Will the concrete pump? That is the question!

As discussed by Concrete pump industry specialists at World of Concrete 2020; even with the technological advancements of concrete pumps and the capacity to identify the concrete features that define the pressure that will work, the concrete specification is always relevant.

Water/cement ratio, concrete rheology, aggregates, admixtures, fibers, fly ash and other factors are important for a good performing mix. This results in a quicker and quality pump operation, keeping cost and execution time to a minimum.

In addition to important tips, concrete pump operation in the U.S. must follow the technical standard ACI 304.2R (concreting via pump methods).

Also, during World of Concrete 2020, experts questioned admixtures that promise to increase the performance of material in the pump and in the pipeline.

Some experts defend that the main ingredients that improves the concrete performance in the pump are water and cement, which makes sense when we consider the cured state. On the other hand, considering production and workability of concrete, a well-proportioned cement content and admixture dosage, should reach not only the requested performance in the cured state, but also be satisfactory in the fresh state. This improves the pump activities as well as the whole operation. 

There are many factors that can affect the concrete pumping capacity, such as dimensions, shape, size and volume of aggregates. “Supplementary materials such as fly ash, active silica and limestone also influence the mixing rheology and the pumping capacity,” according to Van Bui a BASF senior engineer for construction products.

Liebherr offers a complete line of equipment for the concrete industry. From products and technology to produce concrete to a wide variety of concrete pumps and equipment.

Service, support and customer success are at the top of our priorities. Our experts can provide support to improve the performance of customers’ existing equipment and can also offer the best advice on the implementation of new technology and purchase of top-quality equipment.

^{Source: Santos, A. (2020, March 26). Are you going to pump concrete? Specify the raw material. Retrieved February 1, 2021, from Massa Cinzenta}

^{Interview Report based on the round table on concrete pumping, held during World of Concrete 2020}