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How to Prepare Your Site for a Smooth Concrete Delivery

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Concrete is the (literal) foundation of countless building projects, but unless you've got a concrete plant in your back garden, getting it to your site requires a concrete supplier.

Concrete suppliers can deliver your concrete in a mixer truck for you to pour yourself, or along with a pump. While they'll get the concrete there, preparing the site on your end can make the process a whole lot easier.

As the South West's leading concrete suppliers, we at Wright Readymix know a thing or two about smooth deliveries. Read on for our step-by-step guide to getting your site ready for concrete, whether you're going the pump route or opting for a standard delivery.

1. Check There's Enough Space

Mixer trucks and concrete pumps need a lot of space to operate (both on the ground and overhead), so it's important your site has enough room for them. This includes checking the width of your entrance and any overhead clearances.

Mixer trucks vary in size but are typically around 10 to 11.6 metres long and 3.5 to 4 metres tall at the hopper (the part that holds the concrete mix). Concrete pumps, meanwhile, come in two main types with different size ranges:

  • Line pumps: These are smaller and designed to pump concrete over long distances through hoses. Their trucks usually have a height of around 2.4 to 3 metres and a length of 5 to 7 metres.
  • Boom pumps: The height of these pumps depends on whether the arm is folded or unfolded. When folded, they can be as low as 3 metres tall. Their unfolded reach can vary significantly, with boom lengths ranging from 16 metres to as much as 62 metres (like the largest ones in our fleet, which are the biggest in the UK!). The truck itself is similar in length to a line pump truck, at 5 to 7 metres.

You should also designate a washout station with proper drainage for the pump operator to clean equipment after every pour.

2. Clear the Pouring Site

Once you're sure there's enough space for the mixer and pump (if you're renting one), you can move onto removing any vehicles, debris, building materials, or anything else that might get in the way of the pour. Don't forget about overhead obstacles - check for wires, trees, or overhangs that could snag the mixer or block the pump's boom.

If there's an obstacle you can't move and there's no other place to pour, talk to your concrete contractor. They might be able to adjust the pouring sequence to work around it, like by pouring sections in a different order or using smaller batches delivered by wheelbarrows or chutes.

3. Prepare the Ground

Next, you can start preparing the site for the pour itself. Make sure the ground where the concrete will be poured is level and compacted to prevent cracking in the finished product, and remove any grass, roots, sticks, rocks, or other debris, as organic matter can weaken the concrete.

It's a good idea to check the weather a few days in advance, as extreme temperatures can affect the curing process. If rain is expected, have a tarp or other covering ready to protect the fresh concrete. If it's going to be hot, consider dampening the ground slightly before the concrete arrives to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the concrete, which can lead to uneven curing.

4. Gather Your Equipment

Finally, gather the tools and equipment you'll need to move the concrete from the truck to the pouring site (if you're not using a concrete pump) and to finish the concrete. The exact tools will depend on the size and location of your project, but here are some common ones you might need:

  • Wheelbarrows and buckets to transport concrete from the truck to your pouring area
  • Rake to spread the concrete evenly
  • Edger to create clean, finished edges
  • Lute to smooth out the concrete surface and remove any air bubbles
  • Safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility jackets

If you're unsure whether you need any additional equipment, don't hesitate to ask your concrete supplier beforehand. They'll be happy to advise you based on your specific project details.

Take Your Project to the Next Level With Concrete Supplied by Wright Readymix

Tired of scrambling to make sure your concrete delivery goes smoothly? At Wright Readymix, we understand the importance of a stress-free pour for a strong, lasting project. That's why we go beyond just supplying high-quality ready-mix concrete. Here's how we make your concrete delivery a breeze:

  • Our team works closely with you to determine the exact concrete type and quantity for your project. We factor in factors like setting time and pour size to schedule the perfect delivery window.
  • Need help navigating tight spaces or require a concrete pump for extended reach? We offer concrete pump rentals with highly skilled operators who guarantee efficient and safe transfer to your pouring location.
  • We understand the importance of time. Our reliable delivery means your concrete arrives when and where you need it, with our team working efficiently to minimise delays.

Take the stress out of concrete delivery with Wright Readymix. Get a free quote online or call us on 01179 582090 today!