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Why the Future of Construction Is Being Changed by Ready Mix Concrete

Construction projects that used ad hoc, manually lined-up concrete constructs at the site are a thing of the past. In today’s fast-paced, quality-driven construction industry, ready-mix concrete has become a standard component of efficient and dependable building. Whether it is a multi-story commercial building in central London or a home driveway in Romford, the clever choice that builders are increasingly choosing is the professionally produced ready-made concrete mix.

Our reputation as a consistent, strong, and dependable mix in every pour has earned us the trust of contractors, architects, and developers in our area thanks to our capacity to produce thousands of cubic meters of ready mix concrete throughout London and the surrounding area (Essex, Kent, and more).

What is Ready Mix Concrete?

Ready mix concrete (RMC) is concrete that is delivered to the construction site in a mixer truck after being manufactured under controlled conditions in a batch processing plant. RMC guarantees precise proportions, less wastes, and quicker turnaround times than typical site-mixed concrete.

Fact:  UK ready mix concrete market to have value in excess of 1.2 billion in 2024- supported by growth in urbanization and need to achieve high quality constructions.

Why Contractors Prefer Ready Mix Concrete

1. Precision and Control

There are no guesses when it comes to concrete mixing, it is chemistry. Under RMC, cement contents, aggregate contents, water contents and any admixtures used are all under computer control and tested and released from the batching plant.

Tip:  If your project requires special strength or a set time, request a special concrete mix with additives like retarder (in case of hot weathers) or accelerator (in case of colder temperatures).

2. Time-Efficient Construction

Manual mixing is a time consuming waste of productivity. Using RMC, you can have the concrete poured, without the need to go through labour-saving or keeping things on schedule.

3. Cleaner, Safer Worksites

RMC helps in decreasing mess and wastage of material. Mixing will occur off site hence your site will not be crowded or unsafe to visitors and tradesmen.

4. Better Quality Finish

Air pockets, uneven curing and cracking are all common in case of poor mix of concrete. There is also uniformity in structure and smooth fineness in ready mix concrete which is an important aspect of both strength and beauty.

How Ready Mix Concrete is Made

There are five major steps involved in the production of the ready mix concrete:

  1. Material Selection – The materials used include cement, water, aggregates (sand, gravel, crushed stone) and additives.
  2. Batching –Weighing and combination in high technology batching systems.
  3. Mixing – Concrete is uniformly mixed by the rotating drums or in twin shaft mixers.
  4. Transportation – The fresh mix (just mixed up) is transported to site by transit mixer trucks.
  5. Placement – The concrete is discharged, poured, vibrated, and cured in the right manner.

Note: All RMS Concrete products meet the requirement of BS EN 206 and also meet the demand of BS 8500 which are structural use of concrete in UK.

Where is Ready Mix Concrete Used?

Made ready mix concrete is very adaptable. The following are some of the most used applications in the construction sectors:

1. Foundations and Footings

The support of any normal building. The long-term stability and load-bearing strength RMC provides come in the form of compressive strength.

Example: In East London, RMS Concrete supplied 180m³ of C35 concrete for raft foundations on a three-storey residential build—ensuring minimal settlement risk and perfect levelling.

2. Slabs and Flooring

Used for industrial warehouses, homes, schools, and commercial buildings where a flat, strong surface is needed.

Tip: Use fibre-reinforced ready mix concrete for warehouse slabs to minimise surface cracks from heavy machinery.

3. Retaining Walls and Basements

High-strength, waterproof concrete is essential here. RMS can supply custom mixes for below-grade applications.

4. Driveways and Pavements

A smoother, neater finish with better durability against weather and traffic—without hand-mixing guesswork.

5. Structural Elements (Columns, Beams, Lintels)

Custom concrete mixes can be created for various design loads and rebar integrations.

