RMC vs. Self-Mixed Concrete: Choosing the Right Option For Your Project

Ready-mix concrete(RMC) and self-mixed concrete are two different processes of obtaining concrete at construction sites. Each of these processes has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice of concrete depends on various factors which include the required volume, size of the project, budget, and location.

Ready Mix Concrete vs Self Mix Concrete

• Quality & Consistency: Ready mix concrete is made with proper measurements and standardized processes which ensures consistent quality. On the other hand, self-made concrete can vary in consistency and quality depending on the expertise of the person mixing it and how it is being measured.
• Customization: Ready mix concrete is made using specific mix designs that can be easily customized as per the requirement. Whereas self-mixed concrete can be easily measured and mixed to suit different project requirements. Self-mix concrete requires proper skills and expertise to pursue customization.
• Volume & Scale: Ready mix concrete is highly suitable for large projects that require concrete in good volume. It is used mostly in projects that require consistency to fulfill tight deadlines. On the other hand, self-mix concrete is used in small projects and in areas where access to ready-mix concrete is unavailable.
• Convenience and Time: Ready mix concrete is premade which saves time and labor costs. It also removes the cost of storage and mixing equipment. On the other hand, self-mix concrete requires more time and is costly as it requires labor and mixing equipment. The cost of mixing, handling, and storing is additional in this type of concrete.
• Cost: Ready-mix concrete has a higher upfront cost because of production and transportation. Whereas self-mixed concrete is more cost-effective initially there are a lot of additional expenses like labor, rental, waste, etc.

Advantages of Ready Mix Concrete

• Time-Saving: It is delivered on the site in a ready-to-use condition. This eliminates the process of on-site mixing which reduces construction time. The contractors can start working immediately after the delivery of concrete which reduces the time of project completion.
• Reduced Labor Cost: The labor required for on-site mixing of concrete is minimized. This reduces the cost of skilled labor and results in better productivity at the construction site.
• Optimized Material Usage: It is made using precise mix designs which results in the optimized use of raw materials like cement, water, and aggregates. This ensures efficient use of materials and resources and decreases wastage at construction sites.
• Quality Assurance: The suppliers of ready-mix concrete adhere to industry standards and ensure its quality and performance. This assures the project owners about the reliability of the concrete used.
• Cost Effective: The upfront cost of ready-mix concrete is higher in comparison to other concrete but it is cost-effective in the long run. It saves costs of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Enhanced Workability: It can be easily customized as per the project requirement. This results in better workability and quality work. This decreases problems at the construction sites.
• Conservation of Space: It is directly delivered on the site which saves on-site storage space required for mixing equipment and raw materials. It reduces logistical challenges related to storage and mixing space.

Advantages of Self-Mixed Concrete

• Immediate Use: It can be mixed and used immediately which prevents the risk of delay in delivery and reliability on external suppliers. It is highly suitable for small projects which require immediate access to concrete.
• Control Over Quality: The laborer has direct control over the mixing process in this type of concrete. They ensure consistency and quality of the concrete. This is highly suitable for projects that require customization.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: It is mixed directly on site which prevents the environmental effects caused by the transportation emissions through delivery trucks of ready-mix concrete. It allows efficient use of the material and prevents wastage.
• Flexibility: It offers the flexibility of mixing the concrete on-site as per the project requirements. Contractors can easily customize the amount of cement, water, and aggregate to create the concrete required at the site.
• Cost Savings: It is a cost-effective option, especially in smaller areas where ready-mix concrete can’t reach. By mixing concrete on-site, the cost of transportation and material wastage is saved.

Conclusion

Ready-mix concrete and self-mix concrete both have their advantages. Choosing concrete depends on many different factors like location, size of the project, budget, etc. While ready-mix concrete is the best choice for some sites, the other might require self-mixed concrete.

Read Also: 6 Types Of Building Materials Used In Construction