Title:
Testing for Optimum Pumpability of
Concrete
Author(s):
J.F. Best and R.O. Lane,
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
2
Issue:
10
Appears on pages(s):
9-17
Keywords:
aggregates; fly ash; mix proportioning;
mortars (material); pastes; pumped concrete; sands;
testing equipment.
DOI:
Date:
10/1/1980
Abstract:
A testing and evaluation program was conducted at the TVA Laboratories to determine significant parameters relative to pumping concrete and mortar mixes, and to develop a simple laboratory pump apparatus and test method which would provide quantitative comparisons of the relative pumpability of concrete mixes. The effects of numerous variables on the pumping characteristics of concrete were investigated ncluding water-cement ratio; mortar volume; air content; slump; sand content; aggregate shape, size, and content; and the addition of fly ash. Where applicable, the effective of each variable was evaluated by comparing pumpability in three phases: paste, mortar, and concrete. The study resulted in the design of a small pump test apparatus for pastes and mortars and a slightly larger model for the testing of concrete mixes. Both testers produced good correlation of results between lab and field tests utilizing full-scale concrete pumps. [Authors]