Preparing for your ready mixed concrete delivery

At SRC Group, we understand that every successful construction project involving concrete begins with good planning.

Whether you’re pouring foundations for a new build, laying a slab for a warehouse, or working on a home driveway; making sure your site is properly prepared for your ready mixed concrete delivery is key to avoiding costly delays and achieving the best results.

In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare, but if you have any further questions, our friendly team are also always happy to help.

Why choose ready mixed concrete?

Before diving into the prep work, it’s worth understanding why ready mixed concrete is the preferred choice for so many contractors, developers, and self-builders.

Unlike volumetric-mixed concrete, ready mixed concrete is batched to exact specifications in a controlled environment, ensuring consistency, quality, and strength. Delivered straight to your site, it eliminates the need for on-site mixing, reducing labour and saving time.

Plus, with SRC Group’s commitment to BS8500 / BS EN 206 standards, you can count on us for reliable performance across a wide range of applications.

Step 1: Schedule your ready mixed concrete delivery wisely

Timing is everything when it comes to concrete. Once it’s mixed and loaded onto the truck, the clock starts ticking. The mix has a limited window before it begins to set, so having everything ready to go on-site before the truck arrives is essential.

Here are a few things to consider when scheduling your ready mixed concrete delivery:

• Weather conditions: Avoid scheduling during extreme heat, heavy rain, or freezing conditions unless necessary. These can impact how the concrete cures and performs.
• Traffic and access: Consider local traffic patterns, such as school holidays or rush hour which could lead to potential delays. Be realistic about how long it takes for the mixer to reach your site.
• Team readiness: Make sure your crew is briefed and in place before the lorry arrives. Delays on-site can lead to wasted product and additional costs.

Step 2: Ensure clear site access

One of the most common issues we encounter on delivery is poor site access. Our concrete mixer lorries are large and require adequate room to enter, manoeuvre, and exit safely. If your site isn’t easily accessible, it could delay or even prevent delivery.

To prepare your site for smooth access:

• Check clearance: Make sure access routes are free from low-hanging branches, scaffolding, or cables.
• Widen entry points: Mixer trucks are typically around 2.5m wide and need additional space to turn.
• Firm ground: Ensure access roads or paths are solid enough to support heavy vehicles, especially in wet weather.

If direct access isn’t possible, we also offer pump hire to help deliver concrete to hard-to-reach areas. Let us know in advance, and we’ll help you find the right solution.

Step 3: Prepare the pouring area

Getting the pour area ready before your delivery ensures that once the concrete arrives, everything can move more efficiently. A well-prepped site also helps to improve finish quality and prevents issues with curing.

Here’s what to do:

• Formwork: Make sure formwork (shuttering) is in place, level, and secure. This shapes the concrete and prevents it from spreading beyond the desired area.
• Reinforcement: If your project requires steel reinforcement mesh or rebar (reinforcing bars), this should be installed and properly supported before the pour begins.
• Ground conditions: The base should be well-compacted and damp (not wet) to avoid rapid moisture loss, which can cause cracking.
• Access to tools: Ensure that all required tools are on-hand, including wheelbarrows, rakes, tampers, vibrators, and finishing tools.
• Manpower: Have enough people available to spread, level, and finish the concrete before it starts to set.

Step 4: Safety first

Concrete delivery and pouring can pose safety risks if proper precautions aren’t in place. Protecting your team and property is just as important as a perfect finish.

A few health and safety considerations:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): All workers should wear gloves, boots, eye protection, and suitable clothing. Concrete is caustic and can cause burns.
• Clear the area: Keep unnecessary personnel and vehicles away from the pouring zone.
• Safe movement: Ensure a safe and clear route for wheelbarrows or pump lines.
• Emergency plan: Have water, first aid, and wash stations available in case of accidental contact with concrete.

At SRC Group, our drivers are trained professionals who take on-site safety seriously. We also offer advice and support to help you maintain a safe working environment.

Step 5: Understand the mix you’re ordering

Not all concrete is created equal. The type of mix you need will depend on the application. Whether you’re laying a driveway, building a foundation, or pouring a slab, the strength, consistency, and additives required can vary.

When ordering your ready mixed concrete delivery, be ready to discuss:

• Application: What the concrete is being used for (e.g., slab, footing, wall, driveway)
• Required strength: Concrete strength is dependant on the required use
• Additives: Do you need retarders, fibres, or waterproofing agents?

Our team can help you specify the right mix for your project. We also offer specialist concrete solutions for more demanding applications.

Step 6: Post-delivery care

Once the concrete is poured and levelled, the job isn’t done yet. How your concrete cures will affect its durability and finish. Proper curing keeps moisture in while the concrete strengthens, reducing cracking and improving long-term performance.

Tips for aftercare:

• Keep it damp: Use curing blankets, plastic sheeting, or regular water sprays for at least 7 days.
• Protect from weather: Shield from rain, extreme sun, or freezing conditions using covers or barriers.
• Avoid early traffic: Wait at least 24-48 hours before walking on the surface, and longer for vehicles.

Why choose SRC Group for your ready mixed concrete delivery?

With decades of experience and a strong reputation across the East of England and Greater London, SRC Group is trusted by builders, developers, and home-owners for high-quality ready mixed concrete delivered on time and to spec.

Here’s what you get when you work with us:

• Concrete to BS8500 / BS EN 206 standards
• Wide range of mix designs and additives, including 5 types of low-carbon mixes
• Fast, flexible delivery slots
• Expert advice from our team
• Concrete pumping solutions available

Get in touch

Whether it’s your first time booking concrete or you’re managing large-scale builds, we’re here to support your project from start to finish. To learn more about our services or request a quote, give us a call on 0208 594 0169, email us at enquiries@www.srcgroup.co.uk or fill out our contact form here.