshness—your concrete is mixed right before it’s needed, ensuring optimal consistency and strength.
On-site mixing also allows for greater flexibility. If your project requires adjustments to the concrete mix, these changes can be made instantly. This is ideal for projects with specific requirements or needing different types of concrete at various stages. You only pay for the exact amount of concrete you use, eliminating waste and saving costs.
Concrete delivered right where you need it
A big advantage of choosing New Mix Concrete is that they don’t just deliver your concrete—they ensure it ends up exactly where it’s needed. After mixing the concrete on-site, the team uses wheelbarrows to transport it to the precise spot on your site.
This service is especially useful for areas that are hard to reach or where accurate placement matters. It lets you concentrate on other tasks while New Mix takes care of moving the concrete, saving you time and effort.
Serving the Northwest of England, Shropshire, and Leeds
New Mix Concrete proudly serves a wide area, including Northwest England, Shropshire, and Leeds. No matter where your project is located within these regions, New Mix is ready to deliver top-quality concrete with unmatched service.
