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How to Prepare Your Site for a Smooth Concrete Delivery
24th July 2024 How to Prepare Your Site for a Smooth Concrete Delivery
Concrete is the foundation of countless building projects, but unless you've got a concrete plant in your back garden, getting it to your site requires a reliable supplier and good preparation.
As the South West's leading concrete suppliers, we at Wright Readymix have seen it all. Whether you're using ready-mix concrete or pairing your delivery with a concrete pump, proper site preparation can mean the difference between a stress-free pour and a logistical headache.
Here’s how to get it right.
1. Choose the Right Concrete Contractor
It all starts with who you work with. Look for a contractor with years of experience, a strong reputation, and a portfolio that shows they can deliver on time and to spec. A good supplier will offer tailored mixes, flexible scheduling, and expert advice.
2. Know What You Need (and How Much)
Not all concrete is created equal. Be clear about what you're using it for - foundations, flooring, driveways—and your contractor can help determine the right mix and any additives required.
To avoid delays or waste, use a concrete volume calculator to work out how much you need. Ordering too little can halt your pour. Too much, and you’re stuck with disposal fees.
3. Check There’s Enough Access & Space
Mixer trucks and concrete pumps need significant clearance. Most trucks are 10–11.6 metres long and up to 4 metres tall. If using a pump, know the type you’ve hired:
- Line pumps: Small and flexible, ideal for long-distance pumping on compact sites.
- Boom pumps: Great for high or hard-to-reach pours. Some reach up to 62 metres—the largest in the UK.
Also, set up a safe, drainable washout area for cleaning equipment after the pour.
4. Clear the Pouring Site
Before the truck arrives, remove all obstacles - vehicles, debris, tools - from the pour zone. Don’t forget overhead hazards like trees or wires that could interfere with pump booms or hoppers.
If there’s something immovable, consult your contractor about sequencing or alternate methods like wheelbarrows or chutes.
5. Prepare the Ground for Pouring
The ground must be level, compacted, and free of organic matter (like roots or grass), which can compromise the concrete’s integrity. If it’s cold, prepare frost blankets. If hot, consider dampening the area to prevent moisture loss.
Weather is critical. Avoid pouring during rain or temperature extremes. If needed, use protective coverings.
6. Understand Delivery Timing
Concrete is time-sensitive. Once mixed, it must be discharged within 90 minutes or 300 drum revolutions. Trucks typically rotate at 2–6 RPM en route to maintain the correct slump.
Make sure you're ready to pour the moment the truck arrives. Delays can result in poor consistency or rejected batches.
7. Get Your Equipment Ready
Unless you’re using a pump, you’ll need tools for transport and finishing:
- Wheelbarrows or buckets
- Rakes and lutes
- Edgers and floats
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
If you're using a pump, our concrete pump operators are fully trained to assist on site.
8. Book the Right Type of Delivery
Depending on your site layout and access, you may need:
- Standard mixer delivery for direct pours
- Concrete pump for remote or elevated sites
- Small pump trucks for tight residential areas
No matter your setup, Wright Readymix can supply the right vehicle from our 45-strong fleet.
Want a Seamless Delivery?
Whether you’re managing a commercial site or a home renovation, Wright Readymix is here to make your concrete delivery smooth and stress-free. From expert scheduling and tailored mixes to flexible delivery and concrete pumping solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Call our team on 0117 958 2090 or request a quote online today.