When it comes to getting concrete for your building project, you have choices. One option that’s becoming more popular is using a volumetric cement truck. These clever vehicles mix your concrete right at your building site, giving you fresh concrete exactly when you need it.
At Base Concrete, we understand that every project is different. That’s why we offer volumetric lorries that can carry up to 10 metres of materials and mix as you go. You only pay for what you actually use, which makes perfect sense for any building project.
What Is a Volumetric Cement Truck?
A volumetric cement truck is like having a mobile concrete plant that comes to you. Instead of mixing concrete at a factory and then driving it to your site (which is what traditional ready-mix trucks do), these trucks carry all the separate ingredients – cement, sand, gravel, water, and any special additives.
When you’re ready for concrete, the truck operator mixes these ingredients together using precise measurements. The mixing happens right at your building site using computer-controlled systems that make sure every batch is exactly the same quality.
The truck uses an auger system (a big screw-like mixer) to blend everything together perfectly. This means your concrete is made fresh, exactly when you need it, rather than sitting in a drum getting older as the truck travels to your site.
Key Benefits of Volumetric Concrete Mixing
1. Fresh Concrete Every Time
With volumetric mixing, your concrete is mixed fresh on-site, ensuring every batch maintains optimal quality and workability. Unlike ready-mix concrete that starts setting from the moment it’s mixed at the plant, volumetric concrete is made when you’re ready to use it.
This freshness matters because concrete begins to lose its workability within about 90 minutes of mixing. With a volumetric truck, you get concrete that’s only minutes old, giving you more time to place and finish it properly.
2. Zero Waste – Pay Only for What You Use
One of the biggest advantages is that you only pay for the concrete you actually pour. Using a volumetric mixer eliminates the need to over-order concrete, as you can produce exactly the amount needed for your project.
Traditional concrete delivery often means ordering more than you need because you can’t predict exactly how much you’ll use. With volumetric trucks, if you need 3.7 cubic metres, that’s exactly what you get – no more, no less.
3. Multiple Mix Designs in One Delivery
Need different types of concrete for the same job? Volumetric mixers allow you to change mix designs on the spot without waiting for multiple deliveries. You might need a stronger mix for foundations and a different mix for walls or floors. The truck can produce both without leaving your site.
This flexibility is brilliant for complex projects where different areas need different concrete specifications. The operator simply adjusts the computer controls to change the mix proportions.
4. Better Access to Difficult Sites
Our mini volumetric lorries are smaller than traditional concrete trucks, making them perfect for tight spaces and difficult access areas. They can navigate narrow streets, tight construction sites, and areas where larger vehicles can’t reach.
This is particularly useful for residential projects, renovations, or urban construction sites where space is limited.
5. Complete Control Over Quality
With volumetric mixing, you have complete control over concrete quality right on the construction site, with the ability to adjust water content and consistency as needed. If conditions change or you need to adjust the mix slightly, the operator can make real-time changes.
This level of control ensures that your concrete meets exact specifications for your project, whether you need a drier mix for certain applications or a more workable mix for detailed work.
6. Saves Time and Money
Using a volumetric mixer can save up to 40% on project costs by eliminating waste and reducing the need for multiple deliveries. You also save time because there’s no waiting for the next delivery truck or coordinating multiple deliveries throughout the day.
The truck stays on-site and produces concrete as you need it, keeping your project moving smoothly without delays.
7. Consistent Supply for Large Projects
For bigger projects that need concrete throughout the day, a volumetric truck can keep producing fresh batches without the stop-start nature of traditional deliveries. This continuous supply helps maintain project momentum and reduces labour downtime.
How Volumetric Mixing Works
The process is surprisingly straightforward:
- Preparation: The truck arrives with separate compartments containing cement, sand, gravel, water, and any required additives.
- Calibration: The computer system is programmed with your exact mix design specifications.
- Mixing: When you’re ready, the operator starts the mixing process. Materials are fed into the auger mixer in precise proportions.
- Delivery: Fresh concrete flows from the mixer directly to your pour location.
- Adjustment: If needed, the mix can be adjusted in real-time to meet changing requirements.
The entire process is controlled by computer systems that ensure accuracy and consistency. The calibration process involves weighing and recording the output for each individual material to ensure the proper mix design is delivered.
