Frequently Asked Questions

Concrete is a construction material created by blending cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone. As these components mix, the cement and water form a paste that binds the aggregates together, solidifying as the mixture cures.

Cement is a dry, powdered chemical that reacts with water to form a hard compound, while concrete is a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel or stone.

Cement acts as the binder or “glue” that holds the sand and gravel or stone together when it hardens after mixing with water.

Slump is a measure of the consistency and workability of freshly mixed concrete. It refers to the amount of vertical settlement or “slump” that occurs when a standard cone-shaped mold, filled with concrete, is lifted off. The slump test is used to determine how fluid or stiff the concrete mix is, which helps to assess its workability for various construction applications.

1. Material Costs

• Cement, Aggregates, and Additives: The main components of concrete (cement, sand, gravel, and other aggregates) have fluctuating market prices. Special additives, such as accelerants, retarders, or fibers, can increase the cost.

2. Grade and Type of Concrete

• Strength Requirement (PSI): Higher-strength concrete (measured in PSI—pounds per square inch) typically costs more because it uses higher-quality cement and materials.
• Specialty Mixes: If the concrete requires special features (such as fast-setting, waterproofing, or lightweight properties), it may be more expensive.

3. Quantity Ordered

• Volume: Concrete is usually priced by the cubic yard or cubic meter. Ordering in bulk often reduces the price per unit.
• Small Orders: For smaller quantities, suppliers may add a surcharge or higher per-unit cost.

4. Delivery Costs

• Distance from the Plant: The further the ready-mix concrete plant is from your site, the higher the delivery charge.

5. Additional Fees

• Fuel Surcharge: Due to rising fuel costs, many suppliers add a surcharge for transportation.
• Minimum Load Fees: For small projects, suppliers often charge a minimum load fee if the order is below a certain volume (e.g., less than 5 cubic yards).
• Waiting Time: If the truck must wait on-site for an extended period of time.

These factors are combined to give a final price, typically quoted per cubic yard (or cubic meter) for ready-mix concrete. To get an accurate estimate, contact our dispatch team for further assistance.

Types of Admixtures and Their Functions:

1. Water-Reducing Admixtures

• Purpose: Reduce the amount of water needed in the concrete mix while maintaining its workability. This increases strength without changing the concrete’s consistency.
• Benefits: Higher strength, reduced water content, and improved durability.

2. Retarding Admixtures

• Purpose: Slow down the setting time of concrete, allowing for more time to place and finish it.
• Benefits: Useful in hot weather or for large projects where more working time is needed before the concrete sets.

3. Accelerating Admixtures

• Purpose: Speed up the setting and hardening of concrete.
• Benefits: Useful in cold weather or for projects that need to be completed quickly. It allows earlier removal of formwork and faster project completion.

4. Air-Entraining Admixtures

• Purpose: Introduce tiny, uniformly distributed air bubbles in the concrete.
• Benefits: Improves concrete’s resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, reduces cracking, and increases durability, especially in cold climates.

5. Superplasticizers

• Purpose: Dramatically increase the fluidity and workability of concrete without adding extra water.
• Benefits: Allows for easier placement in tight or heavily reinforced areas and reduces the need for vibration. Can produce high-strength concrete with lower water content.

6. Corrosion-Inhibiting Admixtures

• Purpose: Protect steel reinforcement in concrete from corrosion.
• Benefits: Extends the life of structures exposed to harsh environments, such as bridges, parking structures, or marine applications.

7. Shrinkage-Reducing Admixtures

• Purpose: Minimize the shrinkage of concrete during the curing process.
• Benefits: Reduces cracking and improves the overall durability of concrete.

8. Pozzolanic Admixtures

• Purpose: Contain materials like fly ash or silica fume that react with calcium hydroxide to create additional binding materials in concrete.
• Benefits: Improve the strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attacks, particularly sulfate attacks.

9. Coloring Admixtures

• Purpose: Add pigments to the concrete for aesthetic purposes.
• Benefits: Used in decorative concrete applications like stamped or stained concrete.

•Workability: Admixtures can make the concrete easier to work with, allowing it to be poured, spread, and finished more effectively.

•Performance: They can improve the strength, durability, and resistance of concrete to environmental factors like freezing, water, or chemicals.

•Cost-Effectiveness: Some admixtures can reduce the amount of cement needed, lowering the cost of concrete production.

•Environmental Adaptation: Admixtures can help concrete adapt to different weather conditions, ensuring it performs well in both hot and cold environments.

Protecting concrete ensures its durability, strength, and appearance over time. Here are several key strategies to protect your concrete from damage and degradation:

1. Seal the Concrete

• Why: Sealing concrete helps prevent water, chemicals, oil, and other contaminants from penetrating the surface. This reduces the risk of cracks, surface spalling, and discoloration.
• How: Use a high-quality concrete sealer designed for your specific environment (e.g., exterior, driveway, or decorative concrete). Sealers should be applied every 2-3 years or as needed.

2. Prevent Freeze-Thaw Damage

• Why: In cold climates, water absorbed by concrete can freeze, causing it to expand and crack.
• How:
  • Use air-entrained concrete for outdoor applications as it resists freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Regularly apply a concrete sealer designed for cold-weather protection.
  • Ensure proper drainage to prevent water from pooling on the surface.

3. Protect Against De-icing Salts

• Why: De-icing salts used in winter can chemically break down concrete, causing spalling and pitting.
• How:
  • Avoid using harsh de-icing chemicals like calcium chloride and sodium chloride.
  • Use sand or other non-chemical materials for traction on icy concrete.
  • If de-icers must be used, regularly clean the surface to remove salt residue, and apply a sealer designed to resist salt damage.

4. Apply Joint Sealant or Filler

• Why: Concrete joints are necessary to control cracking, but if left unprotected, they can allow water and debris to penetrate.
• How: Fill joints with an appropriate sealant or joint filler to prevent water infiltration and to accommodate expansion and contraction of the concrete.

5. Maintain Proper Curing

• Why: Proper curing is essential to prevent cracking, ensure strength, and improve durability.
• How:
  • Keep the surface damp or use curing compounds to retain moisture for the first few days after pouring concrete.
  • Avoid applying excessive weight or stress to the concrete during the curing process (typically the first 28 days).

6. Use Reinforcement

• Why: Reinforcement helps strengthen concrete and prevent cracking due to movement or settling.
• How: Incorporate steel rebar, wire mesh, or fibers into the concrete mix, especially for large slabs or structural elements.

7. Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

• Why: Dirt, stains, mold, and mildew can degrade the appearance and performance of concrete.
• How:
  • Regularly sweep and wash the concrete surface to remove debris, dirt, and contaminants.
  • Clean stains promptly using appropriate cleaners (e.g., mild detergent for oil, water and bleach for mold).
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners that can damage the concrete.

American Concrete Institute (ACI): A global authority that develops and distributes standards, technical resources, and educational programs for the concrete industry.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The main agency that regulates the concrete sector. 

ASTM: Sets standards for concrete, cement, and aggregates, which are used to evaluate and test concrete. 

NRMCA: The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.