Concrete Mix Types We Offer

At RMS Concrete, we provide a full spectrum of concrete mix types tailored to different construction requirements:

Mix CodeTypical Use
C10 – C15Kerbs, blinding layers, non-structural pads
C20 – C25Domestic slabs, footings, garage bases
C30 – C35Commercial slabs, structural beams and columns
C40 – C50+Industrial flooring, highways, foundations for large structures
Fibre-Reinforced ConcreteCrack resistance in floors and slabs
Waterproof ConcreteBasements, swimming pools, tanks
Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC)Congested reinforcement or decorative concrete applications

Key Advantages of Using Ready Mix Concrete

Let’s take a closer look at why ready mix concrete is becoming the go-to for professionals:

✔ Consistent Strength

Every batch is precision measured—no more weak spots or failed cube tests.

✔ Faster Pouring

No delays from on-site mixing means more work done in less time.

✔ Eco-Friendly

Less wastage, more efficient batching, and lower CO₂ emissions per cubic metre.

Fact: RMS Concrete recycles leftover materials and uses modern trucks that meet EU Stage V emission standards.

✔ Reduced Labour Costs

Fewer operatives needed for mixing and transporting materials on-site.

✔ Compliant with UK Regulations

Concrete mix designs are certified and tested to comply with Building Regulations and construction standards.

Case Study: School Extension in South London

A primary school in South London required a 120m² extension with tight access and a 7-day deadline. RMS Concrete supplied 65m³ of C25 ready mix concrete using a concrete pump to reach over existing playground fencing.

  • Challenge: Access restricted to 2m-wide pedestrian path
  • Solution: Boom pump + early morning pour with traffic management
  • Result: Completed ahead of schedule with zero disruption to school operations

Pro Tip: For hard-to-reach pours, pair your RMC order with concrete pump hire for greater control and speed.

Tips for First-Time Concrete Buyers

If you’re new to ordering concrete, here are a few practical pointers:

  • Measure Accurately: Use our concrete calculator online to determine how much you need.
  • Plan Your Pour: Ensure all shuttering, reinforcement, and access is ready in advance.
  • Ask for the Right Mix: Tell us what the concrete is being used for—we’ll advise the best strength and additives.
  • Prepare for Delivery: Make sure there’s a clear path for our truck (or pump) and have people ready to help spread it.

Ready Mix Concrete vs Site-Mixed: A Quick Comparison

FeatureReady Mix ConcreteSite-Mixed Concrete
SpeedFastSlower
AccuracyHighly controlledVariable
WastageMinimalOften high
Labour NeedLowHigh
Site SpaceLess neededMore required
QualityLab-testedBased on operator
Cost (long term)EfficientPotentially more due to errors

Regulations & Safety

RMC helps you stay compliant with construction regulations such as:

  • BS EN 206 / BS 8500 – Standards for concrete production and use
  • COSHH Regulations – Wet concrete can cause burns, so PPE is essential
  • Control of Pollution Act 1974 – Cleaner sites with less concrete runoff or slurry
  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Safer processes = safer sites

Did You Know? Using poorly mixed concrete in structural works can result in insurance invalidation if it doesn’t meet certified mix design.

Why Choose RMS Concrete?

At RMS Concrete, we’re not just a supplier—we’re your project partner. Our strengths include:

  • Rapid delivery across London, Essex, Kent, and Hertfordshire
  • Experienced team to guide your mix selection
  • Flexible scheduling—including night and weekend pours
  • Pump hire services for efficient placement
  • Transparent pricing and volume-based quotes

The Bottom Line

The construction world is moving forward—and ready mix concrete is leading the way. It’s not only about convenience; it’s about delivering a stronger, cleaner, faster build with less margin for error.

Whether you’re constructing a retail park in Croydon or laying a patio in Dagenham, RMS Concrete is your reliable supplier of quality-assured concrete mixes—delivered when you need it, how you need it.

Remember: Build smart. Pour precise. Choose ready mix concrete.

Ready to Order?

Contact RMS Concrete today to get a free quote or technical advice on your next project.
Call us or submit a request on rmsconcrete — we’re here to help, every step of the pour.

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