How is ready mixed concrete delivered? 

Ready mixed concrete is one of the most widely-used materials in construction today and forms the foundation of houses, public structures, agricultural buildings and DIY projects.  

At SRC Group, ready mixed concrete is supplied using both traditional barrel-mixed delivery and on-site volumetric mixing. The suitability of each method will depend on the purpose, size and demands of each individual project.  

Understanding how each type of concrete is delivered and which one may suit your job best can be key in helping you to plan more efficiently and avoid any unnecessary cost or waste. 

What is ready mixed concrete? 

Ready mixed concrete is produced by combining cement, water and aggregates in measured proportions to create a workable material that is delivered ready-to-go. It’s batched in controlled conditions to ensure that every pour offers the same strength and performance. 

At SRC Readymix we produce ready mixed concrete to recognised BS8500 and BS EN 206 standards, giving our customers confidence that every load will meet expected quality levels. Rather than relying on manual mixing on-site, which can be inconsistent and time-consuming, ready mixed concrete allows work to begin as soon as the delivery arrives. 

Our concrete is used across a range of construction projects, from groundworks such as footings, ring beams and piling, through to reinforced concrete frames that need high-strength C50 and C60 mixes for long-term stability. We also supply concrete for agricultural projects, including barn flooring, as well as fibre-reinforced concrete for added durability. 

For more demanding builds we provide specialist concrete options including waterproof mixes, self-compacting concrete and self-levelling solutions. These are ideal for projects that need improved flow, smoother finishes or extra resistance to water and movement. 

Whichever type you choose, both of our ready mixed concrete options come with delivery and placement support. Concrete pumps can be arranged where required, including line pumps and boom pumps with a reach of up to 63 metres, supporting efficient placement on sites with restricted access or complex layouts. 

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Barrel-mixed concrete 

For barrel-mixed deliveries, concrete is pre-prepared at an SRC Readymix plant and transported directly to your site. The process begins by loading each ingredient into automated systems that measure exact quantities of each. Once the batch is complete, the mix is thoroughly blended and transferred into one of our GPS-tracked barrel trucks. These vehicles are fitted with rotating drums that keep the concrete moving during transport. This prevents the materials from separating and helps to preserve consistency from our plant to your site. It’s important to note that concrete begins to cure as soon as water is introduced to it, which is why we choose routes that allow for the quickest journey to each site. 

When the vehicle arrives, the concrete is released straight from the truck into your chosen area(s). Depending on the layout of the site, concrete may be tipped directly, poured down chutes or transferred using pumps. Barrel-mixed delivery is more efficient for larger jobs where volume and reliability are critical, such as: 

  • Commercial and industrial builds 
  • Structural foundations 
  • Projects that require a continuous supply of concrete 

Volumetric mixed concrete  

Volumetric concrete delivery works slightly differently. Instead of arriving with pre-mixed concrete, the truck carries raw materials in separate compartments as well as any required additives. The truck’s computer system then measures the materials and blends them in precise quantities as the concrete is poured. 

One of the main benefits of volumetric delivery is flexibility. Because the actual mixing happens on-site, you can decide exactly how much concrete is used without needing to order a fixed quantity in advance. If you under-estimate how much concrete is needed, mixing can simply continue. If you reach the right amount sooner than expected, no material is wasted, which is particularly helpful for: 

  • Locations with limited access or restricted vehicle space 
  • Smaller jobs and projects where volume is difficult to estimate 
  • Phased work 
  • Jobs requiring minimal waste as part of their sustainability goals  
  • Domestic projects such as driveways, garden landscaping, small extensions or foundations for large sheds or garages 

Choosing the right delivery method 

The choice between barrel-mixed delivery and volumetric mixing usually depends on a number of factors, such as: the scale of the job, the site layout and how much concrete you are likely to need (which we understand can be difficult to quantify sometimes, especially for domestic projects). If you are unsure about any of the above, the SRC team is always happy to discuss your job and recommend the most appropriate solutions.  

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Sustainability and ready mixed concrete 

Ready mixed concrete plays an important role in SRC Group’s circular economy model. Any construction waste collected through our muckaway service is processed at one of our fully-licensed recycling facilities to create recycled aggregates. These are then reused to produce new ready mixed concrete; helping to give construction waste a second life. 

As part of this commitment to greener construction, we also supply a range of low-carbon concrete options. Available from all of our concrete plants, these mixes are suitable for ST and GEN applications and meet both BS 8500-2 and NHBC specs. 

By giving new use to materials that would otherwise go to landfill, SRC helps reduce the need to extract natural stone and sand and cuts carbon emissions across the wider supply chain.  

Only a small proportion of waste cannot be reused and much of these remaining materials are dedicated towards land restoration projects rather than simply being discarded. Ready mixed concrete therefore becomes more than just a building product; it supports a greener future for both our industry and planet. 

Site preparation  

Preparing your site before any concrete arrives will help to make sure that the delivery and subsequent work runs smoothly.  

Good preparation includes: 

  • Safe vehicle access and stable ground for heavy trucks 
  • Clear working areas and space for discharge 
  • Completed formwork and installed reinforcement 

Why choose SRC? 

When you order ready mixed concrete from SRC, you’re choosing more than just a material supplier. You’re working with a business that understands the full construction process from start to finish. We offer a range of parallel services including recycled and virgin aggregates, award-winning ECO-BLOC® Blocksmuckaway and construction services. This joined-up approach helps our customers to avoid delays caused by relying on multiple suppliers. 

Whether your project requires large-volume deliveries from one of our plants, or the flexibility of volumetric mixing on-site, at SRC we offer both options and never compromise on quality.  

Contact us today to find out more about our ready mixed concrete or end-to-end construction solutions.  

At SRC Group, we invest in our processes to ensure we deliver the best quality and service for our customers.
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Registered Address: Crown Business Centre Old Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, Colchester, England, CO7 7QR.
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