What Is Mix-On-Site Concrete?

26th November 2024

When you need concrete for a project, you have two choices on how it is produced: ready mix or mix-on-site. But what is mix-on-site concrete?

It might not surprise you to hear that mix-on-site concrete is produced on your site, which offers so many advantages.

At 2 Brothers Concrete & Pumping, we specialise in mix-on-site concrete and have a fleet of volumetric mixers, allowing us to provide quality concrete across the South Coast. We have been in the concrete industry for a combined 25 years, meaning we have unparalleled knowledge and experience.

In this blog, we explain what mix-on-site concrete is and give you everything you need to know about it.

What is Mix-on-Site Concrete?

The name of this concrete type is self-explanatory. This concrete is made at your project location.

The large volumetric mixers carry the ingredients, cement, aggregate and water, in separate tanks. Then, when on-site, our operators release the exact amount of each ingredient for your concrete design mix into the large mixing barrel, where they are combined to make the concrete you need.

From there, the mix is either poured out of the spout into the project location or, more often than not, pumped across to the site.

In contrast, ready-mix concrete is a traditional concrete form produced in a batching plant and transported in a drum mixer.

How Does Mix-on-Site Concrete Work?

Mix-on-site is quite simple. It acts the same as a batching plant, just on a smaller scale and more mobile.

Step 1: Our operator will confirm the concrete design you need.

Step 2: They will then release the exact amount of each ingredient into the drum, and they are mixed.

Step 3: Concrete is poured or pumped.

With this concrete production being on-site, it is incredibly versatile, and we can make the exact amount of concrete you need, reducing waste.

Benefits of Mix-on-Site Concrete

As mentioned in the introduction, there are many benefits to using this way of producing concrete for your project, especially if you are completing a small domestic project.

Customisable Mixes - we can adjust the design mix you need when we are on-site to ensure you get the best one for your project.
Fresh concrete every time - concrete is on demand, meaning it is fresh, reducing the risk of compromised quality.
Reduced waste - we will produce the exact amount you need, so there won't be any left over at the end.
Cost-effective - particularly for small or medium-sized projects, this is very cost-effective because you only pay for what you lay.

Mix-on-Site Concrete vs Ready Mix Concrete

So, what are the key points on each type of concrete production to consider when you need to choose one?

Feature	Ready Mix	Mix-On-Site
What is it?	Made at a batching plant and transported.	Made on-site as needed.
Flexibility	Mix and amount are predetermined, meaning there is little flexibility once produced.	Concrete mix is produced on-site, so is highly flexible based on project needs.
Speed	Faster for larger projects and requires immediate use once on-site to prevent setting.	Slower as batching and mixing take place on-site, so you will need to factor time in for that.
Waste management	Chance of waste as the amount is predetermined and might not always be needed.	Less wastage as the amount can be amended on-site, so it will all be used.
Logistics	Requires access for the drum mixer to get to the site and sufficient infrastructure for pouring or pumping.	Truck access is still needed as the volumetric truck will need to park somewhere to mix and pour.
Cost	Economical for large-scale projects but can be costly for small projects due to transportation costs.	Cost-effective for smaller projects or where there are variable requirements.
Best Suited For	Large, uniform projects like major roads, bridges, and high-rise buildings where consistent quality is key.	Smaller, dynamic projects like residential renovations or repairs where flexibility is important.
Environmental Impact	May have a larger carbon footprint due to transportation and plant operations.	Potentially lower footprint as materials are mixed on-site, reducing transport emissions.

Common Applications of Mix-on-Site Concrete

Typically, types of projects that mix-on-site concrete use include:

Small to medium residential projects such as driveways, patios, and extensions.
Commercial builds with varying concrete needs across the site.
Projects in remote locations where transporting pre-mixed concrete is challenging.
Emergency repairs or rapid-response projects where time is critical.

How to Choose a Mix-on-Site Concrete Supplier in the UK

There are many different mix-on-site concrete supplies available across the South, so picking the right one can be challenging.

Here are some tips you can follow to pick the right company for your project:

Check the age of the volumetric mixers - are they modern?
How much experience have the operators got?
What concrete design mixes do they offer?
Do they cover your specific location?
What are their time frames? How soon can they visit your site?

Choose 2 Brother Concrete & Pumping For Your Mix-On-Site Concrete

Mix-on-site concrete is different to traditional ready mix concrete because it is produced in a volumetric truck on your project site.

It offers several benefits, such as flexibility, reduced waste and cost-effectiveness.

2 Brothers Concrete and Pumping are mix-on-site specialists with a fleet of modern trucks that provide a range of concrete design mixes across the South Coast.

All of our operators are highly skilled and experienced, meaning when they attend your site, they will be able to offer insightful advice and guidance. It will also mean that they work efficiently, making your concrete and getting it where it needs to be quickly, so you don't lose time on your project waiting around.

Also, we can offer comprehensive solutions with concrete pumping, making the concreting process even easier with our boom and line pumps, so you only need to rely on one contractor.

At the heart of any of our services is customer satisfaction. As a family-run business, this is an important part of what we offer, so if you choose to work with us, as well as our expertise, you can be sure we will provide an excellent service with smiles on our faces and a good laugh.

Call our expert team on 01489 552737 or complete our online contact form to get a quote for our mix-on-site concrete services.