Preparation Method of the Concrete are Manual Method (or Site-Mixed) & Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) and.
Below is a summary of the main distinctions:
1. Manufacturing Process
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC): RMC is prepared in a factory, where all materials (cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures) are quantified, blended, and available in suitable proportion to attain quality and strength in Concrete.
transit mixers transport the concrete to the location.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete): The manual concrete is site-mixed by labor through the assistance of manual labor or a concrete mixer.
The material (cement, aggregates, water) is hand-mixed without using measuring machines.
2. Mixing Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
Concrete is treated under a controlled condition in the batching plant with the assistance of sophisticated machinery (batching plants or mixers).
The mixture is homogeneous and uniform, thereby providing correct proportions for each batch.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
It is mixed manually or in small site concrete mixers.
Consistency may be limited, depending on the experience and ability of workers.
3. Consistency and Quality
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
RMC is of better consistency and quality control since it’s manufactured under strict quality in a controlled plant setting.
Various tests (e.g., slump and compressive strength tests) are conducted in an effort to meet concrete specifications needed.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
Manual concrete consistency and quality can be inconsistent because of improper mixing, incorrect proportions, and lack of control over the mixing process.
The concrete will be more prone to human errors, leading to probable variations in strength and workability.
4. Labor Needs Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
RMC requires fewer on-site workers because the concrete is pre-mixed when it is delivered, reducing the amount of mixing, measuring, and supervision required.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
More on-site workers are required for manual mixing to mix the materials, achieve the correct consistency, and pour and cure the concrete.
5. Efficiency and Speed Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
The RMC is faster since the concrete can be used immediately after delivery and helps in minimizing project timelines.
No on-site mixing of concrete, which can be time-saving.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
Concrete may take a long time to prepare on site for big projects, as every batch must be prepared individually.
Worker and equipment efficiency decides speed.
6. Cost Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
RMC is more expensive due to transportation fees and high-quality batching and mixing equipment.
But it also saves labor and time, so it is cheaper for high-strength or large-volume work.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
Manual concrete is cheaper upfront because you don’t have plant or transportation fees.
This can lead to higher labor expense and the possibility of having leftover material because the mix isn’t as consistent.
7. Material Control and Wastage Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
The RMC minimizes wastage of material as the normal mix is pre-fabricated to have a specific strength, workability, and durability. The plant produces the desired quantity in bulk, minimizing excess and wastage.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
There is greater wastage with manual concrete as it is difficult to measure and mix materials accurately at site.
If the mixture is not consumed immediately, the excess concrete may be lost.
8. Environmental Impact
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
RMC factories can be greener because they tend to recycle water and aggregates using available systems, eliminating wastage.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
Manual concrete will have more wastage and is possibly not as efficient in the usage of resources, and therefore will be likely to cause a greater environmental impact.
9. Applications
Ready Mix Concrete (RMC):
Best suited for high-scale work such as skyscrapers, highways, bridges, and dams.
Where quantities of concrete with consistent quality are required.
Manual Concrete (Site-Mixed Concrete):
Employed more in low-scale or localized building activities, e.g., residential buildings, pavements, and small amount of foundation work.
Can suit low-cost or less time-pressured works of limited quantities of concrete.
Majorly, Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) is usually used in large-sized projects where uniformity, quality, and time are the highest priorities. Manual Concrete, on the other hand, is usually used in small, less time-sensitive projects or if finances are limited.
