How Does a Concrete Pump Work?

Posted On: 03/17/2023 | Posted by: DY Concrete Pumps

Construction is a booming business, with demands expected to increase in the coming years. According to the World Bank, 7 out of 10 people will live in urban areas by 2050, and all those new inhabitants need housing, medical services, schools and transportation infrastructure. The construction of urban infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population will almost certainly keep construction contractors and laborers in high demand in the coming years.

In the construction business, efficiency and reliability are at a premium. But on many projects, especially large, complex projects, it’s easy to fall behind. The global consulting group McKinsey estimates that 98% of large-scale construction projects incur cost overruns or delays. And the average large-scale construction project falls 20 months — almost two years — behind schedule.

To prevent issues like these, it’s imperative to use the best, most efficient equipment on the market. When it comes to pouring concrete, concrete pumps offer substantial advantages in efficiency and ease of use.

Different Types of Concrete Pumps

What is a concrete pump? A concrete pump is a construction tool that helps you transfer freshly mixed concrete to the worksite when and where it’s needed. Concrete pumps work by utilizing a valve system and hydraulics.

There are two primary types of concrete pumps — line pumps and boom pumps. Each pump works in unique ways and has distinct benefits.

Line Pumps

Line pumps allow you to pump liquid concrete through hoses at ground level until it reaches its location on the construction site. These pumps offer excellent flexibility, allowing you to use them around houses or in alleyways, where you may not be able to park the concrete pump truck in an accessible location.

Some examples of line pumps include:

• Stationary pumps: These line pumps are the most basic type of concrete pump. The pump is mounted on a small trailer, which a separate truck tows to the construction site. These pumps don’t consist of a boom, so it’s essential to have placement hoses or pipelines to deliver the concrete to its destination. You’ll also need a placing boom to direct the concrete accurately.
• Truck-mounted static pumps: These pumps are mounted on truck beds, making it easy to take them directly to the construction site. Like stationary pumps, you’ll need placing hoses to ensure the concrete gets where it needs to go.
• Truck mixer pumps: These models can do it all, utilizing a concrete mixer and attached pump, allowing you to move concrete directly from the truck mixer.

View our line pumps

Boom Pumps

Concrete boom pumps extend through the air as opposed to ground-level line pumps. These pumps contain a boom, which is a long remote-controlled arm that can extend in the air like a crane with superior flexibility. These pumps are ideal for challenging areas that line pumps can’t reach, such as apartment buildings. You can also use boom pumps for concrete garden features or swimming pools.

You can drive the pump straight to the job site and use the placing boom without using additional hoses. You can reach any location within reach of the boom, making it a popular and flexible option for construction projects.

DY Concrete Pump specializes in boom pumps, which are fully drivable truck-mounted pumps that have excellent vertical and horizontal reach. We have a few different models you can choose from:

• 57X-6RZ: The 57X-6RZ model is ideal for medium to large construction jobs since it’s the longest and most productive boom pump we offer. This model features and impressive vertical and horizontal reach, making it ideal for hard-to-reach areas and tall buildings. This boom pump also has 360-degree mobility, and remote control access makes it easy for accurate, simplified concrete placement.
• 43X-5RZ: Our 43X-5RZ model is medium-sized and ideal for residential and commercial construction projects. Like our previous model, this boom pump has an impressive reach to access high locations. The compact truck makes it easy to park in residential areas with simple navigation around power lines or tree branches.
• 33X-5ZZ: Our 33X-5ZZ is one of our most lightweight models, ideal for projects where mobility is necessary. The filing sections allow you to use the boom pump in hard-to-access areas. Its small size and lightweight features make it easy to work in tight spaces, such as in rooms with lower ceilings or under bridges.

View our boom pumps

Common Applications for Concrete Pumps

Concrete pumps are used for various construction applications, including:

• Slab building foundations: Solid foundations are essential to prevent cracking and sagging. Concrete pumps ensure work moves quickly and smoothly so concrete ends up where it should go without imperfections.
• Foundations with basements: Concrete pumps help limit time delays and errors for foundation laying, ensuring projects are completed promptly.
• High-rise buildings: Boom pumps are essential to reach greater heights, allowing you to lift concrete to high floors safely and quickly, so your project remains on schedule.
• Highway overpasses and tunnels: Concrete pumps help you create a durable and reinforced final product that can support extensive weight. Boom pumps also allow you to reach required elevations easier.
• Bridgers and dams: Booms pumps can help you reach the necessary height for bridges or dams while creating robust and steady support that can handle vehicles and water pressure.
• Parking structures: With a concrete pump, you can reach higher levels of parking structures, allowing you to complete the work without wasting labor or time.
• Sidewalks and driveways: Boom pumps can help create a smooth and stable driveway or sidewalk, which can help improve a home’s curb appeal.
• Swimming pools: Concrete pumps can reach over a house from the street to lay the essential foundation for swimming pools, limiting disruption to a homeowner’s yard.
• Patios and garden shed foundations: Concrete pumps allow workers to reach backyards, helping them quickly pour stable concrete slabs for shed foundations and patios without having to drive into the yard.

Pouring processes happen quickly, usually in less than an hour. However, concrete will need to set before it’s usable. You’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before you can walk on it and even longer for a complete cure. Generally, concrete will take about 28 days to reach full strength.

Benefits of Concrete Pumps in Construction

Using concrete pumps has many benefits for your construction projects, including:

1. Efficient pouring: Concrete pumps can make your work more efficient, as they work fast and reduce labor requirements. Pump accuracy also saves time because you can place concrete exactly where you need it.
2. Stronger concrete: Pumped concrete contains less water than concrete poured through a chute, which reduces the risk of cracking.
3. Versatility: Concrete pumps allow you to access any space, which is ideal for projects with hard-to-reach locations. You can also compact the pumps when you’re not using them, allowing you to transport them from job to job.
4. Project speed: Concrete pumps are more efficient and only require two people to operate, allowing you to complete projects faster without delays.
5. Safer work: Because concrete pumps can extend longer distances, you can keep your machinery out of the way of dangerous obstructions.

Partner With DY for Your Concrete Pump Needs

If you’re looking for a high-quality concrete pump, DY Concrete Pumps can help. We have years of experience supplying construction companies with concrete pumps, offering various models for various construction applications. Most of our trucks utilize a 360-degree swing boom, allowing you to reach challenging places for an efficient and precise pour.

Contact us today to learn more about our products or find a sales representative in your area.