Concrete is a mixture of aggregate (fine or coarse aggregate), cement and water and is an important building material widely used in modern construction because of its strength, durability and versatility. The proportions of ingredients help produce various compressive strengths or grades of concrete.
Typically, concrete grades range from M5 to M70. The compressive strength of M5 grade concrete is 5MPa, while the compressive strength of M70 grade concrete is 70Mpa. Concrete grades M5 to M20 are used in applications that do not require high strength, while concrete grades M25 to M45 are used in reinforced concrete applications.
What is a concrete mixer?
A concrete mixer is a device capable of preparing concrete mixtures of different hardnesses in a timely manner. Some concrete mixers are even capable of dispensing the concrete mix directly to the construction site. Concrete mixers are available in various sizes and types depending on the requirements of the application. Portable concrete mixers are used in small and medium-sized applications, while in larger applications, concrete mixing plants can also be built on the construction site.
Types of concrete mixers
Different types of concrete mixers are used for different purposes. Listed below are some of the most commonly used concrete mixer types and their applications:
Concrete mixers are divided into two major categories:
batch mixer
Continuous mixer
1. Intermittent mixer:
This type of mixer produces one batch of concrete at a time. Batch mixers have a drum or a disk consisting of blades that prepare the concrete mixture as they rotate. Rotation speed, blade angle and drum tilt angle can all be controlled. These are the most commonly used concrete mixers and are ideal for use on small to medium-sized construction sites.
Intermittent mixers can be divided into two types:
These mixers consist of double truncated conical drums. Depending on its type, the drum has a single or multiple sets of blades and is used to mix, prepare and discharge the concrete mixture. Today, drum mixers come in three different types:
1a. Inclined drum mixer: In this type of drum mixer, the drum can be tilted up or down up to a certain angle.
These mixers are ideal for large construction sites or applications where construction is intensive.
1b. Non-tilt drum mixer: These drum mixers are equipped with a non-tilt drum that rotates along a horizontal axis to produce concrete. This type of drum mixer is generally used on small construction sites.
1c. Reversible drum mixer: Much like the non-inclined drum mixer, these mixers have openings at both ends, and the ingredients of the concrete mixture are poured from one end and the final mixture is collected from the other end. Reversible drum mixers are best suited for preparing dry mix concrete.
1d. Disc mixer: This type of mixer has a cylindrical disc in which the concrete is prepared. Just like drum mixers, these mixers also have blades that facilitate the mixing process. These blades are usually star-shaped to ensure optimal efficiency.
Pan mixers are the most efficient type of concrete mixer. These mixers are best suited for preparing hard and lean concrete mixtures.
2. Continuous mixer
These concrete mixers work without any interruption and can continuously produce concrete while the work is going on. They are constantly fed raw materials. Once the mix is ready, construction workers drain and collect the concrete. Continuous mixer systems are often installed on construction sites. These mixers are deployed in the construction of very large structures such as bridges, road tunnels and dams.
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