Concrete and cement are often used interchangeably when in reality, cement is only an ingredient for concrete. Concrete is made using aggregates and paste — the aggregates are crushed stone or gravel and sand, whereas the paste is a mixture of Portland cement and water.
Ready-mix concrete is a convenient tool that arrives at the construction site mixed and ready to be cast as per the contractor’s requirements — this, in turn, saves time and money. Service providers may utilize a stationary or truck mixture for automating the process — each batch of ready mix concrete is delivered to the contractor in cylindrical trucks in a plastic condition. The following are the four types of ready-mix batches concrete plants may utilize:
1. Dry
Dry batch ready-mix concrete plants produce a uniform mixture through truck mixing that involves the twofold mechanism. The linear velocity of the drum surface and concrete workability are two factors that influence the height of concrete climbs before gravity intersects to make it fall.
2. Wet
Wet batch ready-mix concrete is a plant-based or stationary mixer that mixes cement, water, and aggregate in the system to output a sizeable amount of concrete. This type of ready-mix concrete is readily required in mortar production. A fixed trough mixer, pan mixer, continuous mixer, reversing drum mixture, or rotating drum mixer maybe used for wet batch mixers, each with a unique mixing mechanism.
3. Half Wet
The half-wet ready-mix concrete is slurry — it’s a premix of cement, sand, and water that later combines with aggregate in the truck. This mechanism significantly reduces the time spent batching and wear and tear experienced by the central mixture.
4. Combination
As the name suggests, this ready-mix concrete plant is a mixture of a dry and wet batch. Most of the concrete is mixed while dry in small mixers that deliver the concrete to the client. Regardless, ready-mixed concrete may be remixed onsite to ensure proper slump.
ObaidAlQubaisi Contracting has recently launched its venture called the OQC READYMIX, which includes a fully automated concrete batching plant delivering a high mix execution and churned product to clients in Habshan. Moreover, we make all possible attempts to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize wastage. Our civil works include concrete precast supply, concrete repair works, protection to concrete surfaces,and builder’s work “Opening in block and concrete”.