Volumetric vs Traditional Ready-Mix
Traditional ready-mix concrete is mixed at a plant and transported in rotating drums. While this works well for many projects, it has limitations:
- Concrete starts ageing as soon as it’s mixed
- Limited time to use the concrete before it becomes unworkable
- Risk of waste if you order too much
- Need multiple trucks for different mix designs
- Less flexibility for on-site adjustments
Volumetric mixing addresses these issues by bringing the mixing process to your site. The concrete science behind this approach ensures that you get the freshest possible product with maximum workability.
Perfect Applications for Volumetric Concrete
Volumetric trucks excel in several situations:
Small to Medium Projects: Perfect for driveways, patios, foundations, and extensions where you need precise quantities.
Multiple Pour Types: Ideal when different areas need different concrete mixes, such as foundations, floors, and decorative elements.
Difficult Access: Great for tight urban sites, residential areas, or anywhere larger trucks can’t reach easily.
Quality-Critical Work: When you need precise control over concrete properties and fresh mixing.
Remote Locations: Excellent for sites far from concrete plants where traditional ready-mix would arrive partially set.
Pump Concrete Applications: Works perfectly with our concrete pumping services for hard-to-reach areas.
Environmental Benefits
Volumetric mixing also offers environmental advantages. The efficient, localised production of concrete minimises the need for long-distance transportation and results in a smaller carbon footprint. By reducing waste and the need for multiple truck trips, volumetric mixing helps reduce the environmental impact of your construction project.
Additionally, because you use exactly what you need, there’s less concrete waste going to landfills, making it a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious builders and homeowners.
The Base Concrete Difference
At Base Concrete, our volumetric lorries combine the latest technology with experienced operators who understand the importance of getting your mix exactly right. We serve Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Welwyn, Stevenage, and North London with reliable, fresh concrete when you need it.
Our commitment to leaving your site clean and tidy, combined with our helpful and friendly staff, ensures that your concrete delivery experience is as smooth as possible. Whether you need a small amount for a garden project or larger quantities for commercial work, our volumetric trucks deliver the right solution.
Looking to the Future
The concrete industry continues to evolve, and volumetric mixing represents the future of concrete delivery. With technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, the demand for volumetric concrete mixers is poised to increase significantly.
As construction projects become more complex and environmental considerations more important, the benefits of fresh, waste-free concrete mixing become increasingly valuable. The ability to adjust mixes in real-time and eliminate waste makes volumetric trucks an excellent choice for modern construction needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long can I work with volumetric concrete before it sets? A: Since volumetric concrete is mixed fresh on-site, you get maximum working time – typically 90-120 minutes depending on conditions. This is much longer than concrete that’s been mixed at a plant and transported to your site.
Q: Can volumetric trucks produce different strengths of concrete? A: Absolutely. The computer-controlled system can produce various mix designs during the same visit. Whether you need standard C20 concrete for a base or stronger C35 for structural work, the same truck can deliver both.
Q: Is volumetric concrete as good as ready-mix concrete? A: Tests have shown that volumetric mixers can produce concrete with marginally higher strength than traditional drum mixers, resulting in better performance. The fresh mixing and precise control often result in superior quality concrete.
Q: What’s the minimum and maximum amount I can order? A: One of the great advantages is flexibility in quantities. You can order as little as a quarter cubic metre or up to 10 cubic metres from our volumetric trucks. This makes them perfect for both small DIY projects and larger commercial work.
Conclusion
Volumetric cement trucks offer a modern solution to age-old concrete delivery challenges. With fresh mixing, zero waste, multiple mix capabilities, and precise control, they represent excellent value for construction projects of all sizes.
The science and technology behind volumetric mixing continues to advance, supported by research institutions like MIT’s research on concrete mixing, which examines how the molecular-level properties of concrete affect its strength and sustainability.
For your next concrete project, consider the benefits of volumetric mixing. At Base Concrete, we’re ready to deliver fresh, high-quality concrete exactly when and where you need it, with the flexibility and control that only volumetric trucks can provide.
Contact us today to discuss how our volumetric concrete services can benefit your project and experience the difference that fresh, precisely mixed concrete can make.
