Explore the Ins & Outs of Ready-Mix Concrete

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world, forming the backbone of everything from sidewalks and driveways to skyscrapers and bridges. Among the different types available today, ready-mix concrete stands out for its convenience, consistency, and efficiency. But what exactly is ready-mix concrete, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.

What Is Ready-Mix Concrete?

Ready-mix concrete (RMC) is concrete that is manufactured in a controlled batching plant according to a precise mix design and then delivered to a construction site in a fresh, workable state. Instead of mixing cement, aggregates, and water on-site, builders receive concrete that is already mixed and ready to pour. The ingredients typically include:

• Cement (the binding agent)
• Aggregates (sand, gravel, or crushed stone)
• Water
• Admixtures (optional additives to enhance performance, such as strength, workability, or setting time)

Because the mixing process is centralized and automated, ready-mix concrete offers a level of quality control that is difficult to achieve with on-site mixing.

How Ready-Mix Concrete Is Made

1. Mix Design & Batching

Everything starts with a mix design, which specifies the exact proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures needed to meet the project’s requirements. These requirements might include compressive strength, durability, workability, or resistance to weather and chemicals.

2. Mixing Process

Once batched, the materials are mixed using one of two main methods:

• Central-mixed concrete: All ingredients are mixed thoroughly at the plant before being loaded into the truck.
• Transit-mixed concrete: Ingredients are placed in the truck and mixed during transportation to the site.

Both methods aim to produce uniform, high-quality concrete.

3. Transportation

Ready-mix concrete is transported in specialized mixer trucks with rotating drums. The rotation keeps the concrete from separating or hardening before delivery. Timing is critical—concrete must be poured within a specific window (often 90 minutes) to maintain proper workability.

4. Delivery & Placement

Upon arrival at the site, the concrete is discharged directly into forms, pumps, or wheelbarrows. From there, it is spread, leveled, and finished according to the project’s needs.

Explore the Common Applications of Ready-Mix Concrete

Ready-mix concrete is used across a wide range of projects, including:



• Residential foundations, driveways, and patios
• Commercial buildings and parking structures
• Roads, bridges, and infrastructure projects
• Industrial floors and heavy-duty pavements

Contact Our Local Concrete Supplier to Get Started

Ready-mix concrete simplifies construction by delivering a high-quality, ready-to-use product directly to the job site. Its controlled production process, consistency, and efficiency make it an ideal choice for modern building projects of all sizes. All you have to do is contact one of the knowledgeable representatives at Loflin Concrete, Inc. to request your next delivery. Whether you’re pouring a small backyard patio or constructing a large commercial foundation, ready-mix concrete helps ensure strength, durability, and long-term performance!