The concrete mixer is a piece of technology that revolutionised the world of building and architecture. Before the mixer, concrete and cement were not as effective a building material as we understand it to be today. They have become staples in the world of modern-day architecture and interior design, allowing us to produce some truly impressive designs.

 

In this article, we briefly discuss the catalogue of quality concrete mixers we stock at BS Power. We then turn our attention to the interesting history of concrete mixers, the impact that they have had on the industry thus far, and what we can expect them to give us in the future. We will also look at some developments in concrete.

 

Concrete Mixers At BS Power

 

At BS Commercial Power, we stock an array of portable concrete mixers. It is possible to mix cement without the use of machinery, but a mixer will always produce a consistent and reliable product. The mixers we stock are ideal for medium to large scale construction projects so that you can achieve the perfect batch of concrete for your project.

 

Our mixers are supplied by the most reliable manufacturer in the field – Baumax and Honda. In terms of capacity, our smallest mixers have drums with a 360L volume; our median range has a 400L capacity and the largest drums go up to 500L. The mixer you choose will depend on your construction needs.

 

These mixers are all portable, which means you can attach it to a vehicle to transport to your construction site. The wheels are durable to be towed safely and the chassis is strong enough to handle the weight of the machine. Visit the BS Power products section to get a more in-depth view of our products.

 

A Brief History Of Concrete Mixers

 

Concrete has been used as a building material that can be traced back all the way to famous ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians and Romans. The oldest concrete discovered was in the floor of a hut in the Mediterranean region and is dated to around 7000 BC. The basic ingredients of concrete are cement, an aggregate (like sand or gravel), and water. Throughout all these millennia, the making concrete involved mixing the ingredients by hand – a laborious and time-consuming process.

 

A man by the name of T.L. Smith is credited with the development of the first concrete mixers in 1900. His concrete mixer had blades and a conical drum that could tilt, elements that are still commonly seen in mixers today. The first portable mixer was built shortly after, in 1904, by inventor Richard Bodlaender of Germany. The T.L. Smith Company’s mixers allowed for grand designs such as Ohio State University’s first stadium and the Exchequer Dam to come to life. Stephen Stephanian patented the first motorised cement mixer in 1916.

 

This was a great advancement in the construction industry – it meant that the mixing process could be carried out much more efficiently than it was by hand or by horse-drawn cart. In 1934, Roscoe Lee was granted a patent for the transit cement mixer. This allowed trucks to be turned into concrete mixers.

 

These men laid the foundation for much of the concrete mixer technology we see today. The early designs were a huge leap forward, but they were still a far cry from the technology that we have today.

 

Today, we have a wide range of concrete mixers that have been designed to meet a plethora of construction needs. Some notable current concrete mixer technologies include traditional drum mixers, volumetric mixing machines, mobile mix concrete machines, twin-shaft mixers, and self-loading concrete mixers. More information on some of these mixers can be found on the BS Power website’s blog space.

 

Mixers Today

 

Modern mixing technologies include planetary cement mixers, horizontal shaft cement mixers, and drum cement mixers:

 

Planetary Cement Mixers:

 

These are ideal for heavy-duty industrial use. They are great for mixing large quantities of concrete. They rely on a central sun gear which drives the star-shaped blades to rotate not only around their axes, but also around the centre of the mixing chamber.

 

The result is a mix that has great consistency and uniformity. The resulting concrete is of exceptional homogeneity. A highly practical design means that little maintenance is often required, and they are not that susceptible to problems due to leakage. They can also take a large range of mixing materials, making them very versatile mixers.

 

Horizontal Shaft Cement Mixers:

 

Mixers that can be either single or double-shafted. They were designed to make high-quality concrete with no slumps. The double-shaft variation is usually used for large-output, high-speed mixing. They are becoming more and more popular with those in the manufacturing business because they require little cost, can mix a variety of aggregates, consume less energy than your typical concrete mixer, and are typically quite low maintenance.

 

Drum Cement Mixers:

 

The traditional drum concrete mixer is probably the most well-known and common type of mixer. It is classically made with a large drum that has an opening on one end or both ends, with attachments or flights inside that help mix the aggregate. The drum rotates at a constant, steady speed, ensuring that a high-quality mix is produced.

