Question: How do I figure out how much concrete I will need for my concrete project?
Answer: To estimate the volume of concrete you would need, try using the following formula: Length (ft) X Width (ft) X Thickness (in) then divide by 12 and divide again by 27 to give the cubic yardage. Ready-Mix Suppliers in our area use the metric system so you will want to divide the cubic yardage total by 1.308 to give you the concrete volume in meters. If you are using a concrete pump, you will want to add another 0.60 of a meter to prime the pump. It is also a good practise to add more on top of your total to allow for spillage and an uneven subgrade. If you are short on your measurement it will cost you time and money and could ruin your concrete pour while you wait for a truck to return to you. If you are not secure in your math skills try using these concrete calculators: Concrete.com or call the concrete dispatch office at (250) 385-1020 for assistance.
Question: What is the difference between cement and concrete?
Answer: Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is basically a mixture of aggregates and paste (usually water, cement powder and flyash powder). The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone. Concrete gets stronger as it gets older. Portland cement is not a brand name, but the generic term for the type of cement used in almost all concrete. Cement adds up to 10 to 15 percent of the concrete mix, by volume. Through a process called hydration, the cement and water harden and bind the aggregates into a rocklike mass. This hardening process continues for years meaning that concrete gets stronger as it gets older. There is no such thing as a cement sidewalk, or a cement mixer; the proper terms are concrete sidewalk and concrete mixer.
Question: When should I phone to book my concrete truck?
Answer: Order your ready mix concrete as soon as possible as you will probably be put on a schedule that is not your own, and first come, first served. It is important to make sure that you are ready for the concrete truck because if the truck has to wait you will be charged for waiting time. Normally you have 10 minutes per meter to off load the concrete before you are charged the waiting time.
Make sure your site is well prepared, from truck delivery to final wash out of the equipment. Remember trucks are heavy and can cause damage and they must be washed off before they leave your site. You are responsible for the concrete mixer access in and out of your jobsite. Be prepared, a tow bill can be expensive for you.
Have plenty of help around in case you have a problem and have to get alot of work done in a short period of time as concrete does not wait for anyone.
Question: Where should I buy my concrete and concrete supplies?
Answer: Order your ready mix concrete where the pros do... Trio Ready-Mix Ltd. The helpful staff at Trio is ready to answer your questions, call (250) 385-1020 for more information.
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