Concrete Cost 1

[dik]

Does anyone have a cost differential for sulphate resistant concrete? We have two types HS and HSb; the HS uses Type 5 or Type 50 Cement and the HSb uses regular Type 1 or Type 10 Cement and approx 25% suitable fly ash. Concrete strength is 35 MPa and there are about 20,000 cubic metres involved.

Dik

 

[JedClampett]

With the multigrade cements available (I/II/V) and the price of fly ash, I don't think it's even worth considering the difference.

 

[akastud]

The contractors around here think all concrete is liquid cold.

 

[dik]

Jed...
Just going over costs of cementitious materials per 1000 lb and it appears that there is a savings of about $10-$15 per cubic metre. Calls to local contractors indicate that the cost differential is approximately $15 to $25 per cubic metre. Since the concrete volume is approximately 21,000 cubic metres, we are looking at big pocket change.

Any cost information would be appreciated.

Dik

 

[concretemasonry]

Since you looking at the difference in material costs, go directly to the local R/M suppliers since they all have about the same material costs. A supplier can give you cost differences for the concrete WHEN BATCHED at the plant (not including delivery), which varies from job to job. For a given location, the raw material prices delivered to a plant are generally equal to all R/M suppliers.

By going to a contractor, you will not get prices affected by the delivery (which can be major) and unloading/pumping. He usually quotes base on a variable history of jobs.

Depending on the type of project, schedule and location, an on-site plant will minimize the effects of delivery and material handling. Its one thing if you are dumping large amounts of concrete quickly on a short schedule, but if it is a longer term job near any plant, with smaller pours, a site plant is out of the question.

In some areas, there are different relationships between material costs and delivery costs of aggregate, cement and concrete. As a friend of mine said just before he sold his aggregate/ready mix business for $78,000,000, "The concrete industry is the most expensive way to sell aggregate that there is".

To get the material cost of the batch, talk to the only source with the accurate material costs. The price from different R/M suppliers could be influenced by individual plant facilities (# of silos, capacity, etc.), so talk to several suppliers.

 

[dik]

Thanks concretemasonry... I'm having difficulty getting this information from the suppliers... in addition, the local ready mix association has been of little help... not wanting to cause any hiccups with the groups that fund it and also about legality of competition...

Dik

 

[concretemasonry]

Associations will always avoid giving any prices because they are generally promotional/technical and not close to costs and prices.

If you are building in a small market area, 20,000 cubic meters should get a supplier's attention.

If you are in a large market and the duration is unknown, it is not that much in the big picture. We have a supplier doing well over 1,000,000 yards per year with several close behind (seasonal market location).

Concrete is a commodity business if the producer has the facilities and controls.

 

[dik]

Thanks cm... this is a single project, and not a general market problem/question... and the credit could be several hundred thousand dollars.

Dik