What Is the Best Concrete Mix for Pumping?

The range of concrete mixes means that concrete as a material can be incredibly versatile and used across many different sectors for a range of projects. However, when pumping concrete, some considerations need to be made to ensure a smooth pumping experience.

While our experts can discuss which concrete mix will be suitable for your specific project, in this article, we want to share what we will think about during the conversation with you.

Aggregate Size and Grading

One of the first considerations made is the aggregate that will be used.

Aggregates are pivotal in the composition of concrete as they contribute to its overall strength, durability, and workability. These materials will ensure the stability of the concrete, as they help control volume changes due to shrinking and thermal expansion, reducing the chances of cracking.

Often aggregates such as sand and gravel are used, but occasionally bigger aggregates are used too.

To ensure the concrete is easy to pump and doesn't cause any blockages in the equipment, we will use a selection of smaller-sized aggregates.

Additionally, we will use well-graded aggregates, as these will affect the workability of the concrete. Once poured into place, we want to ensure that the concrete is easy to work with so that we can make sure it is placed and finished correctly.

Aggregate Shape and Texture

The sizing and grading of the aggregates narrow down the selection quite a bit, but we also need to think about the shape and texture when it comes to pumping concrete.

Rounder, smooth materials are better aggregates to use within the concrete mixture because they produce less friction within the pump, meaning the concrete mixture will flow through the pipes better. This will reduce the likelihood of any pipes clogging up.

Workability

The workability of the concrete is important as this will impact the efficiency and success of the concrete pumping.

A workable concrete mixture will pump easier, meaning that the process will be smoother and more efficient. This is especially important if we are pumping along a horizontal or vertical line. It will also make the placement of the concrete easier as it won't need excessive force, allowing the more precise filling of formwork moulds or structural elements.

Additionally, if the concrete is workable, there is less chance of the mixture segregating during the pumping process, keeping it a strong, smooth material as it cures.

Slump

The slump of concrete refers to the consistency of the material.

When pumping concrete, you want a moderate slump. This will facilitate easy pumping and will ensure the mixture stays together and doesn't separate.

A slump that is too high might mean the ingredients separate, and a slump that is too low can make pumping difficult.

With our experts on hand, you don't need to worry about this, as we will ensure our concrete designs are the perfect slump for pumping.

Water-Cement Ratio

Adding water might feel like a simple solution to making a mixture easy to pump, but this could actually cause problems as it cures.

Adding water can compromise the strength of the material and cause segregation, while too little water will make the mixture difficult to pump.

We will select a concrete design mix that incorporates the perfect amount of water against the amount of cement.

Cement Type

Did you know that there are various types of cement? Different cement will have varying effects on the flow of the concrete mix, so choosing the right cement for your concrete mix is important if you want to pump it.

Project Specifications

Of course, the final thing that needs to be considered when choosing a concrete mix for pumping is the project specifications. Certain projects will need certain strength concrete. You might have realised by now that the concrete's strengths will be determined by the ingredients used, so we will need to think about the requirements for the concrete before selecting a mix.

Use 2 Brothers Concreting and Concrete Pumping

The team at 2 Brothers are experts in pumping concrete. We know all there is to know about concrete design mixes and their impacts on pumping.

With over 25 years of combined experience, we have a wealth of knowledge that you can rely on to ensure an efficient concrete pumping process. No matter where you're pumping concrete, our all-in-one concrete and concrete pumping service provides everything you need.

To work out what concrete you need for your project across the South Coast, call our team on 01489 552737 or complete our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.