Mixing Concrete Using a Mixer | Sakrete (2024)

FAQs

How long should you mix concrete in a mixer? ›

Turn the mixer on and add the dry mix into the mixer. Allow the concrete to mix for about a minute and then add the remaining water as necessary. Mix the concrete for about 3-5 minutes, until a uniform, workable consistency is achieved. If additional water is needed, add small amounts of water sparingly.

Most standard mixers allow for a maximum of two 80# bags of concrete per batch for a total of 24 bags in an hour. Mixing flat-out, the output of this mixing method is capped at about 14 cu. ft. of material (or a roughly 6.5′ x 6.5′ x 4″ slab).

All you need to do is pop your builders mix and cement into your concrete mixer, add the correct amount of water and press the on button. Once mixed, transfer to your wheelbarrow (or pour directly from the mixer), lay and then repeat.

In terms of the ratio for concrete, it depends on what strength you are trying to achieve, but as a general guide a standard concrete mix would be 1 part cement to 2 parts sand to 4 parts aggregates.

CONCLUSION From the results obtained & following observations it was concluded that the workability, compressive strength of concrete was higher when the mixing time is within 4 to 7 minutes. ...

Once you start mixing, you have approximately one hour to mix and place all of your materials to avoid cold joints. With each round of mixing taking approximately 5 minutes, you can complete a maximum of 12 rounds of mixing in that timeframe.

Under normal conditions, concrete has a useable life of about 11⁄2 hours. However in summer it will lose workability more rapidly. Ideally, it should be placed and completely finished within 1 hour of discharge from the truck-mixer.

We've heard of some customers mixing up to 120 pounds of concrete in a single wheelbarrow but really think a 60-80 pound batch is ideal for mixing with this method. Hand mixing concrete batches over 80 pounds is arduous and difficult to insure its consistency.

So, Is a Concrete Mixer Worth It? If you only do occasional small jobs, renting a concrete mixer should be enough to get by. Rental costs may be cheaper long-term than buying equipment that sits idle. However, if you frequently pour concrete, purchasing your own mixer can pay off within just a few big projects.

Mixing and pouring your concrete on site is far cheaper than a pre-mix concrete. It even works out cheaper than buying prefabricated concrete which is cut to shape for your project. This is because you have far less waste when you both mix and pour it yourself.

What is the ratio for mixing concrete in a mixer? ›

The safest bet for any concrete mix is four-two-one: four parts crushed rock; two parts sand; and one part cement. The four-two-one mix, obviously, has seven parts. Conveniently, when mixing concrete, the ratio can be mixed on any range of scales.

In making concrete strong, ingredients should usually be mixed in a ratio of 1:2:3:0.5 to achieve maximum strength. That is 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 3 parts gravel, and 0.5 part water.

Standard Concrete Mix

The standard mix, which has a ratio of 1:2:3 (cement: sand: aggregates) or 1:1.5:3.5, is the most popular kind of concrete mixture (cement: sand: gravel). This mix is malleable and hence can be used in multiple projects, such as foundations, walls, and slabs.

Nothing is easier than adding excess mixing water to premixed concrete at building sites. And nothing is more likely to reduce the strength of the concrete, or make repairs to a concrete construction necessary, or more likely to damage a contractor's reputation for efficiency and reliability.

The hom*ogeneity of fresh concrete can affect the internal structure of hardened concrete, thus directly affecting the compressive strength and durability of hardened con- crete. The length of mixing time plays a decisive role in whether the mixture can achieve macroscopic and micro- scopic hom*ogeneity.