In the construction area, efficiency and precision are important aspects. That’s why concrete with pump technology is being developed: it makes building progress faster and safer and reduces costs.
Concrete Pump with Mixer
A concrete pump with a mixer is a good explanation for a borehole machine combining two essentials into one tool: Perfect mixing of concrete and pumping the mixture directly to the desired site. Hence, it saves time and money, as mixing and pumping concrete through a separate drainpipe is unnecessary.
Concrete Pump with Boom
Height and distance, once the biggest obstacles to progress in concrete construction, are no longer a problem.
Another element of the set-up is the boom, a robotic arm attached to the concrete pump that can be programmed to extend to multiple desired lengths and can pour concrete just about anywhere, even in the most intricate geometric shapes.
These advanced concrete pumps guarantee a constant flow of concrete, decreasing the likelihood of air bubbles and improving the finish.
In this way, whether you’re building the world’s tallest skyscraper or a hyper-congested freeway network, concrete pumps are an essential tool of the trade.
Integration Made the Difference
Integrating a pump into concrete delivery has been a remarkable device for saving time in concreting construction and an entirely new trend for architectural design.
In the future, as technology keeps improving, new concrete pumps are likely to be developed with a more sophisticated function to facilitate society even more.
What Laws Do Companies Have to Abide By?
The operation of concrete pumps in Australia is controlled by laws, certifications and standards that dictate the industry:
Accreditation: To operate a concrete pump, the operator must be accredited and have a current Concrete pump operator CPID card in place.
Standards: A number of standards must be followed, namely,6: Concrete pumping, quality, safety and best practice AS3876.1: Concrete pumping, pipe and hose and other components.
Australian Standards
The Australian registrar developed the Australian Standard (AS 2550.15: 2019) and will provide users with detailed information on the safe use of concrete placing equipment such as line and boom pumps. The standard has been updated to cover modern practices and equipment so that all teeth machines, called concrete placing equipment, will operate safely.
Concrete Pumping Association of Australia (CPAA)
The CPAA is the professional body in Australia that represents all concrete pump owners, suppliers, manufacturers and associates. It provides an opportunity to focus on education, safety and certification to promote best practices and compliance in the concrete pumping industry.
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR)
SPVs, like some of our concrete pumping trucks, generally have to comply with some or all the Federal Australian Design Rules (ADRs) for brakes, lights, mirrors and mechanical coupling.
Work Health and Safety Regulations
These codes might also be accompanied by explanations of what specific practices should look like (i.e., how the regulated code is to be complied with) and what specific practices should not look like (i.e., prohibitions). For example, Queensland has a Concrete Pumping Code of Practice 2019 under which concrete pumps should be fixed or truck-mounted, and concrete should be pumped using flexible rubber hoses or pipework.
Industry Standards
For example, concrete pumping equipment is covered by industry-specific standards, such as those provided by WorkSafe Victoria, which specifies what needs to be done to operate, maintain and dispose of this equipment safely.
These need to be adhered to, as they play an important role in the safety of the concrete pumping industry and its employees. Operators and companies must follow all guidelines and uphold them to maintain the safe and professional operation of their concrete pumps.
The Evolution of Concrete Pumping: From Inception to Innovation
The Origins of Concrete Pumping
The process of concrete with a pump can be traced back to the early 20th century. Before the pumping method, the concrete was mixed on-site. Then, it was transported to the forms with wheel barrels or buckets, which took much labour and time.
But they broke through only in 1927 when the German engineers Max Giese and Fritz Hull came up with the idea of pumping concrete through pipes and then pumping it to a height of 38 metres and a distance of 120 metres. In 1932, the first concrete pump was patented in the Netherlands. Since then, the modern era of construction has started.
Latest Technologies in Concrete Pumping
Nowadays, a lot of modern techs have been introduced to the building industry to change the way concrete pumping works:
Concrete Pump with Mixer: Modern concrete pump trucks usually come with a built-in mixer. Thanks to the integration, concrete can be mixed and then delivered directly, saving effort, shortening the working process and guaranteeing the consistency of the concrete mixture.
Concrete Pump with Boom Plus: Booms revolutionised concrete delivery to high rises and giant projects. Boom pumps typically feature a remote-control articulating robotic arm that places concrete at high and far reaches.
Automation and Remote Control: The pouring process can be automated and remotely controlled. The pouring can be executed by the operator from a safe distance. This increase in efficiency minimises accidents at the same time.
Telematics and Data Analytics: The use of telematics systems embedded within concrete pumps allows for live performance and service data to be captured and analysed, effectively optimising operation and thereby maximising the usable lifetime of the unit.
Impact on the Construction Industry
As a result of concrete pumping technology, construction works have become more efficient, accurate, cost-effective and safe than ever before.
It helps contractors save time and increase efficiency with processing.
Furthermore, the deliverability and precision of concrete pumps make it easy and efficient for enterprises to transfer the concrete to the exact positions.
The strict control of concrete pumps can reduce the segregation error on the position, height, and width of concrete, as well as maintain the project’s structural integrity.
SUMMARY
From the basic rudimentary concrete pump in the past to the modern and advanced concrete pump with the highest degree of sophistication and high standard today, the development in the construction industry has made a great achievement. The level of advancement in technology we will have in the future will also affect the construction project’s efficiency levels.