Concrete Pumping Equipment: Types And Benefits
When it comes time to pour concrete for a big construction project, those familiar trucks with long metal arms show up to do the job. They are concrete pumping equipment like concrete pumping trucks, and they are super helpful for pouring concrete quickly and efficiently. Keep reading to learn all about Concrete Pumping Equipment: Types and Benefits:
What is Concrete Pumping?
Concrete pumping enables wet concrete to be transported over long distances without losing its consistency. It uses an automated mucho which pumps concrete through pipelines from the truck to the pouring site where it needs to be placed.
A concrete pump operator remotely controls every function from a unit at the end of the boom arm. They are able to get the spray of concrete to go exactly where it is required to, even if it is very far away or high up above the ground. COncrete pumping enables easier pouring of concrete at difficult to access places in comparison to older methods.
Different Types of Concrete Pumps
There are a few major types of concrete pump trucks utilized in construction activities.
Boom Pumps
These are the most frequently used of all concrete pumps. They have a long articulating robotic arm called a boom with a pipe on the end. The operator is able to control the boom to rotate and move in various ways to allow accurate pouring of concrete.
Line Pumps
Line pumps also have a remote controlled pumping unit as well as boom. They can connect to pre-fixed casted pipelines which were setup on the construction site before.
Trailer Pumps
Conventional trailer pumps are built with wheels, allowing a vehicle to tow it in the same manner as a trailer instead of being carried on a truck. In contrast to conventional inline truck pum, dolly or trailer concrete pumps can be towed to locations where truck access is limited. Everything required is self-contained on the trailer including the pump and boom.
Specialty Pumps
For vertical construction of skyscrapers and underwater pouring, specially designed concrete pumps are necessary. Special feature pumps have additional lengths, drives, and bends customized to their specific requirements.
Benefits of Concrete Pumping
Using a concrete pump has many advantages compared to the old-school method of pouring from a wheelbarrow or bucket:
Saves Time and Labor
Pumped concrete flows from truck to site through the pipeline quickly. No need for lots of workers manually moving it over long distances. This results in faster concrete pours using less manpower.
Increases Safety
With concrete pumping, no workers have to physically move heavy loads of concrete up high. This reduces fatigue and injury risk. Remote pumping is much safer than pouring from ladders and scaffolding.
Improves Accessibility
The articulating boom arms can snake around obstacles and pour concrete precisely where it needs to go. Pumping enables pouring concrete into spaces that would be impossible to pour into otherwise.
Reduces Waste
Manual concrete pouring often results in spills and over pouring. But with pumping, the flow can be controlled better so every drop goes exactly where intended. Less concrete waste means cost savings.
Enables Continual Pours
With pumping, concrete can be poured quickly and steadily with no interruptions. This allows doing large continuous slabs with no cold joints between batches.
Provides Precision
The operator has total control over the concrete flow. Concrete can be placed gradually in intricate formations like walls or columns using the boom.
Minimizes Contamination
Pumped concrete flows directly from the truck to its final resting place through an enclosed pipe. This eliminates exposure to dirt and debris that can contaminate the mix.
Conclusion
Concrete pumping trucks have revolutionized concrete construction, making pouring fast, safe, precise and efficient. Next time you see those cool boom arms moving concrete anywhere and everywhere, you’ll know how they work their magic.
