What Are Common Mistakes When Using Ready Mix Concrete (RMC)?
October 13, 2023
When it comes to construction projects, the use of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and quality. However, like any other aspect of construction, using RMC requires careful planning and execution to ensure the success of your project.
In this blog, we’ll explore common mistakes when using ready-mix concrete and provide guidance on how to avoid them for the success of your project.
Inadequate Site Preparation
Not adequately preparing the site when working with Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) is one of the common mistakes that people make when using RMC. It compromises the integrity of your project.
For the best outcome, the ground needs to be properly leveled and compacted before pouring RMC to prevent variations in the concrete’s thickness, causing uneven surfaces that can be both unsightly and potentially hazardous.
When preparing the site for RMC, ensuring that the ground beneath the concrete is properly compacted is vital to preventing depressions, sinkholes, and cracks in your project. This can be particularly problematic for structures like driveways, walkways, or foundations, where stability and evenness are essential.
To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to prepare the base well by removing any loose or organic materials, compacting the soil to the required density, and ensuring that the site is adequately leveled and sloped as needed. Taking these steps will help create a solid foundation for your RMC project, ensuring it stands the test of time and remains both functional and visually appealing.
Overestimating or Underestimating Quantity
Miscalculating the quantity of Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) required for your project can lead to wastage of your resources, including concrete, labor, transport, and time. Estimating the quantity you need for your project is a critical factor.
Overestimating the amount of RMC can lead to unnecessary waste, and you will be left with surplus concrete that must be disposed of. In addition to increased expenses, it also causes congestion at the site. On the other side, underestimating the quantity can result in project delays and additional expenses. Running out of concrete before completion causes stress and tension as construction might get halted, wasting resources.
If you need an expert to estimate the amount of RMC you will need for your project, Aparna RMC is here. As the leader in the construction industry in India, Aparna RMC not only supplies quality concrete but also assists you with the estimates on quantity of ready mix concrete you need for your project for better efficiency.
Neglecting Curing
Failing to give concrete adequate time to cure or use improper curing methods can lead to a number of structural issues, such as cracks, reduced load-bearing capacity, and the life expectancy of the project. To avoid these issues, make sure that sufficient recommended time is being given for curing.
Paying close attention to using suitable curing techniques for your projects is essential to ensuring the optimum result and success of your project. Aparna RMC is always here to guide you in choosing the appropriate curing technique for the optimum outcome of your project
Ignoring Weather Conditions
Not taking weather conditions into consideration when working with Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) can be a costly oversight in construction projects. Temperature, humidity, and precipitation all play critical roles in concrete quality and performance.
Extreme temperatures can lead to rapid drying or delayed curing, affecting the concrete’s strength and durability. High humidity may slow drying, while low humidity can result in surface cracking. Rainfall during the curing process can wash away the cement paste, causing surface defects.
Unfortunately, we can’t control weather conditions or wait for the perfect season to construct. But we can take some preventive measures to protect the project from changing weather conditions.
You can cover freshly poured concrete with wet burlap, curing blankets, or plastic sheeting immediately after finishing to help retain moisture and protect the project from temperature fluctuations, wind, and sunlight. In cold weather, incorporate insulation or heated enclosures to prevent freezing. Provide shading or reflective coatings to maintain suitable temperatures.
Although we might take weather conditions lightly unless it is extreme, they are critical during the curing stage for the quality and longevity of your project.
Not using Adequete Reinforcement
In construction projects, reinforcement involves processes that enhance a building’s strength, durability, and load-bearing capacity, which is important for your project. Reinforcement materials like rebar (reinforcing bar) or mesh play a crucial role in enhancing the structural integrity and overall durability of your concrete structures.
By not knowing the importance of these processes, you may or may not give them much weight and overlook them, which can lead to reduced load-bearing capacity, cracking, and a shorter lifespan for your project. To better equip yourself about the various efficient reinforcement processes for your concrete projects, you can contact or visit us at aparnarmc.com
Aparna RMC
Aparna RMC is the leader in the construction industry in India, with 27 RMC plants across the nation. Aparna RMC is not just a supplier of quality ready-mix concrete but also guides and helps you in the success of your construction projects. Aparna RMC goes above and beyond the role of a mere supplier and is a dedicated partner in your journey toward construction excellence.
Contact us and help us help you!