Ready-mixed concrete, also known as ready-mix concrete, is an essential material in the construction industry. It is produced in a concrete plant and then delivered directly to the construction site, where it can be used immediately. This method offers numerous advantages, including high quality, consistency, and efficiency. It is the second most used substance on earth after water.

What is ready-mixed concrete?

Ready-mixed concrete consists of a mixture of cement, water, sand, and gravel or other aggregates. The exact composition can vary depending on the specific requirements of the construction project. By producing it centrally in a concrete plant, consistent quality is ensured, meeting stringent norms and standards.

Construction workers in orange safety vests and red helmets spreading and levelling wet concrete from a pump hose on a building site; cement mixers and trucks are visible in the background, with trees and urban infrastructure lining the area. © Heidelberg Materials/Steffen Fuchs

Advantages of ready-mixed concrete

  • High quality and consistency: Central production allows precise control of the mix and quality.
  • Efficiency: Ready-mixed concrete is delivered directly to the construction site and is ready for immediate use, saving time and labour costs.
  • Flexibility: The mix can be tailored to the specific requirements of the construction project.
  • Sustainability: Heidelberg Materials focuses on innovative technologies for CO₂ capture and storage (CCUS) and the development of CO₂-reduced products. 
     
Learn how we decarbonise the construction industry
Interior view of the Pantheon in Rome, looking up at the dome. The circular opening, or oculus, at the top of the dome allows natural light to enter. The coffered ceiling features geometric patterns. The walls are adorned with classical architectural details. © Mohammad Reza Domiri Ganji – own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74343034

History of concrete

Concrete has been used since ancient Rome, where a form known as Opus Caementitium was utilised. This concrete consisted of a mixture of lime, volcanic ash, and water, which provided exceptional durability and strength. Roman concrete was used to construct impressive structures such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum, which still stand today.

Ready-mixed concrete was first used in the 1920s in the USA and has since become established worldwide.

Frog's-eye view: A robot applies a layer of concrete to a 3D-printed wall, blue sky in the background. © Heidelberg Materials/Aleksej Keksel
3D concrete printing

3D printing is becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry: digitalisation and automation reduce material consumption and waste, enhance process efficiency and safety, and allow greater design freedom.

Learn more about 3D concrete printing
© Heidelberg Materials

Ready-mixed concrete at Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials is a leading provider of ready-mixed concrete and focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions. Our ready-mixed concrete products are designed to meet the highest quality standards while minimising environmental impact.

  • Sustainable production: We use recycled materials and alternative fuels to reduce CO₂ emissions. Our plants are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly production.
  • Innovative products: With products like evoBuild® and evoZero®, we offer ready-mixed concrete solutions specifically designed for sustainability and CO₂ reduction. EvoZero® is the world's first net-zero cement, produced through CO₂ capture and storage.
  • Global presence: Heidelberg Materials operates in over 50 countries and runs around 3,000 sites. Our global reach allows us to offer tailored solutions for construction projects worldwide.
A contemporary urban riverside development with several white structures adorned with balconies and red highlights, mirrored in the tranquil waters of a neighboring river or canal beneath a clear blue sky. © Heidelberg Materials/Steffen Fuchs

Application areas

Ready-mixed concrete from Heidelberg Materials is used in a variety of construction projects, including:

  • Residential construction: For foundations, walls, and ceilings.
  • Infrastructure construction: Roads, bridges, and tunnels.
  • Industrial construction: Factories, warehouses, wind farms, and office buildings.
Take a look at our reference projects

Future prospects

The construction industry faces significant challenges, particularly regarding sustainability and efficiency. Heidelberg Materials is committed to addressing these challenges through innovative solutions and sustainable practices. Our ready-mixed concrete products play a central role in shaping the construction methods of the future.