Building in the City Comes with Its Own Rules
Urban construction projects in places like Toronto, Mississauga, and Markham face unique challenges: limited access, strict timelines, high traffic congestion, and tighter regulations. When it comes to choosing the right type of concrete delivery method, contractors often find themselves weighing two options—volumetric concreteand ready-mix concrete. Both have their uses, but which one is better suited for high-density job sites? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Basics
What Is Ready-Mix Concrete?
Ready-mix concrete is produced in a central batching plant and transported to the job site in a rotating drum. Once the mixing begins, the clock starts ticking—typically offering a usable window of about 90 minutes before the mix begins to set.
What Is Volumetric Concrete?
Volumetric concrete is mixed on-site using a specialized truck that stores all raw materials separately. With a mobile concrete mixer, like those in the CeMix fleet, the operator produces concrete as needed—customizing the mix in real-time for the exact volume and strength required.
Key Comparison: Urban Project Requirements
1. Flexibility in Scheduling
- Ready-Mix: Requires precise coordination. Delays on-site (like crane delays or traffic backups) can cause an entire batch to go to waste.
- Volumetric Concrete: Offers total flexibility. Concrete is mixed only when you’re ready to pour, preventing time-related spoilage.
✅ Advantage: Volumetric
2. Traffic and Accessibility
- Ready-Mix: Large trucks must arrive on time. In urban cores, traffic congestion can lead to late deliveries and unusable batches.
- Volumetric: Our CeMix trucks can remain parked and mix as needed—no rush unloading, no penalty for traffic delays.
✅ Advantage: Volumetric
3. Volume Accuracy and Waste
- Ready-Mix: You must estimate your needs in advance. Under-ordering leads to delays; over-ordering leads to waste.
- Volumetric: Concrete is mixed to the exact quantity needed. No guesswork, no waste, no cleanup of unused material.
✅ Advantage: Volumetric
4. Mix Variability Mid-Job
- Ready-Mix: One batch = one mix. Changing requirements? You’ll need a second truck and another wait.
- Volumetric: With CeMix trucks, slump, strength, and additives can be adjusted on-site, making it ideal for complex urban jobs with different structural zones.
✅ Advantage: Volumetric
5. Environmental Impact
- Ready-Mix: Multiple trips for different mix designs or volumes increase emissions and waste.
- Volumetric: Fewer trips, no waste, and precise batching help reduce your carbon footprint—essential in green-certified urban builds.
✅ Advantage: Volumetric
Why Volumetric Is Becoming the Go-To for Urban Contractors
In fast-moving cities like Toronto and Markham, volumetric concrete mixing is quickly becoming the preferred solution for contractors who need control, efficiency, and adaptability.From high-rise developments to infrastructure repair, the need for flexible concrete delivery has never been greater.
At CeMix Concrete, we’ve equipped our fleet to serve urban environments where space is tight, timelines are critical, and jobsite needs can change by the hour. Whether you’re working in a laneway, back alley, rooftop, or narrow downtown lot, our mobile volumetric mixers are built to deliver.
Final Verdict: Choose the Right Fit for the Right Job
While ready-mix concrete still plays a role in large-scale or remote projects, it often falls short in dense urban environments. Volumetric concrete offers the precision, timing control, and logistical easethat make it the smarter choice for cities.
Partner with CeMix for Urban-Ready Concrete Solutions
CeMix Concrete delivers on-site volumetric concrete mixing across the GTA, including Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham, Vaughan, and Mississauga. With advanced equipment and experienced operators, we help contractors eliminate waste, stay on schedule, and keep up with the pace of city construction.
No Overages
No Waiting
No Compromise on Quality
Ready to work smarter?Reach out to CeMix Concrete to schedule your next pour.
