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8-ACI 304.2R Pumping

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145 views26 pages

8-ACI 304.2R Pumping

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Mohamed Albana
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ACI 304.2R-96 (Reapproved 2008) Placing Concrete by Pumping Methods Reported by AC] Committee 304 NeiLR. Gps, ‘Cian Devi J. Akers Robert A Keliay™ Samm 8 Piers Casimir Boge Jel King Paul E Reinhart SaenesL. Cope Witian Keet Royee J. Rhoads Michael Gardoer Gary B. Mass Kenneth L.Saseier Danis. Green® Patrick McDowell Pas. Stodola Teaeaze C Holland Dipak T Parekh Wiliam. Sypher™ “Thomas A. khnson" Roger I. Phares” Robert B Tobin” ‘Samal A Kel Kevin Wott “Member of subeonaie dar pop his ee "Cinna ft tan repre Ue pet Tis report describes pps for wansporting and plachig concrete. Rigid and flexible pipelines are disnssed end couplings ad other acessories ‘describe. Recomnendalons for proportioning punpable concrete wrggest ‘optimum gradation of aggreates: entline water cement, end adnstire regurentests; and emphasize the need for evaluation of tial mixes for umpability The importance of sauaving ghiweight aggregates is "veased.Stagetions ave giver for layout af ines; for maimeining wiforn Aelivery sate a wel ax ior quali ofeoerete et the eed of tele! ‘and for cleaning ou pipelines. "Thi repot doesnot cover shotereting or pumping of mowstrucaral St loving or celta concrete Keywords: admitores; ageregate gradation; aggregates; cement content fine agereptes; fineness ‘weight aguregues; mix proportioning; pipctie; placing; placing booms, pozzoluns pumped cones; pum: qualily contol; Water content CONTENTS Chapter 1—Introduction, p. 304.2R-2 Chapter 2—Pumping equipment, p. 304.2R-2 2.1—Piston pumps 2.2 —Types of valves 2.3-—Mailer pumps ACI Commitee Repos, Guides, Standard Practices, and Commentaries are intend for guidence in parnig, Signa, excuting, and inspecting constction. This dloctment is tends forthe tee of individuals who" e ompstent fo evan the siguificence and imitans of onto and recommendans. and "who will necpt rexponsiblty fr ihe apieaion ofthe materia i contain {The American Cone Inifle islam any and all ‘eaponsbity forthe stated pancpes. The Ist shall ot tellbi for my los or damage ating therefrom, Reference to th doviment sll nt be made in contact documents Items found inthis dostment ae die by the ‘Nrtce/Eagincertobea puto the contract caren hey Shall be restated in mandatory language for incorporation by the Architeevaginecr, 2.4—Truck-mounted conerete pumps 2.5—Placing booms 2.6—Specialized equipment 2.7-Satety Chapter 3—Pipeline and accessories, p. 304.2R-6 3.1—General description 3.2—System pressure capacity 3.3—Rigid placing lino—Straight sections, bends, and elbows 3.4—System connection 3.5-—Flexible system—Hose types and applications 3.6 Concrete placing system accessories Chapter 4—Proportioning pumpable concrete, . 304.2R-10 “4.1 Basic considerations 4.2Normal weight aggregate 4.3—Lightweight aggregate concrete 4.4—Water and slump 4.5—Cementitious materials 4.6—Admixtures 4.7-—Fiber reinforcement 4.8—Trial mixes 4.9—Testing for pumpability Chapter 5—Field practices, p. 304.2R-19 5.1—General 5.2Pipeline concrete placement '5.3Powered boom placement ‘C1042. spesieACL 3.28 aed bese eee J 1,985 Cerigit 1c" American Cone se niece Inuit rg of epeton ane nay or by ay nas ing els psy ay tt re yy ek ‘Stor arora inony Knog renova pen or vic once jens ‘ridged ie Cope pope 3082-1 04.2R-2 Chapter 6—Field control, p. 304.2R-24 Chapter 7—References, p. 304.2R-24 7.1—Recommended references 12—Cited references 7.3-Other references {Metric (S1) system adaptation, CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION ACI defines pumped concrete as concrete that is transport cd through hose or pipe by means of a pump. Pumping con- crete through metal pipelines by piston pumps was introduced in the United States in Milwaukee in 1933. This concrete pump used mechanical linkages to operate the pump and usually pumped through pipelines 6 in. of larger in diameter. Many new developments have since been made in the con- crete pumping field, These include new and improved pumps, truck-mounted and stationary placing booms, and pipeline and hose that withstand higher pumping pressures. ‘AS a resull of these innovations, concrete placoment by pumps has become one of the most widely used practices of the construction industry. Pumping may be used for most concrete construction, but is especially useful where space for construction equipment is limited. Concrete pumping frees hoists and cranes to de- liver the other materials of construction concurrently with concrete placing. Also, other crafts can work unhampered by concrete operations. A steady supply of pumpable concrete is necessary for sat- isfactory pumping.! A pumpable concrete, like conventional concrete, requires good quality control, i., uniform, proper- ly graded aggregate, materials uniformly batched and mixed thoroughly.? Conerete pumps are available with maximum. ‘output capacities ranging from 15 to 250 yd, Maximum volume output and maximim pressure on the concrete cannot be achieved simultaneously from most concrete pumps because this combination requires too much power. Each foot of vertical rise reduces the horizontal ‘ACI COMMITTEE REPORT pumping distance about 3 10 4 ft because three to four times more pressure is required per foot of vertical rise than is, necessary per