How Do Volumetric Concrete Mixers Work?
A Quick Look at How Volumetric Concrete Mixers Function
Concrete plays a critical role in many construction projects. From forming the footings of a building to creating reinforced beams intended to support tonnes of weight, the world as we know it would not exist without the presence of this universal material. It is therefore interesting to note that the history of concrete can be traced at least as far back as Roman times. Of course, technology has naturally advanced over the years reflected in the number of ways in which concrete is prepared. One of the most important pieces of equipment to be found within many job sites known as a volumetric concrete mixer. What is the history behind this type of machine, how does it work and what advantages does it offer?
All About Mobility and Flexibility
In the ’60s, many inventors realised the importance of being able to deliver concrete to a job site in an efficient manner. Harold Zimmerman first obtained a patent for this type of mixer in 1964. As he owned the proprietary rights to its design, only a single manufacturer would produce these mixers until the latter half of the 1980s. The Volumetric Mixer Manufacturers Bureau (VMMB) was subsequently created in 1999 allowing its charter members to produce similar configurations.
The Principles Behind Volumetric Mixers
One of the most challenging issues with pouring concrete is that different applications will require unique formulations. For example, concrete used for a motorway is likely to have different proportions of constituents when compared to a mix employed within the load-bearing beams of a skyscraper. Volumetric mixers intend to bridge this gap.
A mixer is mounted on to a truck for ease of transportation of concrete between two locations. However, the main takeaway point is that these units do not contain a pre-mixed solution. They are instead equipped with a series of chambers which contain materials such as:
- Cement
- Stone
- Sand
- Water
Thus, it is much easier to produce the exact type and quantity of concrete that may be needed for a specific project. This reduces costs while helping to increase on-site efficiency.
Benefits of Volumetric Concrete
As we have just seen, volumetric concrete mixers are able to produce extremely specific formulations while providing on-site quality assurance. Some other advantages include:
- Fresh concrete with variable mixes from one load
- Little or no waste with reduced operational costs
- Multidrop capacity and high production rates
- High control and flexible load sizes
Volumetric mixers are used significantly throughout the construction industry, and their importance cannot be denied. Especially when working out how much concrete you require for a project.
