What is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready mix concrete (RMC), also known as ready mixed concrete or premixed concrete, is mixed off-site and made to an individual customer’s specifications. It is then delivered to site in a ready-to-use state in the exact quantity needed.
How is Ready Mixed Concrete Made?
The product is mixed in a batch plant, the equipment uses a precise amount of sand, cement, water and stone and is sold by volume, namely cubic metres (m³), as opposed to other construction materials such as aggregates, which are sold by weight.
This method of manufacture ensures consistent quality throughout the mix. Once mixed, the product is transferred into a barrel lorry or in-transit mixer lorry for delivery to the customer’s site. Admixtures and fibres may also be added during mixing to help prevent cracking when laid in high temperatures and dries out at a quicker rate.
FP McCann has a number of Ready Mixed batching plants in Northern Ireland, which use computerised batching systems to ensure quality. We also have a fleet of mixer lorries offering delivery to sites across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Uses for Premixed Concrete
What is Ready Mixed Concrete used for? It is a multi-purpose product. It can be used in a number of industries, such as industrial/civil, DIY, agricultural and commercial.
Some uses include foundations, industrial flooring, road systems, general construction, etc. Notable projects FP McCann has provided premix for include wind turbine bases, farm silos, private laneways, industrial warehouse flooring, housing developments and domestic yards.
Ready to use concrete is an excellent material for new build homes. It can be used in the foundations and sub floors, liquid floor screed can then be used for internal floors, with exposed aggregate being a popular decorative feature for finishing yards and steps in residential properties.
Other services offered in our building materials range includes our Easi-Flow Liquid Floor Screed, Trowel Ready Mortar, Dry Silo Mortar, Precast Building Products, Quarry Rock and Stone, and Exposed Aggregate.
Farm Tank
Self-Build Home Foundation
Industrial Warehouse Floor
How Much is Ready Mix Concrete?
Ready to use concrete is sold by volume and the price can vary based on a number of factors. Use our RMC Calculator to calculate the volume you will need to for your upcoming project, once you have the volume, request a quote and a member of our sales team will be able to provide a price based on your required quantity, type of mix and your delivery postcode.
As FP McCann has a number of locations in Northern Ireland, we aim to deliver from our most convenient location. This reduces the cost of delivery, ensuring the customer is getting the best price.
Find your nearest Ready-Mixed Concrete Depot Here
Visit our Northern Ireland Product Locator and enter your postcode to find your nearest location.
Our locations include Knockloughrim, Magherafelt; Kilrea, Coleraine; Lisnaskea; Armagh; Loughside and Mallusk. Contact us to discuss our services, request a quote or to enquire about availability for delivery to your area.
What is the Benefit of Pre-mix Concrete?
This type of material has a number of benefits:
It can be mixed with the exact ratio of sand, water, cement and gravel to meet the strength requirements for the specified job or jobs.
It is delivered directly to the location in the quantity required, when it is needed, which means there is no need for storage on-site.
There is no need for mixing on site, the company looking after the supply takes care of the mixing process for you meaning a reduced need for additional staff at the project location.
It is multi-purpose: it can be used for a number of other applications, making it incredibly an incredibly versatile and popular choice in many areas of construction.
Alternatives to standard Ready Mixed Concrete
As well as standard premixed concrete, you can also opt for coloured concrete in a variety of finishes such as grey and blue.
Imprinted designs can also be applied, giving the effect of a brick work or cobbled stone walkway.
Concrete exposed aggregate is also a popular choice, particularly for residential properties. This is used in surfacing, and incorporates small pebbles or stones into the concrete mix while it’s being laid.
Imprinted Concrete
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Dyed Concrete
Advice for Laying Concrete in Hot or Cold Weather
Particular care should be taken when laying concrete in warm or cold temperatures. Visit our technical guidance page for technical advice on this top as well as other useful tips and tricks for Ready Mixed Concrete.
Ready Mixed Concrete FAQs
Q: What’s the best mix for concrete?
A: Concrete can be compiled of different mixes. The ratio of sand, water, cement and gravel determine the strength of the concrete, which is measured in Newtons. Common ready mixed strengths include 20N, 30N and 35N.
Depending on your project, our team will be able to advise on the best strength to suit. Fibres can also be added for additional strength in certain projects.
Q: Is it cheaper to buy premixed concrete?
A: Purchasing premixed concrete cuts down on-site storage costs and on the cost of employing staff to mix for each project. Contact us for a quote today.
Q: What is the best concrete for residential surfaces?
A: Exposed aggregate is an excellent choice for a durable and aesthetically pleasing surfacing option for a private yard. It can also be applied to steps leading to a front or back door.
Q: What is the best premix concrete for a farm lane?
A: For HGV vehicles, tractors or other heavy farm machinery, you should choose a 40N concrete with air-entrainment or a 50N mix. A tamped finish, which adds grooves to the surface, can also be used on lanes to improve grip for vehicles.
Q: How long does concrete take to dry?
A: It will take approximately 24hours to 48hours for RMC to set/harden, depending on the weather conditions, the thickness of the material and the strength of the mix used. It generally takes 28 days for concrete to reach its full strength.
Q: Can you pour concrete in the rain?
A: It is best to avoid harsh weather conditions. Rain can compromise the strength of the RMC and lead to it becoming flaky once dry. Heavy rain on very fresh concrete can also indent the surface. Aim to lay concrete in cool, dry conditions.
If it rains during the first few hours of your concrete being laid, you should cover it to protect it from the excess water. Concrete laid on days with strong winds can result in the surface drying too quickly and therefore increases the risk of cracking.
Useful RMC Resources
FP McCann’s Ready Mix Concrete
If you would like any further information on our Ready Mix Concrete solutions, email sales@fpmccann.co.uk, find out more on our website or request a quote.