Concrete pumping guide

  • Concrete pumping guide

    Boom pumps and line pumps provide a reliable, economical way of placing concrete for a huge variety of applications.

    In many concrete pouring scenarios, pumping is the only way to get the mix to its point of placement. In other cases, the speed and ease of concrete pumping makes it the best option.

    Boom pumps

    Boom pumps come in a self-contained unit with a truck and frame. They’re used for concrete pours for a wide range of jobs, including high-rise constructions and other large commercial and industrial projects.
    Boom trucks vary in size from single axle to six-axle rigs. The smaller boom trucks are easier to manoeuvre and work well in confined spaces. The longer trucks are used when more powerful pumping action is required for a long reach. The booms typically come in three, four or five sections, with a low unfolding height.
    The reach capability of boom pumps means they can usually stay in one place for an entire concrete pour, which results in greater productivity.
    Boom pumps are available with various options, including:
    • Pump and chassis size.
    • Different boom configurations.
    • Remote control.
    • Outrigger choices.

    Line pumps

    Line pumps provide a less costly, portable, versatile concrete pumping option to fulfil a wide variety of needs, including pours for slabs and footings.
    Trailer-mounted line pumps will give you a compact solution that’s ideal for sites with restricted access, while truck-mounted, high-pressure line pumps are used for pouring concrete over a long distance.
    As well as pouring structural concrete, line pumps can also pump wet screeds, grout, mortar and shotcrete. They can also be used for:
    • Placing concrete in heavily reinforced sections.
    • Filling fabric forms.
    • Underwater concrete repairs.
    • Building bond beams for walls.
    Because of the simple design of line pumps, they’re generally easy to clean and maintain to ensure safe, efficient site operations.

    How to optimise concrete pumping

    The correct line pressure is essential to maximise concrete pumping efficiency.
    Pipelines with a larger diameter require less pressure to control the flow of concrete at a particular rate through the length of the line.
    With longer pump lines, the concrete will get more resistance from friction, which can be reduced by using smooth-walled steel lines.
    Other considerations to bear in mind include:
    • Pumping concrete over greater distances will need more pressure.
    • Reductions in pipe diameter increase friction.
    • Bends in pumping lines increase resistance.
    You also need to make sure the concrete mix is pumpable and that the pipeline has a lubricating layer to ensure a smooth flow.

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