A smooth concrete delivery will make your project plain sailing and help prevent mistakes, adding time and additional expense to your project.
Concrete literally underpins our world, but unless you’re lucky enough to have a production plant in your backyard, getting this essential material requires careful planning.
Most construction professionals partner with dedicated suppliers like Flowmix for concrete delivery straight to the site. You have two main options: handle moving the concrete yourself or hire a concrete line pump to place it precisely where needed.
The concrete delivery method you choose shapes how you’ll prep the site. But here’s the thing – thorough preparation can transform what might be a logistical nightmare into a seamless operation. Little details matter enormously. A well-prepared site speeds up the whole process and can save you headaches (and money) down the line.
At Flowmix, we’ve handled countless concrete deliveries and seen every situation imaginable. Sometimes, it’s a straightforward pour. Other times, we’re pumping concrete up to a tenth-floor renovation.
Drawing from our deep well of experience, we’ve compiled a comprehensive site preparation guide to the essential steps to ensure everything goes smoothly when that concrete starts flowing.
Tip #1: Check There’s Enough Space
Here’s the thing about concrete delivery equipment – it takes up space, and you need to plan accordingly. For example, you can’t squeeze a concrete mixer truck through any old entrance or under low-hanging obstacles.
When it comes to pumps, you’ve got choices, each with unique spatial demands. Some projects use boom pumps, but the more popular option is a concrete line pump. It’s designed for pumping concrete through a robust hose over distance, where you can’t get a mixer truck near the fill site.
You can hire a 200-metre concrete line pump from Flowmix.
Space planning doesn’t stop at getting the equipment in place. Think about the entire operation. You will need room for the trucks to manoeuvre and keep in line with health and safety standards.
And here’s something people often overlook: you need a dedicated washout area with proper drainage. After every pour, equipment needs cleaning, and you don’t want concrete waste causing problems on your site.
The success of your concrete delivery hinges on these seemingly mundane details. Professional contractors know that measuring clearances and planning access routes isn’t just busywork. It’s the difference between a smooth concrete delivery and an expensive headache.
Tip #2: Clear the Pouring Site
Once you have checked the space for the concrete delivery, the next step is to clear the site. Remove vehicles, materials, debris – anything that could interfere with the pour. Remember to look up, too. Are there any overhead wires, tree branches, and building overhangs that could be problematic for the concrete delivery truck?
If you discover an immovable obstacle on-site, talk to the Flowmix team. We pride ourselves on our problem-solving skills. We’ve seen it all and can usually adapt. The key is early communication, so the sooner we know about potential issues, the better.
Remember: a clean, obstacle-free site isn’t just about convenience but safety and efficiency. Every minute spent manoeuvring around unnecessary obstacles costs time and money.
Tip #3: Prepare the Ground for the Concrete Delivery
Site preparation is critical for concrete success. Level and compact the ground thoroughly – this prevents future cracking. Clear away ALL organic matter: grass, roots, sticks, and rocks must go. Even small debris can compromise structural integrity.
Weather matters immensely. Check forecasts several days ahead. Rain demands tarps or covers to protect fresh pours. On hot days, lightly dampen the ground first. That stops it from absorbing moisture from the concrete mix, which could lead to uneven curing and potential weakening.
Read: Concrete Weather Conditions: Flowmix Gloucester Top Tips
Tip #4: Gather Necessary Equipment
The last step is to gather your tools and equipment. For direct pours, you’ll need essential tools such as:
- Wheelbarrows and buckets for transport
- Rakes for even spreading
- Edgers for clean borders
- A Lute for surface smoothing
- Tarps if it’s cold
- Windbreaks if it’s windy
- Water if it’s hot to keep the concrete from drying too quickly
Hiring a concrete line pump from Flowmix can eliminate the back-breaking and time-consuming work of hauling concrete by wheelbarrows and buckets. Using a concrete pump can significantly reduce the need for additional labour.
Read: Concrete Line Pump: 7 Unexpected Benefits for Your Project
Remember safety gear, too:
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Eye protection
- Hi-vis jackets
If you’re unsure of all the equipment you need to prepare for the concrete delivery, contact the Flowmix team for advice.
How Flowmix Can Help With Your Project
Flowmix has two plants, Gloucester and Walsall. We provide ready-mix concrete, mix on-site and liquid screed.
In addition, you can hire a 200′ concrete line pump to reduce manual labour and associated costs, increase efficiency, reduce wastage and clean up. Moreover, we also provide interlocking concrete blocks for temporary or permanent barriers.
Flowmix has the BSA-approved Ready Mix Concrete Kitemark KM683844, a certification that “confirms a product or service’s claim has been independently and repeatedly tested by experts” (source BSI).
Flowmix Tewkesbury: 01684 217888 Flowmix Walsall: Tel: 01922 741731