Ready-mix concrete can be moved and placed using several common methods, depending on the required distance, height, and site conditions. These methods ensure the concrete reaches its final destination efficiently while maintaining its quality.
Methods for Moving Ready-Mix Concrete
Moving ready-mix concrete from the delivery truck to the placement area requires suitable equipment. The choice of method depends largely on the scale of the project and accessibility.
Here are the primary ways ready-mix concrete is moved:
- Truck mixer: While primarily used for transporting concrete to the site, the truck mixer itself can discharge the concrete directly via a chute or into other placement equipment.
- Wheelbarrow or motorized buggy: These are used for relatively short distances on site, providing mobility for smaller volumes or in areas inaccessible to larger equipment.
- Bucket or steel skip: Lifted by cranes or other lifting mechanisms, these are effective for moving concrete vertically or over obstacles to elevated or distant locations.
- Chute: Often attached directly to the truck mixer or used as part of a larger system, chutes utilize gravity to guide concrete downwards or horizontally over short distances.
- Belt conveyor: These systems transport concrete continuously along a moving belt, useful for moving material horizontally or at a slight incline over moderate distances.
- Concrete pump: This is a highly versatile method that uses pressure to move concrete through pipelines over long distances and to significant heights, suitable for large projects and difficult access areas.
- Pneumatic placer: This method uses compressed air to propel concrete (often drier mixes or shotcrete) through a hose, suitable for placing concrete in tight spaces or applying it to surfaces.
These methods are fundamental tools in construction for handling ready-mix concrete effectively after its arrival on site.
| Method | Primary Use | Typical Distance/Height |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Mixer (Discharge) | Direct placement or transfer to other equipment | Very short |
| Wheelbarrow/Motorized Buggy | Short horizontal moves | Short distances |
| Bucket or Steel Skip | Vertical or elevated placement | Vertical & Moderate Horiz |
| Chute | Gravity-assisted placement | Short distances, Downward |
| Belt Conveyor | Horizontal or inclined transport | Moderate distances |
| Concrete Pump | Long distance and high-rise placement | Long distances, Vertical |
| Pneumatic Placer | Difficult access, specialized applications | Varies, often tight spaces |
Choosing the right method ensures the concrete is placed before it begins to set, maintaining its workability and final strength.
