The construction industry is thriving, and its needs are only projected to grow in the years ahead. As more and more people move into metropolitan areas every day, this can become an issue unless enough resources are provided for them. Demand for building contractors and workers is expected to remain strong for the foreseeable future as cities invest in new infrastructure to accommodate their rapidly expanding populations. Productivity and dependability are essential in the building industry. This is true even for a process as elementary as pouring concrete for radiant floor heating. It is essential to use the most cutting-edge, effective technology available if we wish to avoid any issues. This is where concrete pumps come in. They provide several benefits over manual methods, so if you are asking yourself: what is concrete pumping, and do I need it for my floors? We are here to answer that question.
So, What Is Concrete Pumping, and How Does It Actually Work?
It is essential to ensure proper time management and that no unnecessary time or effort is used while working on a construction project. When working with concrete, it is essential to use a concrete pump since this will transport the mixture much more quickly than a person using a wheelbarrow could. The process of pumping concrete involves delivering a newly mixed batch of concrete to a designated area via a pump. In the case of a home, this may mean transporting soil and plants to the backyard, or in the case of a housing complex, it could mean transporting foundational concrete to the correct location.
Concrete pumping is the most efficient and convenient method of delivering large volumes of concrete. However, concrete pumping is also very helpful when installing an underfloor heating system. Since traditional radiant heating requires a massive amount of concrete, a concrete pump makes the entire installation process much easier and quicker.
Why Is Concrete Pumping Necessary
On a conventional concrete pour, you want to put the concrete as near to its ultimate location as feasible. Not only will this help you get more done in less time, but it will also keep the concrete from being handled too roughly. There are times when the use of a concrete pump is essential to the building process. This includes things such as highrise concrete installation and foundation pours where there is a lot of variability between levels. It also comes in handy if someone wants to use concrete as their flooring material. Concrete pumping is a time-saving, hassle-free, and cost-effective approach to placing concrete in hard-to-reach areas.
Types of Concrete Pumps
1. Boom Pump
A boom truck is a type of mobile pumping machinery that combines the pump, chassis, and bumper into one unit. Whether a major commercial or industrial structure, or just a few floors up, these vehicles are great for concrete pours of all sizes. Extremely mobile, compact, and cost-effective single-axle truck-mounted pumps are employed in tight quarters. In contrast, massive six-axle rigs with powerful pumps and extensive reach are used for tall buildings and other massive construction projects. These trucks’ booms may have as few as three pieces or as many as four, and their relatively short unfolded height of 16 feet makes them well-suited for laying concrete in tight spaces.
According to heartmoving.us experts, this type of concrete pump is used in the construction of the majority of homes in the United States today. Some longer, five-piece booms may extend over 200 feet in any direction. Due to their extended reach, boom trucks typically stay in one position for the duration of a pour. The ready-mix trucks may unload their cargo straight into the pump’s hopper, streamlining traffic on the construction site. Manufacturers often provide a number of choices, including chassis and pump size, boom configurations, remote controls, and outrigger styles.
2. Line Pumps
Structure concrete is only one of many materials you can pump using this portable equipment; grout, wet screeds, mortar, shotcrete, foamed concrete, and sludge are additional common uses. Line pumps come in a broad range of styles and sizes from various manufacturers. This means that they may suit a wide range of applications. Although line pumps are smaller than boom pumps, they are much more versatile. In fact, many of the smaller ones are versatile enough that you can employ them for both structural concrete and shotcrete. You can also use them to build bond beams for masonry walls, maintain underwater concrete, place concrete in severely reinforced sections, and fill fabric forms. There are hydraulically powered variants that can pump more than 150 cubic yards of structural concrete per hour.
Furthermore, you can combine line pumps with Ball-valve pumps. And since ball-valve pumps have minimal operating costs since they need few replacement components. Due to its straightforward construction, this pump requires little maintenance. Because of their compact size and lightweight design, the units and hoses are very convenient to work with.
In Terms of Floor Installation
Concrete floors are becoming extremely popular, especially in combination with a UFH system. Because of its high thermal mass, concrete is an excellent choice for underfloor heating systems. Concrete quickly absorbs and retains heat. It is a great heat conductor and will warm your floor evenly. For this reason, the question stands: is concrete pumping necessary for floor installation? The answer is not that simple. Factors such as the location and size of the job will determine the type of machine you need for the job at hand. Small jobs are generally suitable for smaller machines or those with a narrow footprint. On the other hand, larger jobs will benefit from more powerful machines and taller booms.
So, what is concrete pumping, and do I need it for my floors? Hopefully, you are no longer asking yourself this question. With a bit of guidance and knowledge, you will be able to make educated decisions when it comes to your next floor installation project. And with the right equipment, you will be able to get the job done efficiently and on schedule.