Creating A Concrete Curb With A Mobile Volumetric Mixer
Concrete curbs fulfill several functions. First, they separate the road from anything else nearby. Second, drivers know where to park and it discourages parking off the road, such as on lawns or sidewalks. Third, it routes water runoff toward storm drains, sending water into streams or rivers. Lastly, curbs act as a two-fold safety mechanism. These structures route motor traffic along a roadway but also deflect vehicles after an impact— generally at low speeds — to protect people and property. Given the importance of these functions, it’s crucial any curbing is installed correctly at the beginning.
Why You Should Consider A Volumetric Mixer To Pour Curbs
Simply stated, they’re perfect to collaborate with a slipform concrete curb machine. Slipforming means the equipment constantly moves while pouring, which is accented by the synergies produced from using a chassis-mounted volumetric mixer. Another advantage of using a mobile volumetric mixer is controlled and uniform concrete and slump – essential in curbing. Then, if it’s possible to fill aggregates and cement on site, the machine doesn’t need to stop, maximizing profits and time.
Stationary Form Method
There will always be a curb and gutter impossible to slipform and requires paving contractors to have some stationary forms. It’s generally the first method used to create a curb. The advantages include:
- A low initial cost;
- The simplicity of use;
- Low maintenance; and
- Access for reinforcement replacement.
This method takes more time; therefore, it’s generally not used on longer curb pours and the slipforming method is used with a slipform paver.
Slipforming Method
In a slipforming operation, the slump must be controlled. Different machines can place concrete with slight variation in the slump but are more efficient and effective if each batch slump is exact. If the mix is too wet or too dry, problems develop. Too much moisture forces the operator to lower the slipform paver speed, holding it in the form longer to prevent bulging. If the concrete is too dry, it may tear exiting the paver. This requires expensive hand finishing to repair the defects — both problems waste time and damage returns.
If you have any questions about the work that can be done or the synergy built between a curb machine and a volumetric mixer, be sure to contact us.