What are the Methods for Transportation of Concrete?

Concrete transportation involves the transfer of freshly mixed concrete from its mixing point to the intended location for use in construction. The efficiency of this process depends on the initial setup time, workability requirements, and the chosen transportation method. Careful planning is crucial to ensure the addition of suitable additives for desired properties.

Why Efficient Concrete Transportation Matters

Meticulous planning is essential for concrete transportation, especially for temporary projects where travel time typically should not exceed thirty minutes. The unloading time from transport equipment varies, with a two-hour window for conventional methods and a reduced one hour for silent transport vehicles. Delays can lead to issues like honeycombing and chilly joints, rendering the concrete unusable.

Choosing the right method is crucial to avoid mix-up and ensure the concrete meets its intended purpose. Several factors influence the decision, including the concrete mix, weather conditions, building size, topography, batching plant location, and transportation costs.

Diverse Methods of Concrete Transportation

Mortar Pan Method:

• Widely used for smaller projects.
• Requires more effort but reduces the risk of concrete segregation.
• Suitable for various construction settings.

Wheelbarrow:

• Common for ground-level concrete delivery.
• Pneumatic wheels can prevent concrete splitting during transport.
• Suitable for short distances or on uneven ground.

Cranes, Buckets, and Ropeway:

• Efficient for skyscraper construction.
• Cranes facilitate horizontal and vertical concrete transfer.
• Ropeways and buckets are suitable for heavy material movement in large projects.

Belt Conveyor:

• Limited use due to separation issues on steep slopes and roller points.
• Modern conveyors offer flexibility in movement and speed.
• Ideal for restricted access areas.

Truck Mixer and Dumper:

• Quick and cost-effective for distances up to 5 km.
• Dumpers and truck mixers have varying capacities.
• Wet concrete should be covered during transport to prevent drying.

Chute:

• Facilitates vertical movement of concrete in confined spaces.
• Suitable for trenches with specific slope requirements.
• Minimizes segregation.

Skip and Hoist:

• Vertical movement for multi-story buildings.
• Large skips with a single unit enhance efficiency.
• Ensures a smooth and continuous process.

Transit Mixer:

• Popular for long-distance transport in Ready Mixed Concrete plants.
• Mounted on trucks with a capacity of 4 to 7 m3.
• Equipped with a pump for controlled concrete discharge.

Pumps and Pipelines:

• Labor-intensive but effective for space-constrained areas.
• Allows pumping of concrete at varying volumes and distances.
• Pipe materials include steel, plastic, or aluminum.

Conclusion:

While making concrete is straightforward, transporting it to the construction site is a critical step that significantly impacts quality. Choosing the right transportation method is essential to prevent issues like segregation and slump loss. Proper planning ensures that concrete reaches its destination within the required time frame, maintaining its workability and quality.