 

They can be used in projects of any size, be it a home DIY project or a large construction undertaking. They are even used in projects such as the building of roads and bridges. They are appealing for several reasons, one of these being that they have the lowest operating maintenance costs of any mixer. They also produce a relatively small amount of noise, are fairly simple to use, and can be moved around with little to no fuss.

 

 

New Trends in Concrete

 

In the same way the concrete mixer has come a long way since its invention, there have been equally important advancements in concrete itself. Concrete is today a material that is integral to the construction industry, and as a result, there is always research and advancements that improve its properties. Some recent developments in concrete technology include ultra-high performance (UPHC) concrete, self-healing concrete, light-generating concrete, and translucent concrete.

 

Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UPHC)

 

UPHC is concrete that contains 80% of what constitutes traditional concrete, with some newer ingredients thrown into the mix. One of these novel ingredients is what we call fibres, and these can vary in strength from polyester to steel. These lend extra strength and durability to the final product. To give you an idea of this strength and durability advantage – traditional concrete has a useful lifespan of about 15-25 years and has a strength of 4,000 psi. UPHC, in comparison, has a useful lifespan of 75 years and a strength of 30,000 psi.

 

UPHC is not exactly something new – it has been around since 2000 – but its use has grown significantly over the past five years and is expected to continue to grow with time.

 

Self-Healing Concrete

 

Concrete, like most materials, tends to degrade over time. This happens when air and water get into cracks that form in the concrete. Certain bacteria are able to produce limestone when they come into contact with air and water, and by putting these bacteria in concrete, the cracks that cause degradation can be repaired.

 

Some other self-healing mechanisms include the use of hydrogels that swell when exposed to water, and capsules containing polymers that seal cracks when the capsule is broken.

 

This concrete will most likely be quite expensive to begin with, but the cost may be offset by the durability they have, making them potentially more cost-efficient in the long run.

 

Translucent Concrete

 

Concrete containing optical fibre strands allows light to be transmitted through it. This results in a concrete that is translucent but does not have compromised strength. This allows for a whole host of possibilities with regards to design. For example, it can be used in partition walls and stairs, giving a unique touch to what would otherwise be a plain concrete structure.

 

Light-Generating Concrete

 

An ingenious development by Mexican José Carlos Rubio Ávalos, this concrete is able to absorb light during the day and emit it for up to 12 hours. It is made by removing the crystallisation in the cement and replacing it with a gel. This allows light to pass inside. Structures like roads, bike paths, and bridges can be lit up, all without the need for any electricity.

 

Another big positive about this cement is that it can be created at room temperature, which makes it hugely energy efficient. This is but one example of advancements pushing sustainability in concrete production.

 

 

The Expertise At Bs Power

 

At Bs Power, we believe in the growth of the construction industry. We supply reliable construction equipment to help the industry grow. Concrete and the concrete mixer are imperative pillars that help shape construction all around the world. It is for this reason why we believe our 20 years of experience can help you achieve your construction dreams.

 

The mixers we supply will deliver high quality concrete for your projects. Concrete mixers help construction projects run smoothly in various ways. Mixing can be done quickly and efficiently on site. You can expect consistent results with the help of a machine. The engines are powerful enough to complete large batches of concrete. These are just a few of the many benefits of concrete mixers.

 

We believe in expanding and sharing our knowledge about construction. Our helpful and dedicated team of experts can recommend the equipment you need for your project. We don’t only cater for construction companies, but for enthusiasts who are eager to work on their own projects independently. If this is you, then you are at the right place as we can advise what you need for your project.

 

The construction equipment we supply is not limited to concrete mixers. We have plate compactors or rammers which are used to get rid of pockets of air in various ground materials. They can compress rough and uneven ground to make it more level. We have powerful concrete cutters which can be used to cut through hardened concrete structures. We also have power trowels, which are essential to smooth out and polish concrete surfaces. Although a mixer produces the perfect consistency of concrete, a trowel ensures a smooth and polished surface if that is what your project requires.

 

The variety of concrete related products at BS Power showcases our commitment to the industry. If you are looking for reliable equipment and a helpful team of experts, visit us today to find out more.