Cement mixers can be defined as machines used to combine cement powder, water, and aggregate together to make concrete for a variety of construction projects. Over the hundred years that these machines have been around; it has shaped the way the construction industry functions.

 

The multitude of building options have increased dramatically due to the introduction of mixers and their ability to efficiently mix concrete in a regular fashion. In this article we will discuss how mixers have changed the construction industry from when they were first introduced in the 1900s and how they continue to do so in our modern era.

 

First, we will expand on the history of the machine and the ways in which they have significantly benefited the construction industry. We will also investigate the way in which construction continues to change as technology develops.

 

Our goal is to broaden your knowledge on the history of construction while also looking to highlight the ways BS power continues to support the fields of construction, agricultural and forestry through the supply of high-quality and advanced machines. So, If this is something that interests you, continue reading to find out more.

 

The History Of Cement Mixers

 

Cement has been used in architecture since the construction of the Egyptian pyramids and can date back to the building of the Roman Empire. Cement changed the way that humans could build, leading directly to the formation of buildings that could withstand time and the elements.

 

In this section let us look at a timeline of advances that turned the early cement mixer prototypes into the modern mixers we understand today.

 

A Cement Mixer Timeline:

 

• In 1900, T.L. Smith invented the first modern cement mixer. The basic design of a tilting conical drum with blades to mix cement is the basic design contemporary mixers still use today. It is important to understand and appreciate the beginning of these mixers and the foundation they laid for the modern machines we know today.
• In the 1920s, Stephen Stepanian provided the construction industry with a host of inventions that improved upon early cement mixer designs. One of his most important contributions was to begin integrating vehicles like trucks with cement mixers. This allowed for cement to be mixed in transit to the construction site, saving large amounts of time for workers, who had access to readily available fresh cement wherever they were building. In addition to mixers and vehicles, he contributed to the invention of elevators, conveyors, wrenches, and sample holders.
• By the 1930s, the demand for concrete trucks had expanded significantly due to the increase of large cities and highway construction. The world was changing, and construction was changing with it. Roscoe Lee had invented the “Transit Concrete Mixer”- a design in which a cement mixer was attached to the rear end of a truck frame. The truck would carry mixers which were mounted with a small crane. This was a more cost-effective option because the truck could be fitted with other attachments which extended the uses of it.
• A decade later, in the 1940s, the capabilities of technology had improved. The kinds of engines that were being produced were perfect for heavy-duty vehicles. For construction, this meant that vehicles could carry large amounts of heavy wet concrete with ease. Truck based mixers became the popular choice after World War II. Entire cities in Europe needed to be reconstructed and thousands of tonnes of cement would be used. This would not have been possible without truck mixers.

 

The Cement Mixer In Modern Times

 

In modern times, the cement mixer ensures that high quality concrete is produced consistently. High quality concrete is essential to complete more robust and complex building projects that are becoming more popular in large cities around the world. These machines have had to change to meet the demands of an ever-changing construction industry that requires more and more concrete each year. Since it’s invention, the cement mixer has come a long way in its capabilities.

 

Modern Advances

 

• Modern mixers have automated systems and are powered by powerful motors. They can accurately mix and measure the ingredients to make the perfect mixture for the specific circumstance. Concrete is made by combining cement powder, water and in some cases other aggregates at specific ratios. Modern machines can remember and replicate these ratios time and time again.
• Although the basic idea of using a drum to mix concrete has remained the same when it comes to cement mixers. However, one fundamental change that has occurred in order to improve the safety and convenience of modern mixers is the materials from which the drums are made. Now, mixers have drums that are resistant to corrosion meaning they have an extended lifespan.
• Newer mixers also come in an array of sizes to suit your needs, larger volume mixers have a greater capacity for mixing cement and are able to hold cement for a longer period. Larger batches of concrete are necessary for modern construction projects.
• Portable mixers are more available today than ever before. These portable mixers are also designed to be able to handle the increased production rate required from modern machines. Portable mixers, like those supplied by BS Power, can mix up to 500 kg of cement. They are incredibly useful to have on site for quick and easy use.

