The Benefits of Using Fresh Concrete in Your Project

Whether you're the head of a construction crew or you're planning a project for your home, there's no denying that every detail needs to be carefully planned to ensure smooth execution. One of the most crucial elements for many construction projects is fresh concrete. Fresh concrete has properties that determine the strength, durability, and long-term performance of the final structure. This all happens during the curing process. Proper curing is essential to prevent shrinkage and cracking, which involves maintaining moisture. In this blog, we’ll discuss why fresh concrete is key to the success of your project.

Provides Structural Integrity

Fresh concrete provides solid structural integrity, whereas older mixes may fall short because fresh concrete is still in the process of hydration. Hydration is when cement, water, and aggregates combine to create chemical reactions that form strong bonds. As the concrete begins to set and cure, this process slows, and the mix loses its ability to form strong bonds.

Concrete that begins to set before it’s poured will not bond properly, leading to weaker structures. This is the primary reason you want the concrete for your job to be fresh—ensuring longevity for your project.

Proper Workability

Concrete needs to be workable, meaning it should be easy to transport, place, and finish. Fresh concrete allows for efficient construction and ensures the material can be molded into the desired form and shape for your project. Fresh concrete flows more easily than older mixes, and it can be shaped and adjusted with ease.

As concrete sets, it becomes more difficult to work with because it thickens. When the concrete is fresh, its workability is optimal, making your job that much easier.

Mix Consistency

Consistency in your mix is essential to ensure that all sections of the concrete structure are uniform in strength, color, and texture. Fresh concrete, when mixed properly and used before it begins to set, will have a uniform consistency throughout the batch.

When concrete isn't fresh, there may be variations in consistency, leading to uneven curing rates and potential weak spots. These inconsistencies can compromise the quality of your structure. Using fresh concrete ensures that the durability and performance of every part of your project are consistent.

Curing and Temperature Control

Fresh concrete requires proper curing because the way it hardens and sets will determine the final strength and durability of your structure. You want the concrete to achieve its full potential so that it is strong enough to withstand wear and tear. During the curing process, it is crucial to maintain moisture content; otherwise, the concrete can dry out too quickly, leading to shrinkage and potential cracking, both of which compromise the structure's integrity.

It is easier to control the temperature and curing rate of fresh concrete. If the concrete is too cold, it can cure too slowly. If it's too hot, it can cure too quickly. The goal is to maintain a balanced temperature—not too hot, not too cold. The hydration process, which gives concrete its strength, is highly temperature-dependent. Fresh concrete is easier to control in terms of temperature.

Cost-Effective

Using fresh concrete will save you money in the long term. Concrete that has been mixed for a while could lead to significant costs later for patching, repairs, or even possible replacement. Fresh concrete will help you avoid these issues because it is of higher quality and will ensure that your project remains structurally sound.

Do You Need Fresh Concrete in Kalamazoo or the Southwest Michigan Area?

If you're planning a project that requires fresh concrete in the Kalamazoo, Plainwell, Benton Harbor, or South Haven areas of Michigan, contact us at Bos Concrete. We offer high-quality ready-mix concrete and trucks equipped with pumps to reach even the tightest spaces.