foot of horizontal movement, Pumped concrete moves as a cylinder riding on a thin lubricant film of grout or mortar onthe inside diameter of the pipeline." Before pumping begins, the pipeline interior diameter should be coated with grout. Depending on the nature of material used, this initial pipeline coating mixture ‘may or may not be used in the concrete placement. Once concrete flow through the pipeline is established, the lubri- cation will be maintained as Jong as pumping continues with 1a properly proportioned and consistent mixture CHAPTER 2—PUMPING EQUIPMENT 2.1—Piston pumps ‘The most comumon concrete pumps consist of a receiving hhopper, two concrete pumping cylinders, and a valving system to altemately direct the flow of concrete into the pumping cylinders and from them to the pipeline (Fig. 1). ‘One concrete cylinder receives concrete from the receiving hopper while the other discharges into the pipeline to provide a relatively constant flow of conerete through the pipeline tothe placing area. Pistons in the concrete eylinders create @ vacuum to draw in concrete on the intake stroke and ‘mechanically push it into the pipeline on the discharge stroke. These pistons are driven by hydraulic cylinders on most pumps, but may be driven mechanically, Primary power is provided by diesel, gasoline, or electric motors. The cost of concrete pumps and their maximum pumping capacity and pressure applied to the concrete vary greatly Components are sized to provide the desired output, volume, ‘and pressure on the concrete in the pipeline. The hydraulic pumps on most units are equipped with horsepower limiters, that protect the power unit by destroking or reducing displacement to reduce the volume output of the hydraulic Pump so it can provide the pressure required to move ‘concrete at the maximum height or distance of the concrete ‘pumps capability. Receiving hoppers vary in size to match the volume capacity of the pump and are usually equipped ‘with agitators which prevent aggregate segregation and Fig, Piston pump end powered valve pumping train. PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS. 304.23 Fig. 2—Ball check pump schematic. Fig, 3—Ball check concrete pump. the hopper. The hopper design should maintain a head of concrete atthe intake to the concrete cylinders, 2.2—Types of valves 2.2.1 Hydraulically powered valves—Pumps inthis class tse different types of valves, but all of them are operated hydraulically and have the ability to crush or displace aggre- {tte which becomes trapped inthe valve area, The sizeof the ‘maximum size aggregate (MSA) which can be pumped by these units is controlled by the diameter of the eonerete passages within the pump and the diameter of the pipeline {nwo which concrete is being pumped (see Section 42.1) ‘Most of these pumps have an outlet port $ in. or knger in diameter and uilize reducers to reach smaller pipeline size ass nocessary. Fig. 1is typical of these units ‘The capacity ofthese pumps may vary fom 20 0 250 yd. “They handle the broadest posible range of concrete mixtures that can be pumped. 22.2 Ball-check conerete pumps—This type of pump utilizes steet balls and mating seats to control the flow of conerete from the hopper into the pumping cylinder and out ofthe pumping cylinder into the pipeline. The bal is forced Jno its seat by the concrete being pumped and has a very limited ubiliy to displace or break aggregate which may be trapped in the valve area. Failure ofthe ball to seat results in loss of pumping efficiency (Fig. 2). These units are limited to pumping conerete with smaller than 1/2 in, MSA. The coneree pistons in these units ae frequently mechanically driven although there are hydraulically powered units vail able. They are usually rated at 20 yer or less. Because they 308.24 Fig. 4—Pump with hydraulically powered valve. ate limited to small aggregate and lovr volume, they are frequently used for routing and may pump through pipeline or hose as smal as 2 in, in diameter (Fig. 3) 2.3—Trailer pumps 23.1 General —Trailer-mounted pumps are available with a very wide range of eapacties and pressures. These units are usually rated for maximum theoretical volume in yaar based on the diameter of the concrete eylinders and the length and frequency of the pumping strokes and the pres- sure applied to the concrete at the piston face, The most significant comparison factor isthe horsepower available to pump concrete. The effect af horsepower limiters mentioned in Section 2.1 is most pronounced on general purpose and ‘medium-duty traler-mounted pumps because they use lower hhorsepower engines. Most trailer pumps are powered with diesel engines and fall into relatively standard horsepower ranges that are determined by the number of eylinders in the power unit and whether it is turbo charged. 232 Small general purpose pumps—These trailer- ‘mounted pumps are generally rated from about 20 wo 35 yo Mr, are powered with up to 60 hp engines, and weigh up to 5000 Ib, ‘They may have either hydraulically powered or ball-check valves. They generally utilize 5- and 6-in-diameter concrete cylinders and apply pressures up to about 750 psi on the concrete. They are capable of pumping up to 250 ft vertically 6 up to 1000 ft horizontally. They are mast suitable for grouting masonry walls and placing concrete in floor slabs, footings, walls, columns, and decks where the limitations imposed by forming or finishing requirements limit the volume of concrete and the rate at which it ean be placed (Fig. 4), Operators usually use the smallest possible pipeline ‘ACI COMMITTEE REPORT diameter ection 42.1) for the grout or concrete being ‘pumped —2 in.,2 1/2 in,,and 3 in, are the most popular sizes. 