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Concrete mixer trucks sometimes have auxiliary tanks or other external tanks mounted that may appear unusual or confusing at first glance. Understanding the purpose and function of these tanks reveals how they contribute to the concrete mixing and delivery process, improving efficiency and safety.
Types of Tanks on Concrete Trucks
On a highway bridge project, a concrete truck driver noted that the water tank allowed him to tweak the concrete mix's workability during long haul times on hot days. This flexibility prevented premature hardening and saved costly rework, demonstrating the practical importance of onboard auxiliary tanks.
Summary List
Types of Tanks on Concrete Trucks
- Water Tanks: One of the most common auxiliary tanks found on concrete trucks holds water. This water is essential for mixing additional hydration water into the concrete mix as needed, especially to maintain workability during transport or adjust slump on site. Water tanks typically range from 50 to 150 gallons and are equipped with hoses and spray systems for flexible use.
- Admixture Tanks: These tanks hold chemical additives such as retarders, accelerators, or plasticizers. Admixtures modify the properties of concrete, controlling setting time, strength, or workability. Having tanks on board allows operators to add necessary chemicals on demand for specific site conditions.
- Fuel or Hydraulic Oil Tanks: Some tanks are auxiliary fuel tanks extending operating time or hydraulic fluid reservoirs for truck functions. Auxiliary fuel tanks increase range without frequent refueling stops.
- Cleaning Water Tanks: Dedicated tanks carrying water used to clean the concrete drum, chutes, and equipment after delivery. Clean equipment helps prevent concrete buildup, maintaining performance and safety.
- Concrete Quality Management: Water and admixture tanks allow operators to adjust the concrete’s moisture and chemical content actively during transport and delivery. This capability improves job site consistency and reduces wasted material.
- Operational Efficiency: Onboard water and admixture tanks reduce or eliminate the need for additional water and chemicals to be transported separately, speeding up delivery and setup.
- Environmental and Safety Compliance: Proper tanks enable controlled usage of chemicals and water, minimizing spills and contamination.
- Vehicle Range Extension: Auxiliary fuel tanks improve distance capability, especially in remote locations without easy refueling.
- Water tanks include pumps and controls for precise water addition.
- Admixture systems may use metering pumps linked to control systems.
- Tanks are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or treated aluminum.
- Tanks are designed with safety valves, vents, and level indicators to ensure secure operation.
- Slump: A measure of the concrete’s workability or fluidity.
- Admixtures: Chemicals added to concrete mixes to enhance or modify properties.
- Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir: Tank holding hydraulic oil used in vehicle systems.
- Auxiliary Fuel Tank: External tank increasing fuel storage capacity.
On a highway bridge project, a concrete truck driver noted that the water tank allowed him to tweak the concrete mix's workability during long haul times on hot days. This flexibility prevented premature hardening and saved costly rework, demonstrating the practical importance of onboard auxiliary tanks.
Summary List
- Common tanks include water, admixture, auxiliary fuel, and cleaning tanks.
- Water tanks help maintain slump and concrete quality during delivery.
- Admixture tanks dispense chemicals on demand for property control.
- Auxiliary fuel tanks increase truck range, reducing refueling stops.
- Tanks improve operational efficiency and environmental safety.
- Construction tanks are durable, fitted with pumps, valves, and indicators.
