Construction
Amateur
Ready-mixed concrete is supplied
in trucks with a revolving barrel.
Most of the quantities are quite large, from 6 to 12 cubic
metres and are offloaded by shute, conveyor belt or
via a concrete pump. Normal domestic use requires much smaller
quantities; these are available in mini trucks. The concrete
has all been mixed at a batching plant
with the truck continuing the agitation; it doesn't
carry out the complete mixing process.
Some large builder's
merchants
have started to offer a product mixed by a different
sort of truck at
the premises where the work is to be carried out.
This website
doesn't
cover such variants and only supports the ready-mixed
concrete activities of BRMCA member
companies, which account for over 90% of ready mixed concrete
supplied in
the UK.
Domestic purchasers should be aware that large quantities
are
difficult to move without the right equipment and that
the correct protective
equipment should be used/worn.
 A
small user may buy or hire their own portable concrete mixer
and source cement and aggregates from builder's
merchants. Whilst the resulting product may meet similar
standards to
ready-mixed concrete, it is with regarded as site-batched
and not
ready-mixed to the BRMCA definition. It is advisable to use
similar
safety precautions as for ready-mixed concrete.
There are
two quality control schemes for ready-mixed concrete operated
by QSRMC and BSI.
All BRMCA member companies supply concrete in accordance
with one of these schemes. For your own peace of mind you
should insist on written confirmation that the concrete you
are buying is covered by one of them.
Self-builder's (those building their own home) may require large
quantities of ready-mixed concrete. The placing of such large
volumes is best left to professionals. For more information
on building houses visit The
Concrete Centre.
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