Ready-mix concrete is essential in the construction business. Contractors have been using the material for building strong establishments and infrastructure for quite some time now. Ready-mix concrete essentially refers to the product of an aggregate of cement, water, sand, and other necessary admixtures that are mixed in a central plant and then delivered to the construction site for utilization. This is contrary to the practice of mixing the concrete on-site, and advantageous as well. Let us discuss some of the lesser-known facts and details about ready-mix concrete one should be aware of while using the material in their construction.
The Ancient History of Ready-mix Concrete
There are accounts of ready mix concrete being used from as early as the year 1909. It is said that such mixtures were delivered through a horse-drawn mixer which used paddles that were turned via the cart’s wheels to keep mixing the concrete while en route towards the location. The first accounts of developing a self-discharging motorized transit mixer were credited to Stephen Stephenian from Columbus, Ohio. it was considered to be the predecessor of the modern-day ready-mix concrete. World war II saw the uprising and demand for the production of ready mix concrete and mixers.
Approximately 20 Billion Tons of Concrete Are Used Every Year
This factoid may not come as a surprise because concrete is incredibly widely used, more so than any material in the world. The vast amount of consumption of concrete is accredited to the abundance of raw materials like water and other aggregates. China utilizes the most amount of concrete in one year, with almost half of the world consumption being recorded in this one country itself. Another interesting aspect of this fact is that China houses the world’s largest concrete structure, the Three Gorges dam situated on the Yangtze River.
Concrete Is the Most Versatile Material
When a contractor utilizes good quality ready mix concrete, they can undertake a multitude of different kinds of projects. Ready-mix concrete can get the job done no matter how big or small the undertaking is. It is used for motorway bridges, high-rise buildings as well as driveways, basements, and pavements. Concrete decks are easy to maintain as well as more cost-effective than cheaper than steel. There is unmatched versatility of ready mix concrete as it is deemed to be suitable for both commercial and residential projects.
Ready-mix Concrete Has an Incredibly High Compressive Strength
The compressive strength of concrete, i.e. the amount of force required to break it ranges between three thousand and seven thousand psi. As per the requirements of the projects, this can be strengthened up to twenty thousand psi as well. Such numbers are immensely important to count on the material for longevity and constructing durable infrastructure. The concrete reaches around ninety percent of its final strength after around four weeks. The material, however, continues to strengthen for decades afterward. This happens due to the conversion of calcium hydroxide into calcium carbonate due to the absorption of carbon dioxide.
Finally, Ready-mix Concrete Is Supplied as a Finished Product
The predetermined nature of ready mix concrete acts as an extremely beneficial aspect in various matters. It is economically feasible, saves a lot of time because of punctual delivery, and does not require to occupy a lot of space on the site when compared to the equipment required for on-site concrete mixing. This reduction in on-site workload leads to accelerating the fast track of the project significantly. The product also has a knack for setting appropriately underwater and not just in dry conditions. Ready-mix concrete has several such advantages and other fascinating effects on its merit.