Concrete Pumping | Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Concrete Pumps | Concrete Pump Types

Concrete Pumping | Boom Truck Mounted Pump & Line Pump Concrete

Concrete Pump

A concrete pump is a machine that combines pumping to transport liquid concrete. Concrete pumping is the most precise method of pouring concrete that consistently produces high-quality results.

A concrete pump is a type of concrete conveying equipment that uses horizontal or vertical pipelines to continually transport concrete to a pouring construction site.

It is propelled by a motor or diesel engine and is frequently used to transport liquid concrete by pumping it to the job site.

The extensive use of concrete pumps enables the rapid placement of concrete, especially in inaccessible regions.

How Do Concrete Pumps Work?

A concrete pump is controlled by a skilled concrete pump operator. The pump operator directs the boom or hose to control the pump’s operation, position, and output.

Additionally, the operator is responsible for transporting the pump to the job site, putting it up, cleaning it after usage, and doing any necessary repairs.

Concrete pumps are classified into two types: boom pumps and line pumps. Both have distinct applications, and the appropriate one must be chosen based on the circumstances.

Concrete Pump Types

Concrete pumps are classified into two categories.

Truck Mounted Pump (Boom Concrete Pump)

The first type of concrete pump is mounted on a truck, also referred as a boom concrete pump because it places concrete precisely using a remote-controlled articulating robotic arm (dubbed a boom).

Boom pumps are preferred on the majority of large construction projects due to their great volume capability and the labor-saving nature of the placement boom.

Truck Mounted Pump can pour large volumes of concrete very quickly. The result is a faster, accurate pour. Also, the robotic arm can be used for other tasks, such as electrical and piping repairs.

They are a game-changer in comparison to line-concrete pumps.

Trailer, Line, or Stationary Pump

The second most common form of concrete pump is mounted on a trailer and is referred to as a line pump or trailer-mounted concrete pump.

Trailer pumps are best for smaller jobs that require the concrete to pumped at a lower volume.

This pump requires manual attachment of steel or flexible concrete putting hoses to the machine’s outlet.

These hoses are connected and lead to the location of the concrete. Hoses are commonly 10′, 12.5′, 25′, or 50′ in length, depending on the diameter of the hose.

Line pumps typically pump less concrete than boom pumps and are used for smaller volume concrete placement applications such as swimming pools, walkways, and concrete slabs for single-family homes, as well as most ground slabs.

Additionally, skid-mounted and rail-mounted concrete pumps are available, but they are unusual and are often employed on specialized job sites such as mines and tunnels.

Key Concrete Pumping Benefits:

• Concrete pumping is a faster and easier way to accomplish a project.
• Concrete pumping can help you save money on labor.
• It eliminates congestion on building sites by reducing the number of workers.
• Concrete may be pumped to high-rise and remote locations.
• Concrete can be pumped before it begins to harden, which increases the strength of the concrete.
• Pipelines can go in whatever direction you desire.
• They maintain a consistent work speed, hence enhancing production.
• For larger projects, several pumps might operate concurrently.
• It is effective and cost-efficient for projects of varying sizes, including residential and commercial.
• Foundations, slabs, columns, bridges, and dams all benefit from concrete pumping.

Purposes of Concrete Pumps

Concrete pumps are primarily used to save time, money, and energy during large or minor concrete projects.

Rather than carrying concrete to the intended site, a pump enables you to distribute concrete precisely where it is needed, regardless of the barriers that prevent a truck from reaching the region.

Boom pumps are ideal for major construction projects, such as large industrial projects and high-rise structures, due to the high amount of concrete pumped.

Advantages of Using Concrete Pumps

Faster Pouring speed

Pouring concrete with concrete pumps is the fastest and the simplest. Pumping equipment’s are mounted on a truck or a trailer to make them accessible to all areas of the site easily.

Higher Accuracy and Quality in Concrete Pouring

The exact amount of concrete a pump can deliver means precise pouring. The accuracy of the volume delivered allows for straight walls and level floors unlike the traditional way which relies on human eye to deliver concrete, this can result in varying construction quality depending on the worker ability

More efficient work site

Due to the accuracy in pouring, less concrete is needed and poured faster, and less wastage, also due to the accessibility of pump trucks, it can pour more concrete for same manpower size.