2.33 Medium duty pumps—These units have a capacity range from about 40 to 80 ye7hc, are powered with engines from 60 t0 110 hp, and weigh from 5000 to 10,000 Ib. They generally use 6-, 7-, or 8-in.-diameter concrete cylinders and. are capable of applying pressures up to 900 psi on the conerete. This pressure allows them to pump up to 300 ft vertically or 1200 ft horizontally. ‘They are used on larger volume concrete placements where the ability to place concrete more quickly justifies their higher cost of ownership and operation (Fig. 5). Operators generally use 4- or S-in.~ diameter pipelines, 2.34 Special application pumps—These teiler-mounted pumps place over $0 ya"Mr, utilize engines with 110 hp and. mote, and weigh over 10,000 Ib. They have a wide variety of pressure and yolume capacities depending on the applica tions for which they are used. Typical applications are specialty projects like high-rise buildings and tunnel projects that require pumping long, horizontal distances because of| limited access (see Fig. 6). Pumps in this class have pumped conerete over 1400 ft vertically and over 4600 ft horizontally Pipeline is selected to match the volume and pressure requirements of the project (Chapter 3). 2.4—Truck-mounted concrete pumps 2d Separate engine drive—Soparate engine-driven conerete pumps mounted on trucks are used primarily for projects with capacity requirements where the horsepower required for pumping the concrete is considerably less than that required to move the vehicle over the road. Such pumps are frequently modified versions of the general purpose trailer pumps and have the same operating capacities. 242 Truck engine-driven punps—These pumps have ‘capacities ranging from about 100 to 200 yah, They gener- ally use 8- and 9-in. diameter concrete cylinders and concrete pressures range from about 640 to 1250 psi, Many unis have different ratings when pumping oi i applied to the rod side (high capacity) or to the pision side (high pressure) of the hydraulic pumping cylinder. With such wide variations in capacity, it is not possible to summarize maximum vertical and horizontal pomping distances. These purnps are generally used with placing booms and require a heavy-duty truck chassis to carry their combined weight, A larger engine is requited for highway travel than is normally required forthe ‘pumping operation, The most economical combination in tis case is to use the truck engine and a split shaftor power divider that can use the truck engine to power the running gear of the track or to drive hydraulic pumps to provide pumping power. ‘These units have receiving hoppers much larger than those on. most trailer pumps to accommodate their higher pumping rates (Fig 7). High-volume pomping requires that the receiving hopper have an effective agitator. 2.5—Placing booms Placing booms support 2 5-in.-diameter pipeline which receives the discharge from a concrete pump and places it in the forms. Booms have three or four articulating sections, PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS. Bd tisk 304.2R5 ip dL Fig. $—Wediuo-duty raiter-mounted concrete pump. Fig. 6—Special application-type trailer-mounted concrete pump. “The booms are mounted on a turet that rotates to enable the discharge of the pipeline to be located anywhere within a ircle. One type of boom telescopes {7 ft. Most booms are permanently mounted to the trucks on which they are trans~ ported, along with the concrete pump. Some booms are designed to be removed from the truck and mounted on a pedestal that can be located in the placement area or supported on the floors of buildings under construction. ‘There also are placing booms designed to be used only on a pedestal or to be mounted on tower cranes. Placing booms. should never be used as a crane and must be inspected for structural integrity on a regular basis 2.6—Specialized equipment ‘Concrete pumps and placing booms have been developed that are mounted on ready-mixed conerete trucks. These units are capable of placing the conerete mixed and trans- ported inthe truck that carries them and can also receive con- cerete from other ready-mixed concrete trucks to complete placement, These units usually have the capacities of small ‘general purpose pumps (Section 2.3.2) 2.7—Satety Concrete pumps are powerful machines thet utilize high hydraulic oil pressures, concrete under high pressure, and ‘compressed air for cleanup. Safe operating practices are a necessity for the protection of the pump operator, ready- mixed concrete drivers, and the workers placing and finish- ing the pumped concrete. The American Concrete Pumping Association has prepared a detailed Safery Manual? for those ‘who supervise or engage in conerete pumping, 308.2R-6 ‘Act CoMMITTE! -E REPORT Fig. 7—Truck engine-driven concrete pump. Table 1—Conerete placing line data Ppeimiedamoe | im | 2 | 3 | «| 5 | 6 | 2 Cooma aca ai | tat | ar | ies | aa | ae ‘isso pio) [qe] 0m | oo omn | axa | oa0 | 027 Vumcctemqaepa| | 200 | a1 ars | aes | oe | 267 oomotpive "|e | oo | ore | oa2| Osi | ars | oan ty | sem | 7303 | 13090 | 20053 | 20052 | aanse Pipe engineers of] | yas7s0] ssnat | so040 | ssaot | as7si | 010s Tide a z hmete| Wall Weigh pee Tine [oneree] Misco | Too in| Gage | in ‘| ton | tio 3 | _[ on sat_|_s99 | ~se90 3 [afer 736_| 1136136 7 {nono 13.09 [1837 [18370 a 0150 1309 | 1974 | 0738 5] ae) anas | 71.01 | 210.5 3 [9 [a0 ‘as_| 28:70 | 2705 3 [7 [ae 7045_| 3087] 30870 s_ | [oa aoas_[ 34a7_| 3a Ce a TE) Goas_| sra0_| sm96 Ce eas [30.30 _| 39305 7 [oar Pen} aon [aoa _[ 05 CHAPTER 3—PIPELINE AND ACCESSORIES 3.1—General description ‘Most concrete transported to the placement area by pumping methods is purnped through rigid steel tubing or heavy-duty flexible hose, both of which are called pipeline. Connections between segments should utilize coupling devices that permit rapid assembly and disassembly of components st any joint and provide a secure, sealed joint, Various special use accessories are available to customize delivery line setups (0 fulfil numerous concrete placing requitements. Accessories include bends of varying degree and radius, valves (shut-off and diversion type), reducers, brackets, fabric and wire-reinforced hose, and cleanout elements, Careful handling of the pipeline during assembly, cleaning, and dismantting will aid in lowering line resistance by preventing the formation of rough surfaces, dents in pipe- Tine sections, and crevices in couplings. PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS conan ‘Table 2 CHAR To DETORUINE WIIWOW YALL THICKNESS AS A FUNCTION OF PRESSURE WALL THECRNESS «v8 i i + ' 4 | ! a 4 1 a 3 1 L g ¢ 1 5 ao ia 1 Ig $ ¥ 3 ! i ve a Z LH Cael 4 : t y 5 T = wu T i 5 5 a. SucevessoNcHES > vores 1) WAT AeSWRs 2:1 ET” PT, MOR SWFETY ACERS Mar ERUTEED CERO 2 YEE RIESE ER ARE, MERE, STE WA, MIDWESS SLO HE NERD LESTE 2 peesot a 68 LIGTED BF COUPLING STRLE OF TE eer eeperaea ena 7 MEAT TREATED CALATION AE WASEDA SUE EGEASE A TEAL STAD, 5) GMT Ags ike ma ac wus SPORTED RESTHLDED, HEME wD ADIT ee Se eee eee ease aaa aaa tions, and directional changes disturb the smooth flow of pumped concrete.? ‘This results in increased pressure required to push conerete through the pipeline and inereased ‘wear rite throughout the pump and pipeline. Exposing long Tengths of pipeline to direct sunlight or extreme hot ar cold temperatures may adversely affect the temperature of the concrete being pumped. The pipeline should be shielded from these conditions as necessary 8.2—System pressure capacity Tnereases in concrete pump volume and pressure have ‘realy increased the importance of using a suitable pipe! system to achieve satisfactory results. All components of the system must be able to handle the maximum internal pres- producing with an adequate safety factor. Pipeline eompo- nents are generally rated according to both “working” pres~ sure and “ultimate” or burst pressure. ‘The ratio of the burst pressure to working pressure constitutes the safety factor, A ‘minimum safety factor of 3:1 is recommended. Special usage or conditions may require a higher degree of safety. ‘The burst pressure and subsequently the safety factor decreases as the pipeline wears due to the abrasiveness of the coarse and fine aggregate used in the concrete. ‘The rate of ‘wear varies greatly. Hard aggregate such as crushed granite is, more abrasive than a softer aggregate such as limestone, Io addition to the physical characteristics of the concrete, wear is, algo affected by the yardage conveyed, the material velocity, the ‘pumping pressure, and the geometry of the system.®? 304.28 Fig. &—Pipeline components are made with grooved (a) or raised (b) ends, shown in cross section here. Raised ends with rongue-and-groove flanges {c) are also available (courtesy ConForms, Cedarburg, Wis.) ‘Hardening processes have been developed to increase the ‘material strength of the steel tubing, and deerease the wear rate. Depending upon the chemistry and the process used, oly the surface or the entire eross section of the tube may be hardened. 3.3--Rigid placing line—Straight sections, bends, and elbows Siraight sections of pipeline are made of welded or seam- less steel tubing, most commonly 10 fin length. The most common diameters are 4 and 5 in., wits the majority of sys- tems in the 5 in, size (Tables 1 and 2). These sizes are the largest that can be handled by workers. Both rigid pi sections and accessory components are available in wall thicknesses from 11 gage (0.120 in) 00.50 in. Choosing the proper wall thickness for the pressure and total volume re- quirements is of prime importance. Typically te thicker the ACI COMMITTEE REPORT wall, the higher the pressure capacity and the Tonger the ex- pected wear life ofthe pipeline. Alumiaum pipeline should not be used in concrete pumping." Because pipeline must fequently be routed around or through obstructions, various tube bends and elbows are available in almost any degree of curvature desired, The dis- tance in which the curvature accu is referred to asthe een- ter fine radius (CLR). Bends in a pipeline increase the resistance to concrete flow. Whenever a choice is possible, a longer radius elbow provides less resistance to flow. As the concrete travels around a bend, flow accelerates at the outer wal. Ths eauses greater wear rate atthe outer wall. For this reason some bonds are manufactured with @ heavier outer wal, Heat treatment of elbows also improves longevity. 3.4—System connection ‘Concrete pipeline components may be assembled in virtu- ally any order, then disassembled and reconfigured ina dif- ferent manner. To achieve this flexibility, ech delivery fine ‘component requires the use of connecting ends or “collars,” coupling, and a gasket. 