When it comes to modern construction, Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) has become a game-changer. Whether you’re building a home, a commercial structure, or a road, ready mix concrete saves time, reduces labor, and ensures high quality. In this blog, we’ll explain what ready mix concrete is, its types, benefits, uses, and why it’s the preferred choice in the construction industry today.
What Is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) is a type of concrete that is manufactured in a batching plant under controlled conditions. It is then delivered to the construction site in transit mixers while it’s still fresh and workable.
Unlike traditional site-mixed concrete, which is mixed manually or with machines at the construction site, RMC is pre-mixed and delivered ready to use. This not only improves the quality of concrete but also reduces on-site work, wastage, and environmental impact.
Components of Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete is made of the following materials:
-
Cement (usually Portland cement)
-
Fine aggregates (like sand)
-
Coarse aggregates (like gravel or crushed stone)
-
Water
-
Admixtures (for improving strength, workability, or setting time)
All ingredients are measured and mixed in a central batching plant, ensuring uniform quality.
Types of Ready Mix Concrete
There are mainly three types of RMC, based on how it is mixed and delivered:
1. Transit Mixed Concrete (Truck Mixed)
-
Mixed in the truck during transportation.
-
Can be mixed dry or wet.
-
Most commonly used RMC type.
2. Shrink Mixed Concrete
-
Partially mixed at the plant and completed in the truck.
-
Reduces mixer truck time and improves quality control.
3. Central Mixed Concrete (Plant Mixed)
-
Fully mixed at the batching plant.
-
Transported in an agitator truck.
-
Offers the best quality and uniformity.
Advantages of Using Ready Mix Concrete
Ready mix concrete is widely preferred for its many advantages:
1. Consistent Quality
Since RMC is mixed in a controlled environment, the quality and strength are more consistent than manually mixed concrete.
2. Saves Time
No need for on-site mixing. Just pour and place – which speeds up construction.
3. Reduces Labor Cost
Reduces the need for large teams to mix and handle concrete on site.
4. Minimizes Wastage
Exact quantities of materials are used, so there’s less waste of cement, sand, or aggregates.
5. Eco-Friendly
Less dust, noise, and pollution at the site. Also reduces material handling and spillage.
6. Customization Possible
You can request specific grades, admixtures, setting times, and strengths depending on your project needs.
Common Applications of Ready Mix Concrete
RMC is used in a variety of construction projects, such as:
-
Residential buildings (floors, beams, slabs)
-
Commercial complexes (foundations, columns)
-
Bridges and highways
-
Road construction
-
Precast concrete structures
-
Industrial buildings
-
Large infrastructure projects
Why Is Ready Mix Concrete Better Than Site Mix?
| Feature | Ready Mix Concrete | Site Mix Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | High and uniform | May vary |
| Wastage | Minimal | High |
| Labor | Less required | More required |
| Speed | Fast | Slow |
| Space Needed | Less | More |
| Environment Impact | Low | High |
With growing demand for fast and reliable construction methods, ready mix concrete clearly stands out as the more efficient choice.
How Is Ready Mix Concrete Delivered?
Once the concrete is mixed, it’s loaded into transit mixer trucks. These trucks keep the concrete rotating to prevent it from setting before it reaches the construction site.
The delivery time is usually within 1.5 to 2 hours from the time of mixing, ensuring the concrete remains fresh and workable.
Important Tips for Using RMC
-
Plan ahead – Schedule the delivery in coordination with your construction work.
-
Prepare the site – Ensure the location is ready for pouring when the truck arrives.
-
Use within time – Avoid delays, as RMC has a limited workable time.
-
Check quality – Ask for a batching slip or lab report to confirm quality.
-
Choose the right grade – Use appropriate M-grade (e.g., M20, M25, M30) based on structural requirement.
Conclusion
Ready Mix Concrete is a smart choice for modern construction. It offers better quality, faster completion, reduced labor, and minimal environmental impact. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or civil engineer, using RMC can help you build better, faster, and more efficiently.
So next time you plan a project consider ready mix concrete as a reliable and future-friendly building material.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete (RMC) is a type of concrete that is manufactured in a factory or batching plant, mixed in the right proportions, and delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use form.
2. What Are the Main Ingredients of Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is made using cement, water, fine aggregates (like sand), coarse aggregates (like gravel), and chemical admixtures.
3. What Are the Benefits of Using Ready Mix Concrete?
Some key benefits of ready mix concrete include:
- Consistent quality
- Faster construction
- Reduced labor and material waste
- Less dust and noise at the site
- Customizable mixes for different needs
4. How is Ready Mix Concrete Delivered to the Site?
RMC is transported in rotating transit mixer trucks that keep the concrete fresh and prevent it from hardening before pouring.
5. What is the Difference Between Ready Mix Concrete and Site Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete is mixed at a plant and delivered to the site, while site mix concrete is mixed manually or by machines at the construction location. RMC offers better quality, consistency, and speed.
6. Can Ready Mix Concrete Be Used for Small Construction Projects?
Yes, many suppliers offer small quantity deliveries for residential projects, home repairs, or small-scale construction.
7. How Long Can ReadyMix Concrete Stay Usable After Mixing?
Typically, RMC should be used within 90 to 120 minutes after mixing. Delays can affect the quality and workability of the concrete.
8. Is Ready Mix Concrete more Expensive Than Traditional Concrete?
While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, RMC saves money in the long run by reducing labor, time, material waste, and improving construction efficiency.
9. What are the Different Grades of Ready Mix Concrete?
Common grades include M10, M15, M20, M25, M30, M35, and M40. The higher the grade, the stronger the concrete. Selection depends on the type of structure and load requirements.
10. Is Ready Mix Concrete eco-friendly?
Yes, RMC is more environmentally friendly than site mix. It reduces dust, noise, water usage, and material waste at construction sites.