Volumetric Concrete Mixer – Pros and Cons

Volumetric concrete mixers fill a gap in the market for flexible short run concrete supply and well as large site pours. Like any equipment there are volumetric concrete mixer pros and cons and misinformation in the marketplace.

Five myths dispelled.

Myth #1: Volumetric concrete mixing is a new and unproven technology.

• 1965 – Patent was granted for the Concrete-Mobile Plant
• Over 2,500 Concrete-Mobiles were produced by 1980.
• Over 10,000 Volumetric Concrete Mixers produced by 2000.
• In use in every state in the United States, and over half of all countries in the world
• Used by the U.S. Military, many State and Local Departments of Transportation and many Cities.

Myth #2: Volumetric concrete mixers cannot match the accuracy and consistency of a batch plant.

• Same tolerances on all materials
• More restrictions on ready mix as water-cement contact occurs at the plant, not at the job site.
• ACI 304.6R “Guide for the Use of Volumetric-Measuring” VMMB (NRMCA) approval and specification
• One significant factor is jobsite control of proportioning and mixing.

Myth #3: Volumetric concrete mixers do not produce “good concrete” (e.g., not enough mix time)

• Reduces wastage and associated costs by providing exact quantities.
• No risk of premature stiffening of concrete if delays are encountered.
• Many examples of quality concrete:
  • Bridge deck overlays
  • Airport runway repairs
  • Structural elements
  • Pool builders, Soil retention
  • Pervious concrete
  • Light weight concrete by foam and lightweight aggregates

Myth #4: Volumetric concrete mixers cannot handle large production pours or projects.

• A single piece of equipment can be reloaded at the jobsite – No time or fuel wasted in transit.
• Volumetric equipment is capable of production rates of more than 75 cubic yards per hour.
• Many examples over decades of large-scale projects done with volumetrics.
• Common volumetric model on the market today will produce .83 of cubic yards of concrete per minute.
• Flexibility to alternate between multiple concrete mixes as required for the application.
• Nighttime works do not require the re-opening of a concrete batch plant.

Myth #5: Volumetric mixers are too complex to operate and have too long a learning curve.

• Like other jobsite equipment, proper training of operators is necessary. Our operators are trained using Cementech direct training with onsite visits.
• An operator of a volumetric mixer must have more training than a typical barrel mixer operator – “batch plant on wheels.” We provide ongoing training so that our concrete is the best.
• We offer extensive training in the operation, maintenance, and calibration of our equipment.
• Typical “day-to-day” operation is straight-forward and repeatable.