341 Couplings—The coupling devices. are made from malleable or ductile cast iron, and cast or forged stet Couplings consist of two halves that are either bolted together ‘or hinged at one ene. Hinged-type couplings typicelly uilize 2 ccamlover closure handle. This snap or quick release coupling provides the benefit of the most rapid assembly and disas- sembly of placing system, Snap couplings should always have 1 closed:-position lock pin that prevents inadvertent or acci- dental opening of the coupling due to vibration or mechanical interference. Boltedtype couplings provide a stronger, more secure connection joint than & snap coupling. ‘This type of coupling is recommended for vertical standpipe, line locations subject to high intemal pressures, or locations where the coupling willbe pulled around obstructions. 3.4.2 Gaskets—The coupling connections require a gasket sealing ring to hold the required pressure and to prevent grout leakage. Loss of grout reduces the lubricating film on the pipeline surface and may result in a pipeline blockage. 3.4.3 End configurations—The connecting ends or collaes| are produced with mating surfaces to accommodate the cou- pling devices. Several styles of matched ends and couplings are used in concrete pumping (Fig. 8). 8) Grooved—Shallow grooves are cut into the tubing or a separate weld-on end. The end or collar typically has the same outer diameter asthe tube itself. Grooved-end systems over 3 in, are not able (o withstand the pressures generated by most conerete piston pumps and must not be used with pamps cape- ble of excceding their 500 psi working pressure limit, ) Raisec-end welded-on ends incorporate a raised section profile of a set width and shoulder diameter which the ‘coupling engages. Since material is added to the outer dian ter of the tubing, these joins can withstand pressures excess of 2000 psi. They can also withstand considerable stress from extemal bending forces, Raised-end systems are the most commonly used type. There are several different styles, One style may not be compatible with another style and ‘they should not be intermixed without proof of compatibility. PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS. ©) Tongue-and-groove—Basically a modified raised end, this style uses a male and a female flange with the sealing ring positioned between the two end faces. This configura- tion can handle the highest line pressures and is generally cused near the pump. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the tube assembly can be oriented in only one way. In addition, itis difficult to remove a section of placing line and proper cleaning of the female end groove ean be tedious. 3.5—Flexible system—Hose types and applications, ‘Rubber hose is frequently used atthe end of a placement system. ‘The flexibility of the hose allows workers to place concrete exactly where it is needed. This hose is specifically designed and manufactured to meet the rigorous demands of placing concrete, Abrasive material is pumped through it "under high pulsating pressures while the outside covering is subject to friction, rough handling, and abuse on the jobsite. ‘Concrete pumping hose is divided into two classi hhose intended for use atthe end of a placing line (discharge hhose), and hose used on a placing boom (boom hose) Discharge hose has a lower pressure rating, Boom hose typ cally connects rigid boom sections and must withstand high pressures. This type of hose is also used to accommodate movement required between segments of pipeline, such as the transition from land-based to floating pipeline. ‘The two basic types of eonerete pumping hose are fabric- reinforced and wire-reinforced, The hose burst and working pressures are determined by the quantity, type, and strength of the reinforcement (piles). In addition to the classification and working pressure, there are several other important hose selection consider- ations. They ate: ) About three times more pressure is required to pump concrete through a given length of hose than is needed to pump through the same length of ste! line. ) Pumping pressure may cause a cutved or bent hose to straighten. Injuries have resulted from such movement. Sharp bends must be avoided. 8.6—Concrete placing system accessories 3.6.1 Valves—Several types of valves are curently man factured for concrete pipelines. Manually or hydraulically operated valves are available for three basic functions. ‘Manufacturers recommendations for appropriate location and pressure limitations must be followed ‘Shut-off This type of valve stops the flow of concrete within the placing system. ‘These valves are useful for holding a “head” of concrete in a vertical standpipe and ‘come in a wide range of internal pressure ratings. Sut-off valves may be of the “spade,” “gate,” or “pin” varieiy. All of these valves restrict the flow of concrete by the insertion of a blocking member in the valve body. Diversion—This type of valve has the ability to divert ot split concrete into mote than one placing line. A diversion- type “Y” valve incorporates a moveable paddle to direct conerete flow to one line while sealing off flow to the other line, The paddle is moved by an external lever. A swing tube- type of diversion valve rotates the discharge between two or 304.2R-9 ‘more outlet ports. Diversion valves are commonly used in concrete tunnel lining work where more than one pipeli ‘may be placed within the form, Discharge—A discharge valve allows concrete to be placed at desived locations along the pipeline. These may be set up in a series to accomplish specific location pours ‘Concrete drops from these valves in lieu of being forced out ‘under pressure. Tremies are often used in conjunction with discharge valves to control placement. 