What are Concrete Pumps & Their Role in Construction?
In a construction project, efficiently carrying out various tasks helps finish the process within the prescribed time and budget. A concrete pump is one of the machines that save effort during a project and help complete it within the deadline. It simplifies the process by pouring the concrete directly at the required area.
Concrete pumps are perfect for domestic and commercial projects. They can easily put the material at difficult-to-reach locations. There are multiple benefits of using concrete pumps, which we have explained below. But, first of all, let’s check out what is a concrete pump:
What is a Concrete Pump?
A concrete pump is a machine generally mounted over a truck to facilitate hassle-free material pouring according to the requirements. Some projects need construction materials in areas that are low, high, or distant from the material-carrying truck. With the help of pumps, the concrete mixture can be poured in custom amounts, precisely at the required spot.
How Does A Concrete Pump Work?
Different onsite and ready mix concrete providers offer pumps in various sizes and configurations. However, every concrete pump works on the same mechanism. There are two cylinders with pistons that move alternatively. One uses air pressure to draw the concrete from the hopper, while the other discharges the mixture with pressure directly to the required area.
Concrete pumps are controlled by skilled individuals known as pump operators. They adjust the hose position for the precise pouring of concrete in specific areas. To get highly skilled pump operators for your project, you should avail the services of a reputable concrete provider like The Thames Concrete. Moreover, the operators also set up the machine, troubleshoot it and clean the concrete pump.
What Are Different Types of Concrete Pumps?
Majorly, concrete pumps are of two types: line pumps and boom pumps. Let’s understand the working of both, one by one, to know the difference between them.
Line Pump
A line pump is mounted over a concrete truck. With the help of rubber and steel hoses, this pump dispatches the mixture to the required area. A ground line pump is perfect for projects in which the area where the concrete mixture is required, is far from the truck.
Boom Pump
A concrete boom pump has a robotic arm connected to the truck. This arm can be controlled via a remote and can be extended up to the desired length. Its flexibility allows the concrete to be poured precisely over the slab area in multi-storey buildings and other high-rise structures.
Both types of pumps work best when the concrete mixture has water in enough amounts. Otherwise, the construction material will not flow easily and eventually clog the hose, which leads to the stoppage of the pump.
Benefits of Using A Concrete Pump For Construction
Increase Pour Speed
With the help of a concrete pump, one can boost the speed of pouring the construction material. Another alternative to transporting the concrete from the carrier vehicle to a specific area is using wheelbarrows. But they require constant manual effort to be operated, which slows down the concrete pouring speed.
Concrete pumps are an effective solution to this problem. They require minimal effort to be operated and can pour the material at higher speeds. It helps save time and complete the construction project within the deadline.
Reduces Manual Effort
Getting the concrete poured with the help of workers can be expensive, which disturbs the estimated project budget. Also, finding skilled workers for various construction tasks is a challenge. Concrete pumps are a suitable choice to resolve these issues.
Operating concrete boom pumps need limited labour. The pump can be managed by a single pump operator. After an initial setup, it keeps working automatically. This way, the number of workers required at the project site is considerably reduced.
Precise Pouring
Concrete pumps can put the construction material in specific areas at the project site. They have great precision compared to the manual ways of concrete pouring. It helps to keep the project site clean as the concrete mixture is not spilled here and there. Also, the wasted concrete doesn’t need to be disposed of in landfills, which saves the environment from the adverse effects of chemicals.
Conclusion
After going through the above points, one can easily understand the role of concrete pumps in a project. They are the most convenient way to pump concrete, saving valuable time and effort. From reducing manual efforts to keeping the site mess-free, concrete pumps offer numerous benefits.
If you are looking for a reliable concrete pumping service provider for a project, The Thames Concrete is a helping hand. We offer the most promising and reasonably priced concrete pump services across the United Kingdom. With highly skilled workers and best-in-class equipment, our team assures the best construction experience for you. Check out our website to get a concrete pump at your desired location.