Concrete is one of the most used construction materials in the world—and also one of the most misunderstood. Contractors, builders, and project managers know that getting concrete right is non-negotiable. Yet many common mistakes still lead to costly delays, rework, and even structural issues.
If you’re in the business of building, it’s time to rethink how your concrete is delivered and mixed. Below, we’re breaking down the top concrete mistakes made on job sites—and why volumetric mixingis often the smarter, faster, and more reliable way to solve them.
Mistake #1: Overordering or Underordering Concrete
The Problem:
Ordering too much concrete means wasted material and unnecessary costs. Ordering too little leads to mid-pour panic and production delays while you wait for a second batch to arrive.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
Volumetric mixers produce concrete on siteand in real time. That means you only pay for what you actually use. No guesswork, no waste, no surprise shortages. If your pour ends up needing more material, the mixer just keeps going. It’s that simple.
Mistake #2: Letting the Clock Kill the Mix
The Problem:
Ready-mix concrete starts curing the second it leaves the plant. Delays in traffic or on site can ruin the batch before it’s even poured, leading to quality issues and costly do-overs.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
Volumetric trucks mix the concrete at the moment you need it—not before. The dry ingredients stay separated until the mixer activates on site. That means the concrete is always fresh, no matter how long it takes to set up.
Mistake #3: Losing Flexibility on Multi-Phase Projects
The Problem:
Big jobs often require multiple pours, each with different volumes or mix designs. With traditional ready-mix, you’re stuck coordinating delivery windows and hoping each batch matches the specs.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
With on site volumetric concrete, you control everything—volume, mix design, slump, even additives. If phase one needs 8 MPa and phase two needs 35 MPa with fibre reinforcement, one truck can do both without leaving the site.
Mistake #4: Pouring the Wrong Mix for the Application
The Problem:
Using a one-size-fits-all concrete mix can lead to durability issues, cracks, or failures—especially in specialty applications like sidewalks, curbs, slabs, or utility trenches.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
You can adjust the mix on the flyto match exactly what the job calls for. More water for flowable fill? Done. More cement for early strength gain? No problem. Every mix is tailored to your site conditions, weather, and performance needs.
Mistake #5: Job Site Downtime While Waiting for Concrete
The Problem:
If your ready-mix truck shows up late or gets caught in traffic, your crew ends up standing around. That’s time (and money) lost.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
Volumetric concrete trucks arrive on your schedule, and the concrete doesn’t begin mixing until you’re ready. Your team stays productive, and the mix stays consistent—no matter what.
Mistake #6: Lack of Quality Control at the Pour
The Problem:
If a ready-mix truck arrives with concrete that’s too wet, too dry, or poorly mixed, there’s no turning back.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
With mobile concrete mixing, you’re in control of every aspect. Need a higher slump? Add water. Need to pause? The truck can stop mixing until you’re ready again. It’s built for adaptability and control.
Mistake #7: Limited Supply in Remote or Hard-to-Reach Areas
The Problem:
Projects in remote locations or tight urban spaces make ready-mix logistics a headache—especially if there’s no batch plant nearby.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
Volumetric trucks are fully self-contained concrete plants on wheels. No batch plant? No problem. They carry everything needed—aggregates, cement, water, and admixtures—and produce high-quality concrete on demand, anywhere.
Mistake #8: Wasting Budget on Hidden Costs
The Problem:
Standby charges, short-load fees, waste disposal, rejected batches—all of these extra costs stack up quickly with traditional concrete delivery.
How Volumetric Mixing Solves It:
Because volumetric mixing gives you control, you avoid the surprise costs. No overages, no returns, no waste. Just pay for what you pour, and get exactly what you need.
Bonus: Ideal for Emergency Repairs
When a utility line breaks, a road buckles, or a critical slab fails, you don’t have time to wait for a ready-mix truck’s schedule. Volumetric mixing allows for rapid deployment, instant production, and custom batching—even in off-hours.
Better Concrete Starts with Smarter Delivery
Contractors don’t always get a second chance with concrete. Getting it wrong costs money, time, and sometimes reputations. Volumetric mixing flips the script by putting control, consistency, and convenience back into your hands.
Whether you’re managing a high-rise, a utility project, or a road repair—reliable concrete should never be the thing holding you back.
Looking for a Concrete Partner That Gets It?
CeMix Concretedelivers high-performance, on-site volumetric concrete across Ontario. No guesswork. No wasted loads. Just the right mix, right when you need it.
📞 Call 1-866-660-0009or visitwww.cemix.cato book your next pour.