3.6.2. Reducers—Reducers are tapered sections of rigid placing line used to make a transition between different system diameters, Reducers are commonly used between the pump discharge and the placing line. Additionally, reducers are commonly used to convert from the rigid placing system to a smaller and more flexible placing hose, Reducers must have high wear resistance and be able to withstand the pres- sure requirements. Because changing the system diameter ccauses increased friction and wear, tho reducer lengths should be as long and as gradual as practical Concrete must move faster through 2 smaller Line than through a large one to deliver the same volume in a given period of time. This increase in velocity causes a significant increase in the wear rate at the reducer. Reducers should be ‘made of the heaviest wall material practical, have smooth interior surfaces, and have inlet and outlet diameters that ‘match the connecting line 36:3 Support brackets and restraints—A. vatiety of pipe- line support brackels and system-restraining products are currently available, Movement of the pipeline creates high stresses on the couplings and reduces pumping performance. Beiter and safer pumping performance can be achieved when the system is secured or restrained to minimize movement. ‘The appropriate brackets should be easy and quick to use and be adjustable to adapt to variable jobsite conditions Safety chains or slings are used in placing operations, where system components are to be suspended over work areas. Reducers and hoses at the tip of placing booms are prime examples. 3.64 Sysiem cleanout elements To help achieve ‘maximum component life, safe and thorough cleanout of the pipeline is necessary at the end of each placement or at any time a lengthy delay in pumping operation occurs. A concrete pumping pipeline is cleaned by propelling a sponge ball, or rubber “go-devil," through the line with air or water pressure. The cleanout operation must be performed under the supervision of a rained and qualified operator. ‘The safest way to clean outa system is with water, but water is not always available, and may present a disposal problern Air cleanout presents fewer operational problems, but compressed air in the pipeline will remain in the system even, alter the air supoly is tumed off, until itis safely relieved. This, residual pressure can propel the cleanout device with an explosive and violent force or cause an unsecured system t0 \whip if it is not property relieved. Opening any coupling in a ipeline under air pressure may result in injury or death, ‘Many items are manufactured to help enable safe system cleanout using either water or air under pressure. Compo- nents available include cleanout balls of various diameters s022R-10 Table 3— Suggested weights por yd? of rounded river gravel for concrete to be pumped Coane aggepie iz root “ind ie, | ain, | iim, | Tain, fot | Now | nod | ‘Not Coane 150] —1510| isto] 1760 eo we |e | le |e ‘sa wso_[ io | ito | 1880 Medium 3001500] 190] —ist0 Bren ioral treed eee (Et e.a0 vioo_|_séao_|_ 190 |e Fine 380 a0 [1860 Faia to to | ie wha 180 sito | Sco "Thi uble dad on Cris 5 prec a abs on dad vr gel eng eey Ino ont eho 96 peel str shove may te {teem or ecu cit propionate a aeons ‘Table 4—Suggested weights per yd" of crushed stone aggregate for concrete to be pumped Coan ages ies “pet Yad | 38m, | 2m. | avin. [ tm, | Tia. Not | Net | Not | nod | ‘Nat Coane 100 | 10] 30] 1570 EM 280 eo | ie | ‘w | le ‘ni igo | io | Sio_| 10 Metin nao} tan] 1490] —1610 Pac tote eats ieee ie a vo | so | Sro_| 100 ine tia} 410] —as30 | 1650 PM 40 oe |e | te | io io. i | wo | io | 180 Bi ok oy Co aps hl mcd ps intend edocs indict aig ‘elgho soc conta and materials, "go-devils,” “devil catchers,” and air and water valve caps.!! ‘Arrangements for disposal of this residual conerete should be made before pumping begins CHAPTER 4—PROPORTIONING PUMPABLE CONCRETE 4,1—Basic considerations ‘Concrete pumping isso established in most areas that most ready-mixed concrete producers can supply a concrete mixture that will pump readily if they are informed of the concrete pump volume: capacity and its pressure capability, pipeline iameter, and horizontal and vertical distance to be pumped. Tables 3 and 4, which are based on field experience, suggest the weights of natural and crushed coarse aggregate to be used with fine aggregate, of various fineness moduli per cubic yard of concrete In many cass, this guideline is all that is required {oprovide a pumpable mix. The following information on pro- portioning is provided for use where a supplier of pumpable conerete is not readily available orto expedite identification of the mixture components causing a pumping problem with a mix which is expected to be pumpable ‘The shape of the coarse aggregate, whether angular oF rounded, has an influence on the mix proportions, although both shapes can be pumped satisfactorily. The anguler pieces have a greater surface area per unit volume as compared {© rounded pieces, and thus requite more mortar to coat the sur- face for pumpability. ‘ACI COMMITTEE REPORT ‘The extent to which attention must be given to the mortar (cement, sand, and water), and to the amounts and sizes of aggregates will depend on