7 Hard And Fast Rules Of Concrete Delivery

Concrete delivery is a vital part of any construction project. Without concrete, construction simply grinds to a halt. That's why knowing the ins and outs of concrete delivery is important, from choosing the right supplier to understanding how much concrete you need for your project. Here are seven hard and fast rules for concrete delivery.

1. Order the right amount of concrete.

Make sure you order the right amount of concrete for your project. It is important to know the dimensions of the area you will be pouring concrete in, as well as how deep you will be pouring it. Ordering too little concrete can delay your project and cost you more in the long run. On the other hand, ordering too much concrete wastes money and resources. To avoid these problems, take the time to calculate exactly how much concrete you need for your project before placing your order. If you are unsure, ask for help.

2. Schedule your delivery in advance.

Another key rule of concrete delivery is to schedule your delivery in advance. This may seem like an obvious point, but it's one that's often overlooked in the construction process. Waiting until the last minute to schedule your concrete delivery puts you at risk of delays and additional costs. To avoid these problems, always plan ahead and schedule your delivery at least a week in advance.

3. Try to be the first appointment of the day.

A concrete truck's delivery can be delayed throughout the day. If you end up as the last delivery, your crew may be standing around with nothing to do. Additionally, the first appointment in the summer is advantageous because wet concrete does best in the morning before the day heats up.

4. Prepare the site before the delivery.

Before the concrete delivery arrives, prepare the site where you will be pouring it, including clearing debris, leveling out any uneven areas, and wetting down the ground to prevent the concrete from drying too quickly. Additionally, have enough manpower on hand to unload the concrete and get it where it needs to go. For large projects, it may be necessary to rent a boom truck or other equipment to help with the job. 

5. Inspect the concrete before accepting delivery.

When the concrete arrives, be sure to inspect it before accepting delivery. Make sure there are no visible signs of defects and that the concrete is the correct color and consistency. If everything looks good, sign for the delivery and accept it.

6. Pour the concrete as soon as possible after delivery.

Once you have accepted the concrete delivery, be sure to pour it as soon as possible. Concrete can begin to set within an hour, so it is important to pour it before it becomes too hard to work with. Concrete waits for no one.

7. Protect newly poured concrete from the elements.

Newly poured concrete is susceptible to extreme weather. Hot sun, pouring rain, and freezing temperatures can all affect how well it cures. Wet it with the hose to prevent it from drying too fast, use a tarp to keep the rain off, or cover the concrete with straw or burlap to keep it warm overnight.

Concrete delivery is an essential part of the construction timeline. By following these seven hard and fast rules, you can ensure that your next concrete delivery goes smoothly and your construction project stays on track.


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