Leading manufacturer and supplier of ready mix concrete, liquid screed and concrete pumps for the South West
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We are a leading supplier of ready mix concrete, concrete pumps and liquid screed across England and Wales.

Consider us your dedicated one-stop-shop for all things concrete – whether you require ready mix concrete of the highest quality, or you need an efficient concrete pump to delivering your concrete, we can help. Not only do we have our Innovative Mini Pump which is ideal to reach those restricted access areas, but we also have the UK’s tallest concrete pump too!

News
Bristol Brick Company - Coming Soon!
26th September 2023

Introducing the LGW Group’s latest venture: Bristol Brick Company! 

Operating out of a brand-new, £10 million purpose-built facility in Avonmouth, our new sister company will manufacture premium-quality concrete blocks and bricks for both residential and commercial projects, with trials scheduled to begin in October.

Managing Director of Wright Minimix and the LGW Group, Len Wright, had this to say about the project:

"I never thought when I started on this venture back in 1997 I’d be supporting the team with a £10m investment.

I’m so proud of my team even during tough times they come through and it with great pride I am supporting this venture. They proposed it they prepared the business plan and I’m confident they will deliver!

I once said you don’t take me on you take us on, now I can honestly say you won’t be taking me on you will be taking them on!"

 

bristol brick company groundworks

How it started...

bristol brick company progress

How it's going!

Attend The Open Day!

 

Bristol Brick Company is hosting an open day on Thursday 12th October. You'll be able to view the plant and machinery, ask questions and network with likeminded people.

There will be a hog roast, tea, coffee and a bar running from 11am - 6pm.

The team would love to show you their new labour of love, built through hard graft, determination and by good local people! Why not take an hour out of your day to pay a visit?

Reserve Your Spot

First UK Plant Powered by ROMETA® 

 

Not only is the concrete block plant brand new, but it’s also the first of its kind in the UK to be powered by ROMETA® machinery! 

With over 65 years in the industry, ROMETA® is a leading supplier of concrete block manufacturing equipment in Europe. Each ROMETA® machine is customised to fit the site’s specific requirements, which will allow Bristol Brick Company to produce concrete products of exceptional quality each and every time. 

The components in ROMETA® machinery are sourced from renowned international suppliers of electrical and hydraulic equipment. By incorporating the latest cutting-edge technologies, these machines significantly boost efficiency whilst embracing sustainability. This is in line with Bristol Brick Company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

bristol brick company machine
bristol brick company machinery

If you have any further questions regarding the Bristol Brick Company Opening Day, please contact lucy@wrightminimix.co.uk.

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Is Ready Mix Concrete Cheaper Than Manual Mixing?
03rd July 2023

No matter what building project you’re working on, the goal is the same: achieving high-quality results without exceeding your budget. This is true whether you’re laying the base of a shed, building a house foundation, or constructing a towering skyscraper.

It’s a delicate balance. Spending too much on materials can quickly drain your budget, but skimping on them could lead to poor results (and even potential safety issues).

With over 20 years of experience, the team at Wright Minimix know concrete better than anyone. We understand how important it is to consider the costs of your project before you get started, which is why we’ve explored the costs of using ready mix concrete compared to manual mixing below. Let’s dive in!

What is Ready Mix Concrete?

Well, it’s exactly what it says on the tin: ready mix concrete is a premixed concrete that arrives at your worksite ready for use.

More specifically, ready mix concrete is manufactured in a batching plant or factory according to specific mix designs. Once the concrete is mixed, it’s loaded into specially designed trucks called transit mixers. These trucks have revolving drums to keep the concrete in a workable state during transportation. The concrete is then delivered to the construction site within a specific time frame to maintain its fresh properties.

At the construction site, the ready mix concrete is discharged from the transit mixer directly into forms, moulds, or designated areas. It can be immediately poured or pumped into position without the need for on-site mixing. Thanks to its convenience, quality, and time-saving benefits, ready mix concrete is a popular choice throughout the construction industry.

What is Manual Concrete Mixing?

Manual concrete mixing, also known as on-site concrete mixing, is when you prepare concrete directly at the construction site. It involves blending the cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures yourself, and then monitoring and adjusting the mixture as needed.

Manual concrete mixing is commonly used for small-scale projects and repairs. It requires a skilled workforce and proper knowledge of concrete mixing techniques to guarantee the quality and consistency of the final product.

Will Using Ready Mix Concrete Save Me Money on My Project?

In most cases, yes! The upfront cost of ready mix concrete tends to be higher than manual mixing, but there are plenty of ways it saves you money in the long term.

