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Increasingly, specifiers are requiring concrete to be tested for air content at the discharge end of concrete pumps at the point of placement in the concrete structure. In some cases, it is observed that air contents are much lower than that in samples tested at discharge from the truck chute. It is normal to find a loss of about 0.5 to 1.0 percent air as concrete is conveyed through a pump. However, with long boom pumps, having the boom in an orientation with a long, near-vertical downward section of pipe, the air content at discharge may be less than half of that of the concrete going into the pump hopper. When the boom is upward or horizontal, or if there is a 12-ft (3.6m) section of rubber hose placed horizontally at the discharge end, there is generally no significant loss of air. Certainly, air loss through a pump doesn’t occur every time. However, it does occur often enough to be considered seriously until better solutions are developed.

There are several mechanisms involved, but air loss will occur if the weight of concrete in a vertical downward section of pipe is sufficient to overcome frictional resistance to allow a slug of concrete to slide down the pipe. As the slug of concrete slides down the pipe, it develops a vacuum on the upper end that greatly expands the size of the air bubbles, and when the concrete hits an elbow in the boom or a horizontal surface, the bubbles collapse. The effect of this impact can be demonstrated by dropping concrete 15 or 20 ft (4.5 to 6 m). The loss of air can be further exacerbated due to the transition from a high pressure in the pump to a near vacuum condition in the pump line.

Most field experience suggests that air loss is greatest with high cement content and flowable concrete mixtures which slide down easier; however, air loss has also been experienced in mixtures with a moderate cement factor at about 500 lb/yd³ (300 kg/m³) and moderate slump. Loss of air content in pumped concrete will not reduce freeze-thaw durability of concrete as long as the air void system is not compromised.

The air loss due to pumping can be determined by measuring the air content of samples discharged from the ready mixed concrete truck and at discharge from the pump. Testing concrete as discharged from the pump alongside the pump will require the most critical boom configuration that will cause the highest loss of air content. If concrete at a higher air content (to compensate for this loss) is placed at a less critical, more horizontal boom configuration, the concrete placed in the structure will be at a high air content and lower strength.

To minimize the loss of air in concrete through a pump, procedures should attempt to keep concrete from sliding down the line under its own weight. Ensure that there is a continuous stream of concrete within the pump and inside the pumpline. Where possible, avoid vertical or steep downward boom sections. Be cautious with high slump, and particularly with highly cementitious, content mixtures. Steady, moderately rapid pumping may help somewhat to minimize air loss, but will not solve most problems.

► Try inserting a loop in the pipeline just before the rubber hose (do not do this unless pipe clamps are

designed to comply with all safety requirements). This method helps, but will not be a perfect solution. In

► Use a slide gate at the end of the rubber hose to restrict discharge and provide resistance.

► Use of a 6-ft. (2m) diameter loop in the rubber hose with an extra section of rubber hose is reported to be a

► Lay 10 or 20 feet (3 to 6 m) of hose horizontally on deck pours. This doesn’t work in columns or walls, and

► Reduce the rubber hose size from 5 to 4 inches (125 to 100 mm). A transition pipe of length 4 feet (1.2 m) or

PRECAUTIONS

Conduct a pre-pour conference in accordance with the agenda outlined in CIP 32 with the contractor, pump operator, and ready mixed concrete supplier present. Discuss the necessity for care in pumping air-entrained concrete, and list the precautions to take when pumping it. Maintain communication between all parties during the placement process.

® Before the pour, plan alternative pump locations and decide what will be done if air loss occurs. Be

prepared to test for air content frequently.

® Sampling from the end of a pump line can be very difficult and potentially hazardous. Wear proper

personal protective equipment. Never sample the initial concrete through the pump line. It is

recommended that sampling be done from the concrete placed in the structure as opposed to the

end of a pump line.

® Sample the first load on the job after pumping 3 or 4 cubic yards (2 to 3 m³). Temper it to the

maximum permissible slump. Swing the boom over near the pump to get the maximum length of

vertical downward pipe and drop the sample in a wheelbarrow. If air is lost, take precautions and

sample to measure air content at the point of placement.

® If air loss occurs, do not try to solve the problem by increasing the air content delivered to the pump

beyond the upper specification limit. High air content concrete with low strength could, or almost

surely will, be placed in the structure if boom angles are reduced or if somewhat lower slump

concrete is pumped.

® Research has indicated that when the loss of air content is not too high (less than about 3%), the air

void system in the concrete may still be adequate for freeze-thaw resistance. This is because most

of the air lost is through the larger air bubbles, which do not significantly affect the durability of

concrete.

1. Yingling, James; G.M. Mullings; and R.D. Gaynor, “Loss of Air Content in Pumped Concrete,” Concrete International, Volume 14, Number 10, October 1992, pp.57-61.

2. ACI 304.2R, “Placing Concrete by Pumping Methods,” American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI.

3. Hoppe, Julian J., “Air Loss in Free-Falling Concrete,” Queries on Concrete, Concrete International, June 1992, p. 79.

4. Gorsha, Russel P., “Air Loss in Free-Falling Concrete," Queries on Concrete, Concrete International, August 1992, p.71.

5. “Effects of Pumping Air Entrained Concrete,” Washington Aggregates and Concrete Association, March 20, 1991, 12 pp.

6. Dyer, R.M., “An Investigation of Concrete Pumping Pressure and the Effects on the Air Void System of Concrete,” Master’s Thesis, Department of Civil

7. Hover, K.C., Phares, R.J., “Impact of Concrete Placing Method on Air Content, Air-Void System Parameters, and Freeze-Thaw Durability”, Transportation Research