In the “production – paving” chain, the transportation of concrete mix is one of the most difficult stages. Violation of the rules of delivery significantly deteriorates the characteristics, concrete can become dry or thin, so special attention is paid to logistics. Everything matters: transportation, road conditions, traffic jams, time of arrival at the site and how the unloading takes place. Let’s find out why transportation technology should not be compromised.
What reduces the quality characteristics of mixtures
Shaking, vibration and downtime significantly degrade the “maturity” and condition of the mortar. When factory logistics chooses the transportation, which will deliver concrete to the site, factors are taken into account, of which the customer does not even suspect.
Distance
Taking into account the quality of the road surface sets the allowable delivery time and places restrictions on dump truck delivery.
- During transportation by dump truck, vibration and shaking on a bad road will cause rapid stratification, the mixture will be divided into fractions (heavy components will settle down, cement milk will be on top). It is impossible to lay such a mortar without additional mixing after arrival on site.
- Open surface. With even traffic or stops on the way, after about an hour, the mortar will begin to set. This greatly reduces delivery by dump truck, especially in hot weather;
- Under difficult conditions (heat, traffic congestion, etc.) overloading is prohibited during open haul transportation. Unloading is required in a hopper where the mixture can be mixed to restore homogeneity.
Shipping
With mixers, transportation is more gentle:
- The mixer will provide constant mixing and maintain uniformity, maximizing distance and delivery time;
- Unloading can be delayed for some time if the mixer will stir the mortar periodically;
- No contact with air and mixing eliminates the onset of setting.
In any case, how the transportation will be organized, decide the technologist and logistician, making a roadmap. Therefore, do not be surprised when, when placing an order, our manager “inquires” the details of access, the possibility of travel by roundabouts, etc. Concrete mortar must be delivered to the site on time, without losses in terms of characteristics. This activity requires a responsible attitude.
