Mixing Concrete – Machine Mixing (2024)

HOW-TO VIDEOS

A great way to view and understand your building or repair project before you get started. Find out just about everything you need to know by watching the video below.

Project Instructions

When working with cement-based products, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Machine mixed concrete should be mixed in a barrel-type mixer.

Step 1
Measure the recommended water amount for the number of bags to be added to the mixer and pour half of the water into the mixer (each 80-pound bag will require about 3 quarts of water). If using liquid cement color, add to the mixing water.

NOTE: water should be added to the mixer before the dry mix.

Step 2
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.

Step 3
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. Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape when it is squeezed in a gloved hand.

NOTE: the more water that is added to the mix the weaker it becomes; adding one extra quart of water per 80 lb bag can reduce the strength of the concrete by up to 40%.

Step 4
Keep the mixer running and dump the concrete into a wheelbarrow for transporting to your work area.

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Mixing Concrete – Machine Mixing (2024)

FAQs

Mixing Concrete – Machine Mixing? ›

NOTE: water should be added to the mixer before the dry mix. 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.

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

The ideal concrete mixing ratio for any concrete is 4:2:1, where 4 parts are crushed stones, 2 parts are sand, and 1 part is cement. Note: The ratios differ according to the applications.

How is concrete mixed by machine? ›

Step 1 Turn the mixer on and prime the bowl with approximately 2/3 of the required water. Step 2 Add the coarse aggregate followed by the sand and then the cement. Step 3 Blend together until a uniform colour is achieved. Step 4 Add rest of water slowly and sparingly until a workable mix is achieved.

What is the correct mix for concrete? ›

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. For foundations, a mix of 1 part cement to 3 parts sand to 6 parts aggregates can be used.

What is a 1/2/3 mix for concrete? ›

For residential foundations and slabs, a common mix ratio is 1:2:3, consisting of one part cement, two parts sand and three parts aggregate. This mix provides sufficient strength and durability for typical residential structures while maintaining workability during placement.

What is the formula for concrete mixing? ›

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.

What order do you mix concrete in a mixer? ›

So, begin with the addition of sand, then add the same amount of water followed by cement and finally stone. This process should then be repeated until the intended volume of the mixture has been achieved.

How many 80lb bags of concrete can you mix in a mixer? ›

Most standard mixers allow for a maximum of two 80# bags of concrete per batch for a total of 24 bags in an hour.

How long should you mix concrete in a mixer? ›

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. Properly mixed concrete should look like thick oatmeal and should hold its shape when it is squeezed in a gloved hand.

What is the strongest concrete mix ratio? ›

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.

What is the correct sequence of mixing concrete? ›

Add half of your cement, sand and aggregates and let them run as a dry mix for a couple of minutes before starting to add water. Keep gradually adding water until the thickness is about right. Then repeat the process by adding the rest of your mix followed by the water until it's at the right consistency.

What is the code for concrete mix? ›

This document provides details on concrete mix design according to Indian Standard IS 10262:2009. It discusses determining proportions of cement, water, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate to produce concrete with specified properties like strength and durability at lowest cost.

What is the correct batch ratio for mixing concrete? ›

The basic concrete mixing ratios are 1:2:3, 1:3:3, and 1:2:4. The previously mentioned mixing ratios are based on the proportion of cement, sand, and stone used in order. The PSI strength you need will determine the ratio you utilize.

How long does it take to mix 2 bags of concrete in a mixer? ›

With each round of mixing taking approximately 5 minutes, you can complete a maximum of 12 rounds of mixing in that timeframe. 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.

How do you mix concrete for a slab 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.

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