the capability of the pump to be used, and the height and/or distance the conerete is to be pumped. Dependability of concrete pumping is affected by the capability of the pumping equipment and the control and consistency of all the ingredients in the mixture, the bate! and mixing operations, and the knowledge and experience of the personnel involved. ‘The principles of proportioning are covered elsewhere.!28 Particular reference in this report is made to ACT 241.1 and ACI 211.2 covering the principles of proportioning for normal weight and for lightweight concrete. This chapter cusses the characteristics of coarse and fine normal weight and lightweight aggregates, water, cement, and admixtures as they relate to pumpability of concrete. Once a mixture is proved to be pumpable, a consistent repetition of all factors insures smooth operation 4.2—Normal weight aggregate 42.1 Coarse normal weight aggregate—The maximum size of angular coarse aggregate is limited to one-third of the smallest inside diameter of the pomp ot pipeline, For well- rounded aggregate, the maximum size should be limited to ‘seo-fifths ofthese diameters, Provisions should be made for ‘elimination of over-sized particles in the concrete by finish sereening (ACI 304R) or by careful selection of the coarse aggregate, While the grading of sizes of coarse aggregate should meet the requirements of ASTM € 33, itis important to recognize that the range between the upper and lower limits of this standard is broader than that the Committee recommends to produce a pumpable concrete. ASTM C33 states that the ranges are by necessity very wide to accom- ‘modate nationwide conditions. In addition, ASTM C 33 specifics grading requirements based on nominal maximum size aggregate (NMSA), which designates a size number down to the smallest sieve opening through waich most of the aggregate will pass. Where a small diameter pipeline is used, all coarse aggregate must pass the designated screen opening or line blockage will result, For example, 1/2 in, minus is recommended for 2-in.-diameter pipeline, and all aggregate must pass that screen for successful pumping, ‘An important addition to ASTM C 33 is the provision that “Designation of a size number (for coarse ageregate) fo indi- cate a nominal size shall not restrict the person responsible for selecting proportions from combining two or more grad- ings of aggregate to obtain a desired grading, provided that the gradings are not otherwise restricted by the project spec~ fier and the NMSA indicated is not exceeded.” This allows the addition of a pea gravel which is too coarse to be sand and 00 fine to be coarse aggregate, ‘These materials fil major voids between coarse aggregate particles." ‘This procedure allows combining and blending certain fractional sizes to produce aggregate suitable for pumping. Consistency in grading i essential to avoid variability in the pumpability of any mixture, Ageregate gradings must be closely monitored and blends adjusted, if necessary, to assute uniformity in the combined aggregate gradation. PLAOINIG CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS. ‘The maximum size of the coatse aggregate has a signi cant effect on the volume or amount of coarse aggregate that may be efficiently used. The quantity of coarse aggregate must be substantially reduced as the NMSA is reduced because the greater surface area of the smaller diameter aggregate for « given weight of coarse aggregate requires more paste to coat all surfaces and leaves insufficient paste to lubricate the pipeline. 4.2.2 Fine normal weight aggregate—The properties of the fine agaregate or sand play @ much mote prominent role in tho proportioning of pumpable mixes than do those of the coarse aggregate. Together with the ecient and water, the fine aggregate provides the mortar or fluid which conveys the coarse aggregates in suspension, thus rendecing a mix- ture pumpable. ‘Tables 3 and 4 suggest a simplified approach to deter the amount of coarse aggregate for pump mixes depending. on the fineness modulus ofthe fine aggregate. Table 3 should be used for rounded river gravel and Table 4 for crushed. stone. This information is based on the values shown in Table 5 and incorporates. the characteristic differences between rounded river gravel and crushed stone, ‘The gradation of fine aggregate should conform to the requirements of ASTM C 33. Experience has shown that particular attention should be given to those portions passing the finer sereen sizes." At least 15 to 30 percent should pass. the No, 50 sereen and 5 to 10 percent should pass the No. 100 soreen, Fine aggregates that are deficient in either of these {ovo sizes should be blended with selected fine sands, mineral admixtures, or other materials to produce these desired percentages. Use of greater than the preceding amount of these finer fractions requires the use of additional water that may cause excessive shrinkage and be harmful to strength. ‘The fineness modulus of fine aggregate meeting ASTM C 3 gradation specifications will fall between 2.30 and 3.10 with the median being 2.70, Higher values of fineness modulus indicate coarser materials and lower values cate finer materials. Pumpability of mixtures is generally improved with a decrease in the fineness modulus, or in other words, with the use of finer fine aggregate, Sands hhaving 2 fineness modulus between 2.40 and 3.00 are gener- ally satisfactory provided the percentages passing the No. ‘0 and 100 sieves