Concrete is the world's most widely used architectural medium, owing to its incredible versatility. As a building material it has a unique ability to be shaped and sculpted into anything from roads and footpaths to art sculptures, residential homes and skyscrapers. There are no limits to where and how concrete can be used and its inherent strength and durability underscores its credentials as one of the most sustainable building products. Watch the short video to learn how the concrete industry helps build a stronger economy for all Australians.

HOW CONCRETE IS MADE

THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS

The ingredients for making concrete, cement, sand and gravel are transported to the concrete batching plant where they are stored separately in large storage bins or silos.

STORING AND MIXING AT THE CONCRETE BATCH PLANT

These ingredients are transported on conveyor belts to a storage hopper where computers weigh the material to specific proportions and safely release them into the agitator truck. The correct amount of water is added and the concrete mixed as the agitator barrel is rotated, ready for testing and transport to the construction site on a just in time basis where it can be cast into any imaginable shape. Modern concrete batch plants use the latest technology to provide a product that meets strict quality control requirements.

VARIOUS CONCRETE PRODUCTS

A range of concrete products can be produced to be used for a variety of special performance requirements such as:

  • Low carbon concrete that uses waste products such as slag or fly ash that are added to the cement;
  • High strength concrete that is used in columns to support high rise buildings;
  • Concrete that can be sprayed into position to stabilise tunnel walls;
  • Concrete that gains strength quickly to reduce building times and costs; and
  • Decorative exposed aggregate and polished concrete for high end architecturally designed buildings.

 

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Appropriate community engagement is an important aspect of operating a modern concrete batch plant. Helping the local community to understand how the business follows the stringent planning and operating conditions allows the batch plant to co-exist with the local community and maintain its social licence to operate.

INFOGRAPHIC

Learn how concrete is made and how important it is to the Australian construction industry