Metered vs Ready Mix

[Babybldr]

Thanks to everyone for your help in getting the details nailed down in my last few posts.

Based on your input and comments from some of the contractors who looked at the work, we'll select one who will be using a pump. However, there is some variation in how they plan to provide the concrete – either mixed at site (metered?) or from a plant (ready mix?) ~20 or 30 minutes away.

The contractor quoting the "mix on site" (and a pump trailer) said that there would no waste (we only pay for what we mix) and there is no risk of it sitting in the truck too long during transport.

Meanwhile another contractor wants to provide concrete "from a plant". He said that an advantage was it had “mix time” while in transit and was 'certified' as 4000 psi. He said with the other kind you “never know what you are getting.”

I don’t have a preference, or a prejudice, just trying to select the best option for our job. (30'x50'x5", stone, VB, rebar tied to chairs in place, day temps ~60, night temps ~40).

Any comments?

Thanks!

[RTF]

I'd go with the ready mix from a concrete plant.

[concretemasonry]

You will get better concrete from the RM plant. Since it is about 3 loads, you can tell them the spacing and they know the delivery time and can factor that in as they do on all loads. You job is a smaller job, but it is not a dump and go like a large commercial foundation or one with several pumps going at the same time.

A metering truck cannot carry enough aggregate(sand and rock) and cement for the amount you use, so it will have to leave and get refilled once or twice.

Many R/M trucks have mounted pumps and can easily move around a slab.

[jousty]

I'd get it from a readymix plant, 20-30 mins should be ok (they can factor this in when they design the mix).....you get assurance on the mix and quality.

[Cementman34]

Ready Mix - Definitely