Also with faster pouring speed, most of the time spent on building a house is in reinforcing steel bars and setting of forms instead than waiting for concrete to set which would normally take days unlike with pump trucks that only requires hours to set concrete

Reduced number of laborers

Less labor is required to pour concrete with pumps, the removal of the precast structure and structures can be done by a single person.

This also allows it to be used in site that is inaccessible for standard equipment or those with heavy machinery such as crane drivers and other heavy equipment.

Improved concrete strength

The accuracy in amount poured is the main reason for this. It allows for the right consistency to be achieved.  Due to lower cost, concrete is used more efficiently.

Most convenient way of pouring concrete

Placing concrete with pumps is much more efficient and convenient as it does not require manpower to place them in position unlike other precast methods.

Easier clean-up

Precast cleaning is normally done manually which is troublesome and time consuming. With the method that works with pumps, it can be removed and stored easily by one person, this makes clean up faster and easier

Field modification

It has been adapted to many fields’ modification needs as it can be easily modified to fit the needs.

Allows for more prompt construction of structures

Due to the speed in pouring and higher productivity, structures can be built in lesser time resulting in quicker construction for properties, this is an advantage because the materials used cannot be stored for long periods as they will soon react with each other.  Also, it is a lot cheaper than precast because it does not require storage of materials.

Disadvantages Of Concrete Pumps

The following are some of the disadvantages of employing concrete pumps in construction projects:

• The entire cost will be higher than that of other machines.
• Because the cost of construction of a residential house is significantly less than that of a commercial structure, it is only best suited for commercial buildings.

Where are Concrete Pumps Used?

Concrete pumps are utilized in a variety of applications. Concrete pumps have a wide range of construction uses.

Building Foundation Slab

Without basements, buildings are supported on level concrete slabs. It is critical to have a stable foundation that will not allow water to enter and will not crack or sag.

Concrete pumps are crucial to ensuring that the work is completed swiftly and efficiently and that the concrete is placed precisely where it should be. Thus, no flaws in the foundation are possible.

Constructing Basement Foundations

The process of laying the foundation is more challenging for structures with basements. Concrete pumps, such as boom pumps, are critical to ensuring that there are no delays during which errors can occur or portions of the concrete solidify before they are ready.

By utilizing boom pumps for basement foundations, the construction project can be completed on time.

High-Rise Structures

A boom pump is commonly required for high-rise buildings due to the elevation and reach it provides.

Boom lifts enable construction companies to rapidly, easily, and safely pump concrete to upper floors, ensuring that the construction process remains on schedule.

Overpasses And Tunnels on Highways

Highway overpasses must be constructed of robust, reinforced concrete in order to withstand the daily tonnage of traffic they carry.

Additionally, road tunnels must be robust enough to withstand the weight of the ground above them. By utilizing a concrete pump, you can ensure that the job is completed efficiently and successfully.

Overpasses and tunnels frequently require working at an elevation, and the use of a concrete pump, particularly a boom pump for its increased lift, expedites and simplifies the process.

Bridges And Hydroelectric Dams

Bridges and dams must be substantial, robust, and stable in order to withstand the weight of heavy vehicle traffic and high-water pressure.

Boom pumps, in particular, have the advantage of being able to quickly pump concrete to the top of a tall bridge or dam due to their lift and extension.

Parking Garages

Parking garages are typically multi-leveled, and without a concrete pump, it’s difficult to deliver concrete to the upper floors.

Using a concrete pump expedites and eliminates waste in the construction of a tall parking facility.

Driveways And Sidewalks

When building a new home, many homeowners place the greatest emphasis on the structure itself. Nonetheless, the sidewalk and driveway are critical components.

While some homeowners may be tempted to pour their own driveways and sidewalks, hiring a professional construction business equipped with a concrete pump such as a boom pump is frequently the best option for a smooth, stable, and fully cured driveway and sidewalk.

Swimming Pools Built into The Ground

An in-ground swimming pool, like a basement, is supported by a concrete foundation. Concrete pumps, particularly boom pumps, are very advantageous for backyard swimming pool installation.

Nobody wants a large truck driving through their back yard, but a boom pump can easily reach over the house from the street and pour the concrete with no inconvenience.

Patios And Foundations for Garden Sheds

As with backyard swimming pools, concrete pumps such as boom pumps are ideal for backyard patios and garden shed foundations.

From the street, boom pumps may extend into the backyard and quickly pour the concrete slabs for these elements.