Concrete is essential for building almost anything, from small homes to big skyscrapers. But moving it to where it needs to go can cause big problems. A report in 2023 from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association shows that more than 30% of delays in building projects come from problems with delivering concrete, and 15% of projects go over budget because of these troubles.

Dealing with these concrete transportation problems is really important if you want to keep your construction projects on time and within budget. In this blog, we’ll look at the main concrete logistics issues and give you some smart and practical ways to handle them so your projects can run smoothly. 

Let’s get into it.

Essential Takeaways

  • Using schedules and tracking tools ensures concrete deliveries are on time and of good quality.
  • Keeping concrete at the right temperature during delivery helps prevent problems.
  • Regularly checking and fixing concrete trucks and training the team reduces delays.
  • Using new tech makes the whole process of delivering concrete more efficient.

1. Time Sensitivity

Concrete has a short “working life” of about 90–120 minutes after mixing, making quick delivery essential. If ready-mix concrete delivery is delayed, several problems can arise:

  • Premature Hardening: If concrete starts to set before it arrives at the construction site, it becomes unworkable and must be discarded, leading to significant material waste.
  • Segregation: The separation of water from the mix during extended transit times compromises the structural integrity of the concrete, potentially leading to safety issues.
  • Failed Quality Tests: Concrete that doesn’t reach the site within the required time frame often fails slump tests, which measure its consistency and workability.

Simple Solutions for On-Time Concrete Delivery

Here are some straightforward ways to ensure concrete gets delivered on time:

  • Better Delivery Scheduling

Using tools like Trimble Route Optimization helps plan the fastest and most efficient delivery routes by considering real-time traffic, road closures, and when the site is ready.

  • Real-Time Tracking

Putting GPS trackers and sensors in concrete mixer trucks lets dispatchers see where the trucks are and how they are doing in real time. For instance, MixerTrack can alert drivers if the concrete starts to harden.

  • Off-Peak Delivery Times

Delivering concrete early in the morning or on weekends can dodge heavy traffic, helping to avoid delays and minimize the risk of weather-related concrete transportation problems.

2. Weather Challenges

Different weather conditions can make it hard to keep concrete in good shape during delivery:

  • High Heat: When it’s hotter than 90°F, concrete sets faster, leaving less time to work with it. This means everything needs to happen faster, putting extra pressure on those delivering and using the concrete.
  • Cold Weather: If it drops below 40°F, the water in the concrete can start to freeze, leading to weaker spots that might break easily later on.
  • Rain: Rain can water down the concrete, making it weaker by 10–20% if it’s not covered properly. Weaker concrete could mean having to do parts of a project over again.

Smart Ways to Handle Weather Issues

Using the right tools and planning ahead can help keep concrete in top shape, no matter the weather:

  • Insulated Concrete Transport Equipment

Trucks that can keep cool, like those from Batchcrete International, make sure the concrete stays at the right temperature (65–75°F) even when the weather is very hot or very cold. This helps the concrete stay ready to use when it arrives.

  • Concrete Delivery Route Planning Software

Tools check the weather in real-time and can change delivery times if bad weather is coming. This helps avoid problems like rain messing up the concrete mix.

  • Using Admixtures

Special chemicals can help manage how fast concrete sets. For example, retarders like Sika Plastiment slow down setting in hot weather, and accelerators help it set faster in the cold, keeping projects on track.

3. Equipment Breakdowns

Mixer truck problems can really slow down your construction project. The National Truck Equipment Association has found that about one in eight mixer trucks will break down each month. These breakdowns usually happen because of:

  • Engine Failures: Overloading the truck can cause the engine to fail, leading to delays and expensive repairs.
  • Hydraulic Leaks: These leaks can cause concrete pumping complications, making the trucks less efficient and potentially messing up the quality of the concrete.
  • Drum Corrosion: If old concrete residue isn’t cleaned out, it can react with new concrete mixes and damage the inside of the drum.

Smart Solutions to Keep Trucks Running Smoothly

To avoid these problems and keep your trucks running well, here are some concrete mixer truck maintenance best practices to follow:

  • Daily Drum Cleaning

Use powerful water jets daily to clean out concrete residue that can harden and cause damage.

  • Weekly Hydraulic Checks

Check the hydraulic hoses every week for any damage and replace them every six months to prevent leaks.

  • Blade Replacements

Change old mixing blades after mixing 10,000 cubic yards of concrete to keep your concrete mix consistent.

  • Choose Certified Suppliers

Always use trucks from suppliers who follow ISO 9001-certified maintenance standards. This means they keep their trucks in top condition.

4. Concrete Logistics Issues​

Managing the concrete supply chain can be tricky, especially when dealing with the challenges of getting through tight spots, low bridges, or busy city streets. These logistics issues can cause several problems:

  • Delays in Deliveries: A recent 2023 survey showed that about 40% of building projects in cities are delayed because trucks have to take longer routes unexpectedly.
  • Wasting Fuel and Money: Trucks stuck in traffic use up about 0.8 gallons of fuel every hour, costing around $50 a day for each truck.
  • Problems with Getting to the Site: For example, a big project in New York lost $120,000 because concrete trucks couldn’t fit down a narrow alley to reach the site.

