Optimizing Ready-Mixed Concrete Plant Productivity Through Strategic Construction Management Practice

– The rapid expansion of infrastructure in developing economies has significantly increased the demand for high-quality concrete, making ready-mix concrete (RMC) plants a critical component of modern construction practices. However, despite their advantages over conventional site-mixed concrete, many RMC plants experience operational inefficiencies due to inadequate resource management, poor supervision, inconsistent material quality, and lack of systematic construction management practices. This study aims to enhance the productivity of RMC plants by identifying and addressing key operational challenges through a structured and analytical approach. The research methodology involves detailed field investigations of multiple RMC plants, followed by the segmentation of plant operations into functional units. A comprehensive questionnaire survey targeting industry professionals, including engineers, plant operators, and project managers, was conducted to identify critical factors affecting plant performance. The collected data was analyzed to determine the most influential constraints impacting productivity. Based on the findings, this study proposes a set of section-wise remedial strategies focusing on site selection, resource optimization, quality control, supervision, and automation of processes such as admixture dosing. Additionally, a practical checklist framework is developed to ensure smooth plant operations and minimize inefficiencies. The results indicate that the implementation of structured construction management practices significantly improves operational efficiency, reduces material wastage, and enhances overall productivity. This research provides a practical and scalable framework for optimizing RMC plant performance, contributing to improved construction quality, cost efficiency, and sustainable infrastructure development.