Top Tips for Pumping Concrete in Winter

December 14, 2015

Pumping concrete in cold temperatures can present a number of problems: the biggest potential problem being that concrete could freeze during the process and thus stop the flow of concrete through the pipes.

To achieve the perfect pour, and prevent delays and additional costs, it’s important to take steps to ensure concrete does not freeze whilst being pumped. We’ve listed a few of our top tips to ensure this doesn’t happen.

Mix concrete with hot water

Mixing concrete with hot water is one of the most effective ways to ensure it doesn’t freeze whilst being pumped through the pipeline. The water should be mixed in during the waiting and delivery stages. Slurry should also be mixed with hot water when priming, else this can freeze against the pipe and restrict the flow of concrete.

Insulate pipes

Pipes can be insulated from the cold in a number of ways, the most popular being to attach foam tubes around the pipeline. The foam acts as an insulator to preserve heat within the pipes, ensuring that the concrete can flow freely during the pumping process without the colder weather affecting the pour.

Warm the boom

This is done by using the exhaust from the unit’s engine. A heat resistant hose is placed on the exhaust pipe, with the other end going into the tip hose of the boom. The unit should be allowed to thaw by the warm air that flows through the pipeline.

There must be an open pathway for air to exit the unit, else this will cause a buildup of pressure in the truck’s engine.

Concrete accelerator

Concrete accelerators speed up the setting process for concrete, which can be extremely beneficial for getting the concrete pumped and set before the cold sets in during the winter months.

Additives such as calcium chloride are useful only in colder weather, but if the mix freezes before it is thawed, the machine must be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent the additive speeding up the setting process whilst the concrete is still being pumped.

 

Here at Roadmaster Concrete Mixers, our team are experienced in dealing with concrete at all times of the year, so we know the importance of managing concrete pumping correctly in the winter. We specialise in the supply of volumetric concrete mixing trucks, saving you time and money by mixing the right amount, and on-site.

To discuss your company’s mixing truck needs, and for more information about the services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated team today – we’ll be happy to advise you.