  • One of the biggest benefits is the time you’ll save. Ready mix concrete is delivered to your site in a ready-to-use form, eliminating the need for on-site mixing and curing. This can hugely speed up construction, especially for large-scale projects. Faster completion times save you money by reducing overhead expenses, such as equipment rental and labour.
  • Ready mix concrete is produced in a controlled environment with precise ingredient measurements. More accurate batching reduces material wastage and the costs associated with disposing of it. The use of automated batching plants also minimises the need for excess materials, as the right proportions of cement, aggregates, water, and admixtures are always used.
  • By using ready mix concrete, you won’t need to mix, measure, and monitor the ingredients on-site. This allows your workforce to focus on other essential construction tasks, improving overall productivity and reducing labour costs.
  • Ready mix concrete goes through strict quality control measures, resulting in a consistent level of quality throughout. This can help avoid the expenses associated with rework, repairs, or project delays caused by poor-quality concrete.
  • Manual mixing requires equipment such as mixers, storage containers, and tools, which can add to the project's equipment costs. By using ready mix concrete, you won’t need to spend money buying or renting on-site mixing equipment.
  • Ready mix concrete is delivered directly to your construction site in specialised trucks. This means you won’t need to arrange for on-site storage facilities. It also reduces handling and transportation efforts, as well as the potential costs of material storage, theft, or contamination.

In summary, ready mix concrete can save you money thanks to its consistent quality, time and labour savings, reduced waste, and rigorous quality control.

Save Money with Wright Minimix’s Premium Ready Mix Concrete

At Wright Minimix, we supply and deliver ready mix concrete throughout the South of England and Wales. We put cost and efficiency at the forefront, delivering your concrete on time and within the agreed budget. We also have a wide range of concrete pumps for hire, including the largest pump in the UK!

No matter the scope of your project, we have the perfect ready mix concrete solution for you. Our range includes prescribed mixes, designated mixes, and standardised prescribed concrete mixes, all conforming to British Standards (BS8500-2).

With a full guarantee on all our ready mix concrete mixes, we aim to save you money by only charging for what you’ll actually use, while still providing the high-quality concrete you need to complete your project successfully.

Get a quote online or call us 01179 582090 - we’re looking forward to working with you!

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How to Test for Concrete Slump
16th November 2022

A concrete slump test is a method of measuring the consistency of fresh concrete. It’s a simple and easy way to check the workability of multiple batches before they set.

Wright Minimix are industry-leading concrete specialists, supplying ready-mix concrete and liquid screed across the South West. In this post, we explain what a slump test is, why it’s necessary, and how to carry one out.

What is a concrete slump test?

A concrete slump test is a routine procedure for seeing how easily a batch of concrete will flow. It’s low cost, easy to carry out, and produces immediate results.

Why perform a concrete slump test?

Before laying concrete, it’s important to check all batches have the same consistency. This ensures a constant quality and strength throughout. A slump test reveals the water-cement ratio, letting you know whether more or less cement needs to be added to the mix.

Too much water will weaken a mix. If you require a higher workability, you must raise the amount of cement within the mix.

What is the method for carrying out a concrete slump test?

To carry out a concrete slump test, you’ll need a slump cone, a measuring stick, a steel rod, and - of course - the concrete itself. Follow the steps below to find out the slump result of your concrete:

  1. Place the slump cone on a flat surface and stand on the footholds either side.
  2. Pour a layer of concrete into the cone, and use the steel rod in a circular fashion to smooth and compact it around 25 times. Make sure to penetrate the previous layer by about an inch. Repeat this with another layer of concrete on top.
  3. Pour in one final layer and rod it 25 times. The rod should penetrate the second layer, but not go through it fully. If the concrete is compacted beneath the top of the mould, stop rodding and add more concrete, then continue.
  4. After pouring the layers, clear away any overflow from the top and base of the cone. Double check the concrete reaches the top level of the cone.
  5. Slowly lift the cone up, shaking it gently until it is free of the concrete. Place the cone upside down next to the concrete, which will soon start to slump.
  6. Lay the steel rod across the top of the upturned cone so it hangs over the concrete.
  7. Measure the distance from the rod to the top of the slump. The level of slump is measured to the nearest 1/4 of an inch. The recorded results are the slump of the concrete.

Talk to the South’s concrete specialists

Wright Minimix have been delivering premium concrete solutions for over two decades. Whether you’re in need of ready-mix concrete, concrete blocks, or a heavy-duty concrete pump, we’ll be there to provide it on time and on budget.

Get a quote online or by calling our friendly team on 0117 958 2090.

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The Complete Guide to Concrete Footings
07th September 2022

Whether a house, deck, or bridge, every structure needs a strong footing to stand on. 

Concrete footing lies at the very lowest point of a foundation. Responsible for supporting the weight of an entire building, the footing must be strong, durable, and sturdy enough to last years under heavy strain. 

