Home Improvement Projects: What To Consider When Choosing A Concrete Pump

Photo by uve sanchez on Unsplash

Concrete pumps are specialized construction equipment that transfer freshly mixed concrete to a worksite. 

The two most commonly used pumps are line pumps and boom pumps. Both types use hydraulic pumps: one piston pulls concrete from the hopper, and the other pushes it through a set of discharge pipes to the concrete mold or pad. Sounds simple enough.

However, complications arise when you consider all the factors affecting how the concrete ultimately sets. Things like the distance from the pump, the mix’s plasticity, and the aggregates’ size play a crucial role. Even the weather can affect how the concrete sets. Here are the two most popular types of concrete pumps, and all the things you should consider before picking one:

Types of Concrete Pumps

Concrete Boom Pump

Concrete boom pumps are specialized truck-mounted pumps that use a robotic arm to dispense concrete. They can be driven independently and are usually the go-to option if you need to move between multiple construction sites quickly.

Due to their size, boom pumps are primarily used in commercial and large-scale projects like shopping centers, high-rise buildings, and tunnels. While not the most cost-effective option, boom pumps can pump concrete at 180m3/h, around twice that of regular line pumps.

Concrete Line Pump

Concrete line pumps are another type of trailer-mounted pump. Instead of using a robotic arm, they deliver concrete utilizing a set of hoses and pipes set at ground level. Line pumps shine for their horizontal reach, which can be extended easily by connecting more pipes or hoses.

Line pumps are also considerably cheaper to hire than boom pumps but lack vertical reach. That said, line pumps are the best choice for most residential projects.

Key Considerations When Choosing A Concrete Pump

Project Scope

The first thing to consider is the size of your construction project. Are you looking at a small home improvement project or a large-scale project? What volume of concrete do you need? A line pump is sufficient for most small home improvement or residential projects. If you’re looking at commercial or larger projects, you might want to look into boom pumps.

Timeline

If you need to catch up on your project timeline, boom pumps are your best bet. Average concrete boom pumps can deliver concrete at a rate of 180m3/h – but they’re not just faster. Concrete booms are also easier to mobilize over long distances and across construction sites. 

Access Points

Another key factor is the access point. While boom pumps are more independent when moving around, they’re also more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces. For residential projects, a line pump is usually preferred. 

Remember to specify the distance between the pump and the site where you want the concrete poured so contractors can bring additional pipes if necessary.

Cost

Concrete line pumps are the most cost-effective option, no matter where you live. In states with short winters, like Indiana and Ohio, you can plan and start looking for contractors months in advance. To get an accurate quote based on your state, you’ll need to quickly search ‘concrete pumping near me’ and check your options.

Ground Stability

Concrete boom pumps and mixers are hefty pieces of equipment. A fully loaded mixer can weigh up to 30 tonnes, while concrete boom pumps can weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 tonnes. 

That means stable ground is required—especially for boom pumps—to ensure the chassis is anchored securely. It’s not for nothing that construction is the most dangerous industry in Georgia.

Additional Tips For Maximum Efficiency

Concrete Mix

Factors like the concrete mix being used and its viscosity, the pipe length, and the aggregates’ size will play a key role when choosing the type of pump and the dimensions of the pipes. A general rule is that the concrete pipe should be at least three times the size of the largest aggregate. This is to prevent blockages and maximize pumping speed.

Wider pipes can accommodate mixes with larger aggregates, but you may sacrifice pumping speed. If the pipes are not set up correctly, leaks can also occur. Expert contractors can help you navigate these problems, minimize downtime, and ensure the most efficient approach.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, and wind strength greatly influence the durability and strength of your concrete mix.

Heavy rains can affect the proportion of water in the mix, weakening it. Strong winds can damage a boom pump’s robotic arm; most knowledgeable contractors won’t risk it. The consensus is that anything above 45mph, and you risk damage. The American Concrete Pumping Association recommends checking the pump’s Manufacturer’s Operation Manual to ensure you’re under this limit.

Finally, the temperature. Experts agree that the optimal temperature to pour concrete is between 40 °F and 60 °F. Anything below that, and you risk the water in the mix freezing over, leading to cracks in the surface. Anything above that and the concrete will be more complicated to work. It may lead to shrinkage, thermal cracks, and a weaker final product. 

Height Requirements

Distance from the pump is not the only distance that matters. If you want to pump vertically, you’ll need to consider factors like pressure capability and reach. Most contractors list the maximum length of their booms on their websites. Estimating distances accurately will save you a lot of headaches and delays.