The Consequences Of Not Using High-Quality Ready Mix Concrete From Certified Suppliers

 

 

When dealing with any type of construction project, you always want to invest in the best quality materials that will ensure reliability, strength and durability, especially for building projects where structural integrity is a must. As the leading ready mix concrete specialist in Yorkshire, we have vast experience and industry expertise in everything concrete and always advise our customers on the importance of investing in high-quality concrete.

 

Those who are not willing to pay for quality and would rather have cheaper alternatives will more than likely experience issues further down the line that will end up costing more than the initial expenditure for quality material and pose a risk to health and safety standards.

 

Threatens The Structural Integrity In A Number Of Different Construction Projects

 

Ready mix concrete is used for a wide range of applications, which commonly include civil engineering projects, foundations for buildings and homes, highway and road projects and pathways. Using poor-quality concrete can put the structural integrity of any type of project within these areas mentioned, which can yield extremely serious consequences for human health. With ready mix concrete, the consistency and quality of the mix need to be guaranteed, meaning sturdier, longer-lasting structures.

 

There are several consequences of not using high-quality ready mix concrete from certified suppliers. These include:

 

• Reduced strength: Concrete that is not high-quality may not be strong enough to withstand the weight and forces that it will be subjected to. This can lead to structural failures, such as cracks, spalling, and even collapse.

 

• Reduced durability: Concrete that is not high-quality may not be able to withstand the elements, such as water, frost, and chemicals. This can lead to premature deterioration and damage.

 

• Increased maintenance costs: Concrete that is not high-quality may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.

 

• Safety hazards: Concrete that is not high-quality may be more likely to fail, which can pose a safety hazard to people and property.

 

In addition to these consequences, using low-quality concrete can also damage the reputation of a contractor or builder. If a structure built with low-quality concrete fails, it can lead to lawsuits and financial losses.

 

To avoid these consequences, it is important to use high-quality ready mix concrete from a certified supplier. A certified supplier will use high-quality british standard materials and follow strict quality control procedures. They will also be able to provide you with the information you need to select the right concrete for your project.

 

Here are some tips for choosing a certified ready mix concrete supplier:

 

• BSI Ready Mixed Concrete Kitemark

 

• Check the supplier’s website or marketing materials for information about their quality control procedures.

 

• Ask for references from other contractors or builders.

 

• Request a copy of the supplier’s concrete tube test report

 

• Make sure the supplier is licensed and insured.

 

• We do not use recycled aggregates or low-quality cement.

 

By following these tips, you can be sure that you are using high-quality ready mix concrete from a certified supplier. This will help to ensure the safety, durability, and longevity of your project.

 

Concrete Cracking and Shrinking

 

One of the main reasons behind concrete cracking is shrinking, which is caused by excessive water in the concrete mix.

 

Concrete contains just a few components, which are aggregates (rocks, sand or gravel) cement and water, but when they are not combined professionally this can lead to minimising the overall quality of the concrete. The correct amount of water needs to be added to the batch in specific amounts to achieve a pourable mix as it allows the concrete to solidify. Too much water will weaken the concrete and too little will prevent the reaction between the water and cement before it should stop. If the cement-to-water ratio is not delivered correctly it can lead to shrinking which is what causes cracks to occur.

 

The other component, aggregate, must not contain any debris such as dirt or clay as this will damage the quality of the concrete which will not deliver the correct strength required for your project and can cause you extra unwanted costs.

 

Ready-mix concrete can crack and shrink for a number of reasons, including:

 

• Excess water in the mix: When there is too much water in the concrete mix, it will shrink more as it dries. This can lead to cracks, especially in thin slabs or slabs that are exposed to the elements.

 

• Improper curing: Concrete needs to cure properly in order to reach its full strength. If the concrete is not cured properly, it will be more likely to crack and shrink.

 

• Poor subgrade preparation: The subgrade is the ground that the concrete is poured on. If the subgrade is not properly prepared, it can cause the concrete to crack or shrink.

 

• Changes in temperature: Concrete can expand and contract as the temperature changes. If the temperature changes too quickly, it can cause the concrete to crack.

 

• Structural loading: If the concrete is subjected to too much weight or stress, it can crack.

 

• Using recycled aggregates or blended cement

 

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent ready-mix concrete from cracking and shrinking, including:

 

• Using the correct water-cement ratio: The water-cement ratio is the ratio of water to cement in the concrete mix. A lower water-cement ratio will result in a stronger concrete that is less likely to crack or shrink.

 

• Proper curing: Concrete needs to be cured properly in order to reach its full strength. Curing involves keeping the concrete moist for a period of time.

 

• Good subgrade preparation: The subgrade should be compacted and free of debris before the concrete is poured.

 

• Controlling temperature changes: If the temperature is expected to change significantly, the concrete should be poured in stages or insulated.

 

• Avoiding excessive loading: The concrete should not be subjected to too much weight or stress.

 

• Use the best quality British standard materials available.

 

Always Deal With Certified Concrete Suppliers

 

Ready mixed concrete is certified by BSI for conformity to BS EN 206-1 and its UK complementary standard BS 8500 Parts 1 and 2. The assessment involves the examination of the supplier’s quality management system to bs en iso 9001, the acceptability of the supplier’s factory production control including the plant, personnel and equipment, and the technical and production processes.

 

BSI certifies each individual plant producing ready-mixed concrete. Spot on Concrete is the first volumetric concrete supplier in the Yorkshire area to have achieved BSEN206, BS8500-1 and BS8500-2 accreditation including ISO9001 and Constructionline certification. We are audited every 6 months to confirm our exceptionally high concrete and customer service standards are being maintained. Our entire fleet of volumetric concrete mixers is calibrated every 6 weeks to ensure the concrete from Spot On, is spot on!

 

Spot on Concrete also operates an in-house laboratory and offers a complete concrete testing service where our technicians will take a sample of your concrete delivery. This will be slump-tested, and cube tested, we will then email you a report to show your clients the exceptional quality of the concrete ordered.