Poorly built concrete footing risks cracking or sinking into the ground. In extreme cases, it can even cause the building to collapse altogether! 

For these reasons, laying out concrete footing correctly is a crucial part of the construction process. 

Wright Minimix are specialists in all things concrete. We have extensive knowledge about using concrete for a variety of applications, and have years of experience working on projects across the south west. 

In our guide to concrete footings, we cover everything you need to know about correctly laying a footing, from determining the right concrete mix to proper site preparation. 

 

What are Concrete Footings? 

 

Footings are the solid concrete at the very bottom of a structure. They distribute the weight of a building across an area, preventing it from sinking into the ground. 

Footings are usually the first thing you build when starting a new construction project. Because they need to support a significant amount of weight, footings must be made of very strong concrete. It should be at least 3500 psi (pounds per square inch). 

There are several different types of concrete footings: footing under a single column, footing under multiple columns, and wall footings. 

Concrete has high compressive strength, meaning it can withstand heavy loads without fracturing, but low tensile strength. This means too much weight can cause it to elongate. For this reason, the concrete mix is usually reinforced with horizontal and vertical rebars. 

 

What is the Best Concrete Mix for Footings? 

 

The mix you use is one of the biggest factors in determining how strong your concrete footing will be. 

Much of this revolves around the aggregate (the stone and sand used in the mix), as the aggregate is what gives concrete its strength. It makes up the bulk of the concrete and adds to its overall compressive strength. More stone means a stronger mix. 

However, using overly coarse or oversized aggregates can cause “honeycombing.” Honeycombing refers to the gaps in the concrete caused by large pieces of aggregate sitting against the rebar, creating an effect that visually resembles a honeycomb. Honeycombing can be fixed by adding finer aggregates and more concrete to the mix, and by mixing the concrete more thoroughly. 

For concrete footings, the best mix to use is: 

  • 1 part cement 
  • 2 parts sand 
  • 4 parts stone (aggregate by volume) 

 

What aggregate size should you use for concrete footings?

The aggregate should be around 1/2 – 1 inch in size. After 28 days of curing, this mix will yield a 3500 psi. 

 

Ready Mix Concrete for Concrete Footings

Although you can mix the concrete yourself, the most time and cost-effective way is to buy a ready mix. With ready-mix concrete, you can skip the laborious process of measuring and mixing and get straight to pouring. 

At Wright Minimix, we create ready-mix concrete to your exact specifications. Because each mix is custom made, there is little or no wastage. There is also no need to have a labourer mix the cement on site, nor do you need to make space for storage. 

 

How Do You Lay Concrete Footings? 

 

The exact method will depend on the structure’s size, shape, and location. It’s also important to note that laying a footing is a complex process that requires significant expertise. Make sure you’re working with experienced professionals who can carry out the process correctly. 

With that in mind, here is an overview of the general process: 

 

1. Prepare the Site 

Before you do anything, it’s important to analyse the condition of the soil on site. The size and dimension of your footing depends on the soil’s load bearing capacity. Soft or troublesome soil requires special care, as there is a high risk of the concrete sinking into it. 

You should also clear out grass, roots, and debris from the idea, and identify the layout and corners of your foundation so it can be structured correctly. 

 

2. Dig the Trench 

Once you’ve determined how wide and deep the trench should be, you can begin digging. 

The hole for your footings needs to be bigger than the foundation, so you and your workers have room to lay down the footings. There should be at least 2 feet on all sides. 

The perimeter hole should be at least 2 feet wide by 2 to 3 feet deep. Make sure to clear out any remaining dirt and plantation afterwards. 

 

3. Set the Rebar 

Rebar support beams prevent the concrete from cracking or crumbling. You should set your rebar in place, then attach the grade pins on top. Each grade pin should be about 2 feet apart from one another, and a foot away from the corners. 

Make sure that the rebar is an equal distance from the sides as it is from the base of your opening. 

 

4. Mix and Pour the Concrete 

If you’re using a ready mix, you can skip straight the pouring. Depending on the size and location of your site, a concrete pump may be your best option for this. 

Wright Minimix has a fleet of concrete pumps available, big and small. This includes our compact Minipump, ideal for hard-to-access sites, as well as the largest concrete pump in the UK

If you’re preparing the concrete yourself, make sure the ratio of cement, aggregate, and water is correctly measured out before mixing. 

Once the concrete is prepared, pour it into the trench. This must be done within thirty minutes of mixing. 

The final step is to protect your footing from moisture and damage with an industrial-quality, acrylic-based sealer. 

 

Trust Wright Minimix for Your Concreting Needs

Need a reputable concrete supplier for your project? No matter what kind of structure you’re working on, we have the exact type of ready-mix concrete you need. Get in touch to arrange concrete for your footing today!

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