In the construction industry, maintaining the quality and consistency of concrete mix designs is essential to ensure the strength and durability of structures. 

However, it's common to face challenges at production plants that can lead to unwanted modifications in the mix formulas.

In this article, we’ll explore the importance of maintaining consistency in concrete mix designs and how you can achieve it in your plant.

Two common human errors in construction

errores humanos en la construccion

According to Anthony Ede, civil engineering professor at Ota University in Nigeria, two of the most common human errors in construction are related to the foundation and the concrete itself. Here they are:

1. Cutting costs on materials

Using low-quality materials to "save money" during the foundation stage should be avoided at all costs. Regardless of whether the project is near lakes or swampy terrain, it's vital to use materials that can guarantee the necessary strength to support the building, even when building on solid ground.

Often, during foundation construction, insufficiently resistant materials are used, leading to structural vulnerabilities. This is especially dangerous near unstable terrains but is also risky on firm ground.

2. Lack of certification for mix designs

It's crucial to have certified mix designs that verify the concrete formulation is suitable for the intended building height and structure.

A poor concrete mix design can significantly affect the material's strength, durability, workability, uniformity, and overall costs. Following the proper guidelines and proportions is essential to ensure high-quality concrete mixes that perform optimally in construction projects.

calidad en mi producto de construccion por una receta óptima

How to ensure product quality through optimal mix design definition

To ensure that mix designs are not altered in your concrete plant, it is essential to establish a rigorous quality control process. Here are some key recommendations:

  • Estándares y procedimientos claros: Define estándares claros para cada tipo de concreto que produzcas, Clear standards and procedures: Define specific standards for each type of concrete you produce, including materials, proportions, and mixing procedures. Document these standards and ensure all staff are trained and strictly follow them.
  • Equipment maintenance and calibration: Perform regular maintenance and accurate calibration of your batching and mixing equipment to guarantee precise and consistent measurements. Malfunctioning or poorly calibrated equipment can lead to variations in mix designs.
  • Material inventory control: Keep detailed records of all materials used in concrete production — aggregates, cement, additives, and water. Monitor inventory levels and ensure that supplies stay within the defined parameters.

certify arkik

Manage product inputs and outputs with Arkik’s Certify Module

A useful tool for ensuring the integrity of concrete mix designs is Arkik’s Certify module. This module allows you to efficiently and accurately manage the inputs and outputs of materials, and track the ingredients used in each mix.

With Certify, you get automatic batching — eliminating human error in product quantities and preventing any negative impact on product quality. You can remotely register and verify any changes to your mix designs, ensuring quality and avoiding unauthorized modifications.

 

Maintaining consistency in concrete mix designs is crucial for ensuring the strength and longevity of structures. By keeping your recipes consistent, you’re building reliable, high-quality concrete for your clients.

Setting clear standards, maintaining well-calibrated equipment, and using tools like Arkik’s Certify module are essential steps to ensure mix designs are not modified in your plant.

Arkik — Defining the future of the construction industry.