Step-by-Step Guide “Ordering Concrete of the Required Grade at a Factory or Preparing It On Site”
Welcome to our guide on ordering and preparing concrete! In this manual, we will explain in detail how to choose the correct concrete grade depending on your requirements, as well as what aspects to consider when ordering or preparing it yourself. Proper selection and adherence to technology are key to successful construction work, ensuring durability and strength of structures. Whether you are a professional builder or a beginner, this guide will help you easily and correctly navigate the process.
Determining the Required Concrete Grade
Analysis of project documentation. The first step in choosing the appropriate concrete grade is analyzing the project documentation. It contains all the requirements for the strength and durability of the structure, as well as the expected load on the foundation. It is important to determine which loads will affect the concrete, including static and dynamic loads, as well as climatic and operating conditions. Based on this data, the concrete grade is selected to provide the necessary strength and stability.
Consultation with an engineer. If you are unsure about the correct choice, it is always useful to consult an engineer who will help determine which concrete grade is suitable for your project. The engineer will consider the characteristics of your site, the type of building, and the loads affecting the structure. They may also recommend improved additives or reinforcement to increase strength.
Considering Italian laws and standards. If your project involves construction in Italy or according to Italian standards, it is important to consider the relevant laws and regulations governing the use of concrete. In Italy, construction norms are defined as Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni (NTC), which means Technical Standards for Construction. These standards establish requirements for concrete strength, grade, and its operating conditions depending on the type of project. In Italy, concretes are classified by strength, and different standards are used for designing concrete structures depending on their purpose (e.g., residential buildings, bridges, tunnels, etc.).
Explanation of Complex Terms
Concrete grade — a characteristic of concrete strength, designated by a number such as M200 or M300. The higher the number, the stronger the concrete.
Static load — a constant load acting on concrete structures, such as the weight of a building.
Dynamic load — a load that changes over time, such as wind, earthquakes, or pedestrian movement.
Reinforcement — the use of metal rods inside concrete to increase its tensile strength.
Ordering Concrete at the Factory
Selecting a supplier. When ordering concrete from a factory, it is important to choose a reliable supplier with a good reputation on the construction materials market. Ensure the company has positive reviews, quality certificates, and proper licenses. Pay attention to the availability of modern technologies used for concrete production, such as automated processes and quality control. It is recommended to request recommendations from previous clients or review examples of completed orders. This will help avoid issues with quality and delivery timelines.
Placing an order. When you have chosen a supplier, you must place an order for the required amount of concrete of the appropriate grade. When placing the order, clarify several important details:
Quantity of concrete: Ensure that you specify the exact amount of material needed, considering possible losses during transportation and placement. It is better to order slightly more concrete than necessary to avoid shortages.
Concrete grade: Specify the concrete grade that complies with the project documentation. For example, if the project requires M300 concrete, ensure that this type is ordered.
Delivery time: Confirm the delivery schedule for the construction site. Concrete must be delivered and used within a specific time after mixing because it begins to set over time. It is crucial to coordinate the exact arrival time and transportation method to avoid delays.
Payment terms: Discuss payment conditions with the supplier. Usually there are several options: prepayment, payment upon delivery, or partial prepayment. Make sure all payment terms, including delivery cost, are stated in the contract.
It is also recommended to clarify return policies and possible discounts for regular customers. After placing the order, it is important to monitor compliance with all contract terms and the availability of the required concrete amount during construction.
Preparing Concrete On Site
Preparing equipment. If you decide to prepare concrete yourself, it is important to properly prepare all necessary equipment and materials. Here is what you will need:
Concrete mixer: A concrete mixer is needed for efficient and uniform mixing of concrete components. It ensures proper homogeneity of the mixture. For small projects, a manual mixer may be used; for larger ones, an electric or mechanized mixer is preferred.
Shovels and scoops: These are needed for dosing and mixing the components and for unloading finished concrete.
Containers for components: Containers of different sizes are required for storing and accurately dosing cement, sand, gravel, and water. An approximate calculation: one part cement to 2–3 parts sand and 3–4 parts gravel, depending on the concrete grade.
Protective equipment: When working with cement and other chemical components, use protective equipment such as gloves and goggles.
Mixing components. To prepare concrete correctly, it is important to strictly follow the recipe depending on the concrete grade. Here are the main components and their proportions:
Cement: The main component responsible for concrete strength. Always use high-quality cement that meets standards.
Sand: Sand should be clean, without clay or organic impurities. For stronger mixes, fine or medium sand is recommended.
Gravel: Gravel size depends on the type of structure, but for most cases, 5–20 mm fraction is used. Gravel ensures concrete durability and strength.
Water: Water is necessary for cement hydration. It is important to maintain proper proportions, as excess water weakens concrete, while insufficient water results in poor setting.
Example proportions for M200 concrete:
- 1 part cement
- 2 parts sand
- 3 parts gravel
- 0.5 part water (may vary depending on sand moisture)
Conclusion
Preparing and ordering concrete are crucial stages in any construction project, influencing the strength and durability of structures. The correct selection of concrete grade, a qualified approach to its ordering or preparation, and adherence to all technological standards will help you avoid mistakes and make your project successful. Whether you are ordering concrete from a factory or preparing it on site, it is important to pay close attention to component quality, proportions, and the mixing process.
Instructions for Using the Checklist “Ordering Concrete of the Required Grade at a Factory or Preparing It On Site”
Read the checklist: Review all points to understand the tasks and stages that must be controlled.
Plan task execution: Determine the priority of each point depending on current needs and deadlines.
Check completion: As tasks are completed, mark them as done using a checkmark or another symbol.
Quality control: Ensure each point is completed correctly and all requirements are met. If something is not completed, mark it to return to it later.
Update the checklist: As work progresses, update the checklist by adding or adjusting points.
Use for feedback: The checklist can be used as a tool for self-evaluation or for communicating completed tasks to the team.
The checklist helps organize the process, increase efficiency, and avoid oversights.