 

Portable cement mixers are made up of three components: the drum, the motor, and the frame. Portable mixers have durable wheels attached to the frame for ease of movement. There is also a robust chassis which can easily be attached to a tow bar for transportation.

 

Towable mixers are extremely versatile and convenient as they can be used on a range of construction sites and can easily be brought to them.

 

Modern mixers also have high safety standards. Most mixers will have an enclosed engine cabin to avoid anything getting caught in the motor. The wheels on the mixers are safe to tow and have brakes installed for when you want the mixer to be stable.

 

 

Ten Benefits Of Portable Cement Mixers

 

There are many benefits of having a portable mixer, following we will highlight some of them.

 

1.Having a mixer on site will save you time and effort. Workers won’t have to exert their energy wheelbarrowing cement around the construction site as the mixer itself can be moved to where it is needed. There is a significant reduction in physical strain when a cement mixer is on site.

 

2. The machine can mix cement accurately and consistently. The concrete won’t have to be mixed manually, which can result in uneven texture and inconsistent results.

 

3.Mixers allow for attention to detail. Construction workers can focus on more important aspects of the building process as they won’t have to mix the cement by hand.

 

4.You can save money by investing in a cement mixer. You do this in two ways:

 

• The first is that because mixers produce accurate results, you won’t have as much waste when it comes to cement. Less waste means less expenditure.
• The second is that your task force can be lower as you will need fewer employees since the cement mixing process won’t be manual.

 

5.There is a benefit to the health and safety of construction workers when a cement mixer is on site. Manually mixing cement puts you at risk of inhaling cement fibres. It also puts strain on the body which can lead to serious injuries.

 

6.You will reduce the amount of waste, as you can make cement quickly and easily as you need it. You cannot always estimate the exact ratio you need for a project, so if you have too little you can quickly whip up another batch.

 

7.Cement mixers can easily be transported to where you need them. This is perfect for remote locations where delivery trucks may not be able to access.

 

8.Construction sites can be kept neat with the use of a portable mixer. A tidy workplace is a productive workplace, regardless of the industry. Cement mixers reduce the mess of a construction site as the cement can be stored in the drum. A neat construction site shows good workmanship.

 

9.The cement you mix will always be fresh and of high quality with a cement mixer. This is because the cement will be mixed on site at your convenience.

 

10.The ultimate benefit of cement mixers is that they are easy to use. The controls and settings are easy to understand, and they don’t require specialisation in running the machine.

 

 

Environmentalism And Modern Construction

 

As the world progresses, there have been greater efforts made to consider the impact of construction on the environment. We have come a long way since the earliest introduction of the mixer in the 1900s especially when it comes to sustainability.

 

Construction companies produce a fair amount of waste, and our hope is that with the use of a cement mixer, companies can reduce their waste because mixers are tools that can be used efficiently. We have reached a point in humanity where collectively; our carbon footprint exceeds more than half our ecological footprint. This means we are using more natural resources than what we can renew each year.

 

It is important that construction companies take this seriously and try to reduce their impact on the environment as much as possible. Luckily, there have been some clever environmental engineers who have thought of ways to reduce waste in the construction industry:

 

• Traditionally, cement is made by heating up minerals to a high temperature of 1450 degrees Celsius. In this process, a chemical reaction takes place which releases a large amount of carbon dioxide into the Earth’s atmosphere. However, it is becoming popular to use sustainable cement which has a much lower release of carbon dioxide.

 

• There are also important sustainable techniques that construction companies are adopting to lessen their impact on the environment:

 

1. By minimising mistakes on construction sites, you can reduce the amount of waste you produce. Construction workers can measure materials accurately before they use them to not make wasteful mistakes.
2. The way in which materials are stored is vital to make sure they last long. For example, materials such as wood should be away from moisture and machinery should be well protected.
3. Packaging materials can be recycled. In fact, all recyclable waste such as paper, plastic and cans should be kept in a recycling bin on construction sites.

 

We need to do everything we can to reduce our impact on Earth. At BS Power, we care about the environment and aim to show you how you can improve your construction site’s carbon footprint. Visit our store or our website to learn more about high quality construction equipment that can help reduce waste on your construction site.