How to Prepare Your Site for Concrete Delivery
Good preparation helps ensure concrete can be placed safely, efficiently and without unnecessary delays. Taking time to prepare the site before delivery can also help achieve a better finished result.
Whether you are completing a domestic project or managing a commercial site, planning ahead makes the concrete pour much easier. From checking access to preparing formwork, a few simple steps can help everything run smoothly on the day.
This guide explains how to prepare for concrete delivery, what to do before concrete arrives and how to get your site ready for a successful pour.
Key takeaways
- Preparing your site before concrete delivery helps avoid delays and keeps the pour running smoothly.
- Good access, completed formwork and the correct quantity of concrete are all important before delivery day.
- Speaking to your concrete supplier in advance helps ensure the right concrete arrives at the right time.
How concrete delivery works
Ready mix concrete is batched at the plant before being delivered to site by mixer truck.
At AMIX, every load is individually batched to help provide the required strength and consistency for the specified application. Once the concrete arrives, it should be placed promptly to help maintain its workability.
If you are arranging a concrete delivery service, discussing your project requirements before delivery helps ensure everything is prepared in advance.
Preparing the ground for concrete
Before concrete arrives, the area should be fully prepared and ready for the pour.
Depending on the project, this may include:
- Excavating to the required depth
- Installing a suitable sub-base where required
- Compacting the ground
- Checking levels
- Removing loose material and standing water
Any preparation should be completed before the delivery vehicle arrives so the concrete can be placed without unnecessary delays.
Check your formwork
Formwork helps contain the concrete until it has gained sufficient strength.
Before delivery, check that:
- formwork is secure
- dimensions are correct
- levels have been checked
- reinforcement has been installed where specified
- the pour area is clean and ready
Taking time to inspect the formwork before delivery can help prevent problems once the concrete is placed.
Concrete delivery access requirements
One of the most important parts of concrete delivery preparation is ensuring the vehicle can safely access the site.
Before delivery, consider:
- the width of access routes
- overhead obstructions
- parked vehicles
- uneven ground
- gates and entrances
- the distance between the vehicle and the pour area
If access is restricted, let the AMIX team know before delivery. In some situations, barrow mix concrete may be a more suitable option.
Confirm the correct quantity
Ordering the correct volume of concrete helps reduce waste and avoids the disruption of running short during a pour.
If you are unsure how much concrete is required, our team can help calculate the quantity based on your project dimensions.
Confirming this before delivery helps ensure the right amount of concrete is supplied on the day.
Make sure labour and equipment are ready
Concrete should normally be placed as soon as it arrives.
Before delivery, make sure:
- enough people are available to place and finish the concrete
- the necessary tools are on site
- wheelbarrows are ready if required
- finishing equipment has been prepared
- everyone understands their role during the pour
Being organised before the vehicle arrives helps keep the work moving efficiently.
Consider the weather
Weather conditions can affect concrete placement and finishing.
Very hot weather may increase the rate at which concrete loses workability, while heavy rain can affect freshly placed concrete if it is left unprotected.
Checking the forecast before delivery allows you to plan accordingly and prepare any protection that may be required.
What happens on delivery day?
Once the concrete arrives, the driver will position the vehicle as close as practical to the pour area.
The concrete is then discharged into the prepared location using the agreed delivery method.
Good communication between the site team and the driver helps ensure the delivery runs smoothly.
If you have chosen ready mix concrete delivery, making sure the site is fully prepared allows the concrete to be placed without unnecessary waiting.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many concrete delivery delays can be avoided with good planning.
Common issues include:
- ordering the wrong quantity
- incomplete site preparation
- poor vehicle access
- formwork not being ready
- insufficient labour on site
- leaving preparation until the delivery vehicle arrives
Planning these elements in advance helps reduce the risk of delays and supports a more efficient concrete pour.
Concrete delivery checklist
Before concrete arrives, make sure you have:
- Confirmed the delivery time
- Checked vehicle access
- Prepared the ground
- Completed the formwork
- Installed reinforcement where required
- Confirmed the concrete quantity
- Prepared tools and equipment
- Organised sufficient labour
- Checked the weather forecast
- Cleared the pour area
Completing these checks before delivery helps ensure the concrete can be placed safely and efficiently.
Speak to the AMIX team
AMIX has supplied ready mix concrete across the North West since 1993.
Whether you are preparing for a domestic concrete pour or a larger commercial project, our team can provide practical advice before delivery and help arrange the right concrete for your requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do before concrete delivery?
The site should be fully prepared before delivery. This includes completing excavation work, preparing the ground, checking formwork, confirming access and ensuring the correct labour and equipment are available.
How does concrete delivery work?
Concrete is batched at the plant before being delivered to site by mixer truck. Once it arrives, it should normally be placed promptly to help maintain its workability.
What are the access requirements for concrete delivery?
The delivery vehicle should have safe access to the site. Narrow entrances, overhead obstructions, uneven ground or long distances to the pour area should be discussed with your concrete supplier before delivery.
What if a concrete truck cannot reach the pour area?
If direct vehicle access is not possible, alternative delivery methods may be available. AMIX can advise whether barrowing or another suitable solution is appropriate for your project.
How much concrete should I order?
The correct quantity depends on the dimensions of your project. If you are unsure, the AMIX team can help calculate the volume required before delivery.
How early should I prepare my site?
All excavation, ground preparation, formwork and access arrangements should be completed before the scheduled delivery time so the concrete can be placed without unnecessary delays.