How to pour concrete without surprises. A concrete pour is often over quickly. That's why good preparation makes all the difference. Sort out the route, the people and the tools in advance. That way you can work the concrete as soon as the mixer truck arrives. Run through these points before you order.
1. Check the access.
Make sure the mixer truck can reach your job safely and leave again. A fully loaded mixer truck easily weighs 30 ton. That means a soft verge, a narrow passage, a sharp bend or a low branch can become a problem.
Check the route from the public road and provide a firm, paved spot for the truck to stand. Not sure? Ask us for advice before you order.
2. Get enough people.
Concrete won't wait. As soon as unloading starts, you need to spread, compact and finish the concrete straight away.
For an average job, plan on at least three people. The driver operates the mixer truck and doesn't help with barrowing, spreading or finishing.
3. Choose the right unloading method.
How will the concrete get from the mixer truck to where it's being poured? That determines which unloading method you need.
If the mixer truck can park close to the pour, the chute is often enough. For a longer distance or a hard-to-reach spot, you'll usually need a pump.
4. Order enough concrete.
Allow about 10% extra for unevenness in the ground and losses while working. The exact amount you need still depends on your formwork and the actual measurements on site.
Ordering extra concrete during the pour is usually not possible. So check your calculation carefully.
5. Protect walls and frames.
6. Get your tools ready.
Make sure everything is ready before the mixer arrives. Think of:
• rakes and shovels to spread the concrete; • a screed board to level the surface; • a float or power trowel for the finish; • a poker vibrator if the concrete needs compacting; • enough wheelbarrows if you're unloading with them; • water to rinse off splashes straight away.
7. Work safely.
Fresh concrete is corrosive. Wear waterproof gloves, sturdy boots and clothing that covers your skin. Wear safety glasses when pumping or whenever concrete might splash.
Got concrete on your skin or in your eyes? Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice if needed.
8. Check the cancellation terms.
Plans can change. In principle, you can cancel or reschedule free of charge up to 48 hours before the agreed delivery window, as long as production hasn't started and no non-recoverable costs have been incurred.
Within 48 hours, cancellation fees may apply. Once production has started, the order can no longer be cancelled. For the exact terms, always check the version that applies to your order.
Unloading methods compared
| Unloading method | Quantity | Reach | Concrete type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chute | Up to ~4 m³ | Chute 1.5–2.5 m | S3 |
| Wheelbarrow | Small job, hard to reach | Manual work from the chute | S3 |
| Trailer pump | ~3–7 m³ | Hose up to 25 m | F4 |
| Mixer pump | Larger job, ~9 m³ per delivery | Pump reach 2–24 m | F4 |
Order your concrete and pick a date
Work out your cubic metres, choose how you want it unloaded and pay online straight away. We're here for you, all across the Netherlands.
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