meet the previously stated requirements. ‘The fineness modulus alone, without stipulations about particle distribution, may not produce satisfactory results. With the finer fine aggregate (lower values of fineness modulus), larger quantities of coarse aggregate may be used, as shown in Table 5. (Fig. 9 shows the same informa- tion as a graph.) ACI 211.1, Section 6.3.6.1 states for more ‘workable concrete, which is sometimes required when placement is by pump, it may be desirable to reduce the sti- mated coarse aggregate content determined by Table 5 up to 10 percent, However, caution must be exercised to assure the resulting slump, Water-cement or water-cementitious materials ratio, and strength properties of the concrete meet applicable project specification requirements. This redue- tion provides a safety margin for variations in fine aggregate gradation and reduces pumping pressures. Under conditions 08.2R-11 ‘Table 5—Volume of coarse aggregate per unit of volume of conerete ‘Nominal | Nelune of ovn-dry-7odded couse aggregate® per uit ‘Romine | volume of cones for iferen nents mado of ie eof sesrenic segreant.in.| Bad 2b 230) 300 ta 060 aa aa Oat a re 037 oss, 033 a4 0.65 4 oa be t 031 8 sr bs te 035 on ont 069 2 078 O76 on on 3 om a0 ons 0% 6 ox 85 ox ost Fins Takes dls datain ASTM “Theve volumes or selected from empirical elton 1 conate with 2 Semmes arenes ‘hou 1 power, Rr mere work ctore mo Sevon 61 8 SiGe ans oa of good materials control and uncomplicated line systems, this redaction may not be required. It should also be empha sized that for uniformity, the fineness moclulus of the fine aggregate should not vary more than 0.20 from the average value used in proportioning. Fine aggregate for concrete may be obtained from natural deposits, or may be manufactured by crushing and grinding coarser materials tothe desired sizes. The pumping charac teristics of various sources of fine aggregate may vary, but it appears that the fineness modulus is a good indicator of the acceptability of either type. More or less of any particular particle size than ASTM C 33 permits for fine aggregate should be avoided. Small quantities of materials such as crusher dust, wash pit sediment, fly ash, and beach or dune sand are often useful in correcting deficiencies in the finer sizes, Experience indicates that combining materials from separate sources often brings excellent results. The use of as, litle as 5 percent river sand may render crushed rock sand pumpable, In the same way, small additions of rock fines ‘may improve the pumpability of natural sands, particularly ‘where dredging has washed! out the finer sizes. Additions of as little as 25 Ib/yd? can create a noticeable improvement in pumpabiity of a mixture, Table 5 is suggested as a guide to determine the amounts of coarse aggregate to be combined with fine aggregate of different fineness modulus vaiues As a guide in selecting suitable fine aggregate, the solid- line curves in Fig. 10 and LL are suggested. In Fig, 10, the percentage passing each sereen size is shown together with ASTM limits, while in Fig. 11 the individual percent retained on each screens shown. Both solid curves represent identical data. Although in practice it may be impossible 10 duplicate this recommended fine aggregate gradation exactly, fine aggregates having a gradation closer t0 the upper limit (fine) are more desirable for pumping than those near the fower limit (coarse), The fineness modulus of this composite material is 2.68; the gradation meets ASTM C33 specifications and produces a smooth curve, and the percent- ages passing the No. 50 and No. 100 sereens are well within the limits preseribed previously 308.212 ‘ACI COMMITTEE REPORT Bulk Volume of Coarse Agaregate asa Fraction of Total Conrete Volume Data from Table 6.3.6 ACI 211.1-91 0.90 0.80 0.70 2.40 2:60 2.80 3.00 0.60 0.50 Fineness Modulus of Sand Only ne 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 Coarse Aggregate Nominal Maximum Size Bulk Vol. Fraction-C. Agg. Fig 9—Bulk volume of coarse aggregate as fraction of total concrete volume data from Table 6.3.6, ACT211.1-91 100 90 Fine sand Recommended gredation =o == ASTM C33 limite 80 70 60 |Coarse san aN, Percent passing by weight 8 40 30 20 4 10 0 1 mm =«635—i«TSCCi«iCLIOHDH ORT. (OOTH Number V4-in. 4 a 16 30 50100200 Screen size Fig. 10—Recommended normal weight fine aggregate gradation (percent passing) & 28 Be 33 e3 é rt CTT) Number Vii 4 4B BOD Screensize Fig, 11—Recommended normal weight fine aggregate gradation (individual percent retained) PLACING CONCRETE BY PUMPING METHODS 308.2R-43 Combined normal weight aggregate analysis Step 1. Determine total weight of all aggregates. We. coarse aggregate (1bs.) (CA) A Wt. fine aggregate (1bs.) (PA) B We. other fine materials: Blend aggregates Cement over 470 lbs. Total other aggregate lbs. (OA) © Weight of total aggregate (TA) D Step 2. Determine adjustment factor for CA, FA & OA percentages. cA wt. - TA we. [A - D] cA factor FA wt. - TA wt, [B - D) FA factor OA wt. ~ TA we. [C - D) = OA factor Step 3. Determine weighted percent of aggregate passing each screen. T T T T T TAIB#C | IMaterial|_% Passing | Col. A | col. B | col. c [cum 3 | |_Size _|SCATSPA[#OA|®CA x CA Factor|$FA x FA Factor |%0A x OA Factor|Passing| [saan 2 Teseeee Ferree ese 1 1 riz) ae 1 zl tia 1 1 | 34 t ' ! i 1 i. i a Ee i I I I 1 i t I I a 1 Vesa eesti 1 (me! i ito 1 (501 i \f100— 1 \ sa! 3/ 109) 2 100 90

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