Ready mix concrete, often referred to as RMC, is a crucial component in the construction industry. Unlike traditional concrete, this is prepared offsite and delivered to the construction site in a ready-to-use state which saves time, effort, and resources while ensuring consistency in quality.
Construction projects can be expensive, and it’s essential to understand the factors contributing to the overall cost. RMC prices can vary depending on several aspects, such as the ingredients’ quality, the delivery site’s distance, and the demand for RMC in the local market.
Understand these factors clearly to make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected costs.
Distance to Your Construction Site
The closer the facility is to the construction site, the lower the cost of the ready-mix concrete. It is because the transportation costs, which are a significant component of the overall cost, are lower when the distance is shorter. However, the distance isn’t just about the physical distance between the two locations. The road conditions, traffic, and accessibility of the site can also affect the transportation costs.
For instance, if the construction site is in an area with poor road conditions or high traffic, the costs will be higher, even if the distance is relatively short.
Another factor to consider is the volume needed for the project. If the project requires a large volume of ready-mix concrete, the transportation costs will be higher, regardless of the distance. In some cases, the distance between the supplier’s facility and the construction site may be too far, making transporting impractical in the first place. You may need alternative construction materials if you get stuck in this problem.
Explore all available options and choose the one that best fits the project’s requirements while controlling costs.
Time on Site
When RMC is delivered to a construction site, the delivery trucks need to wait for a certain amount of time to unload the concrete. The longer the delivery process takes, the higher the costs will be – because the concrete supplier’s resources, including the delivery trucks and the driver’s time, are being utilized longer.
To ensure that the delivery process is as efficient as possible, prepare the construction site appropriately. Before the delivery trucks arrive, the construction site must be clear of any obstacles hindering the delivery process. Also, make it a point to clear the delivery area of debris so that the trucks can safely maneuver into position to unload.
In addition to preparing the delivery area, schedule the delivery process at a time that minimizes any potential delays. For example, scheduling the delivery during off-peak traffic hours can help reduce the time the delivery trucks spend in transit and thus minimize the cost of the delivery process.
It is also helpful to coordinate with the concrete supplier to maintain that the delivery is scheduled at a convenient time for both parties.
Concrete Mix Design
Each project needs a specific mix design according to what strength and durability standards align with the project. This is why you choose the right mix design for your project, as using the wrong one could lead to poor quality results and increased costs down the line.
Various concrete is available, each with its own mix design tailored to meet specific requirements. For instance, high-strength concrete is designed to withstand heavy loads and pressure, while lightweight concrete is designed for easier handling and transportation.
Other types of concrete include self-compacting concrete, pervious concrete, and decorative concrete, all of which have specific mix designs to achieve their desired properties.
Market Demand
During periods of high demand, the supply of ready-mix concrete may not meet the market’s needs, leading to a rise in production and transportation costs. Conversely, oversupply during periods of low demand can cause prices to drop.
Market demand is influenced by various factors, such as the state of the economy, population changes, and construction industry activity. An economic boom often results in a surge in construction activity, which, in turn, leads to an increase in the demand for ready-mix concrete. Urban population growth also drives up demand for construction and, consequently, for ready-mix concrete.
Nonetheless, during the economic recession, the number of construction projects may decline, leading to a fall in demand for ready-mix concrete. Government policies, such as regulatory changes or funding for construction projects, can also impact the demand for ready-mix concrete, thereby affecting its price.
Amount of Ready Mix Concrete You Need
The quantity of concrete required for a project can vary widely (the more concrete needed, the higher the overall cost will be). Larger quantities of concrete require more raw materials, labor, and transportation, all contributing to higher costs.
Multiple trucks can be arranged for larger pours to deliver the required amount of concrete. It can be a cost-effective solution, as it reduces the time needed for delivery and allows for a larger volume of concrete to be delivered in a shorter time frame. It is momentous to note that the cost of arranging for multiple trucks may also increase the overall cost of the project.
A Concrete Pump
The use of a concrete pump can provide several benefits that traditional methods cannot match. The primary advantage is the efficiency of the pouring process, as the pump can deliver large quantities of concrete quickly, reducing the time and even staff required for the job.
Two main types of concrete pumps are boom pumps and line pumps. Boom pumps are mounted on a truck and can be used to deliver concrete to hard-to-reach areas, such as multi-story buildings. Line pumps, on the other hand, are portable and can be employed to deliver concrete to smaller or less accessible construction sites, such as those located in residential neighbourhoods.
You want to make sure you choose the right type of pump for your construction project, as the wrong choice can result in increased costs. For example, a boom pump may be the most appropriate option if your project requires concrete delivery to high-rise buildings. In contrast, a line pump may be more suitable for smaller projects or those with limited access.
Final Thoughts
Ready-mix concrete is a versatile and commonly used building material that has many advantages over traditional on-site mixing. It offers consistent quality, faster construction times, and increased durability. Yet, some characteristics can impact the cost of the material, and to avoid that, carefully consider your work with it.