Smart Solutions to Improve Concrete Logistics

To solve these issues, there are a few smart strategies that can make a big difference in concrete supply chain management:

  • Better Route Planning

Using tools like Samsara can help plan better routes for trucks. These tools avoid routes with low bridges or roads that have weight limits, making sure trucks can move smoothly without delays.

  • New Ways of Delivering Concrete

Using mobile concrete mixers can be very helpful. These mixers make concrete right at the building site, which means there’s no risk of the concrete setting too early during transport.

  • Checking the Site Before Delivery

Using drones to check out the construction site before deliveries begin can really help. Drones can make sure there’s enough room for the concrete mixers to get through (at least 12 feet of clearance). 

5. Quality Control

Ensuring that concrete stays in top shape during transport is crucial because things like shaking, long mixing times, or temperature changes can mess up its quality. If the concrete doesn’t pass the quality test, a whole truckload, worth about $5,000, could be wasted. 

Easy Fixes for Keeping Concrete in Great Condition

  • Set Clear Transport Times

Keeping a strict schedule is key. Trucks should have timers to help drivers stick to these times, ensuring the concrete arrives in good shape and doesn’t start to harden too soon.

  • Use Special Covers

In dry areas, using special tarps can stop water from evaporating out of the concrete, keeping the mix just right.

  • Teach Your Drivers Well

Training drivers to keep the drum turning at the right speed (12 to 15 RPM) makes sure the concrete doesn’t separate and stays mixed evenly.

  • Use Smart Technology

Putting high-tech sensors in the mixing drums helps keep an eye on the concrete’s condition. These sensors check things like how soft the concrete is and its temperature, and they can alert the team back at the site if something needs to be adjusted.

6. Concrete Batching Plants

Concrete batching plant operations need tight coordination with delivery times to avoid slowdowns that can mess up the whole delivery process. Problems at this stage can cause serious issues:

  • Mix Inconsistencies: If the mix isn’t balanced right, with uneven water-cement ratios, it can weaken the structure it’s meant to build. Keeping the mix consistent is crucial because small mistakes can lead to big problems later on.
  • Delivery Delays: When production at the plant doesn’t align with the delivery schedule, it can cause delays. These delays can throw off project timelines and hurt the business’s reputation and profits.

Smart Fixes for Batching Plants

To tackle these challenges, batching plants can use several smart strategies:

  • Automated Batching Systems

Using automated systems helps cut down on human mistakes. These systems precisely measure all the materials needed, making sure every batch is consistent.

  • Advanced Demand Forecasting

Use AI to better predict how much concrete will be needed and when. This helps line up production with the actual needs of the projects, making everything run smoother.

  • Staggered Scheduling

Setting aside specific times for important projects helps manage the workload better. This way, each project gets the right amount of attention and resources without causing delays.

7. Concrete Pumping Problems

Concrete pumping is crucial for delivering concrete right where it’s needed, but sometimes problems like blockages or pipes bursting can stop the work and damage equipment, costing about $1,500 every hour in delays.

Effective Fixes for Common Pumping Issues

  • Using Lubricants Before Pouring

By pumping a mix of cement and water before the actual concrete, we can make the inside of the pipes slicker, reducing the chance of blockages.

  • Smart Concrete Pumps

Modern pumps, such as those by Batchcrete International, have a special feature that shuts them off automatically if the pressure inside gets too high. This helps prevent pipe bursts and keeps the equipment safe.

  • Training for Crews on Site

It’s important to train the team on how to handle blockages quickly and safely using techniques like pumping backward or using air to clear the pipes. This training helps reduce downtime and keeps everyone safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What problems do we face when building with concrete? 

Building with concrete can be tricky because it needs to be used quickly before it hardens. It also has to stay at the right thickness during transport. Plus, extreme weather, like hot or cold temperatures, can affect how well the concrete works.

2. How do we move concrete to different places? 

Concrete is mostly carried in big trucks known as mixer trucks. These trucks keep the concrete moving so that it stays mixed properly. For very high places, pumps and long tubes are used to push the concrete up to where it’s needed.

3. How far can we take concrete before it goes bad? 

Concrete needs to be used within 1.5 hours after mixing to keep its quality. This usually means it can be taken around 20 to 30 miles from where it’s made, but this depends on traffic and the type of concrete.

4. What tools do we use to move concrete? 

The main tool for moving concrete is the mixer truck, which keeps it ready to pour. Other important tools include concrete pumps, which help move the concrete through pipes to far or high places during construction.

Transport Concrete Smoothly with Batchcrete International

Are you fed up with delays, equipment failures, and inconsistent concrete quality? At Batchcrete International, we have concrete transportation equipment. Visit our website to schedule a free logistics check. Let’s make your next project a success together!

With the right mix of smart planning, advanced technology, and ongoing maintenance, you can overcome any concrete transport challenge. Remember: In construction, being on time and maintaining quality is key to success!