Commercial Construction: Three Critical Considerations for Concrete Pump Selection
If you are planning on building or expanding a commercial building, you will need a concrete pump for the project. This type of equipment will ensure that your construction work is carried out with optimal speed and efficiency. Under ideal circumstances, your concrete contractor will provide a pump as an included element in the construction package. However, in some cases, you might need to acquire the machine from a specialist supplier. If you have never hired a concrete pump in the past, you should consider the below factors for ideal equipment selection.
Concrete Mix Design
You should think about the concrete mixes that you will use in the construction of your commercial structure when choosing a pump. If you choose an incorrect machine for your mix design, you will experience numerous challenges. Typically, you will have to return the wrong equipment and acquire a suitable alternative. This process will result in project delays and unexpected expenses. In general, it is advisable to choose a multipurpose pump which can handle different types of mixes. However, if you are planning on using a specialty mix such as one with large pieces of aggregate, you should look for the unique pumps intended for that application.
Maximum Distances
You should evaluate the maximum distances over which you will need to pump your concrete mix. In simple terms, you should check your site and determine the positions on which the pump can be placed. Then, you should measure the distance from the pump to the area in which the concrete will be poured. If you choose a pump which cannot ensure the delivery of the concrete with efficiency, you will experience a lot of inconveniences. Therefore, you should make a careful calculation of both the horizontal and vertical distances for optimal results. This consideration will help you avoid the delays and expenses caused by an unsuitable pump.
Volume of Concrete
Finally, you should choose a pump with a suitable maximum volume output of concrete. The right machine capacity will increase the speed and efficiency of your construction project. You should not acquire the pump with the highest capacity in your local market. This choice is not usually necessary or economically feasible. Instead, you should evaluate the needs of your project such as the amount of concrete required and the desired delivery rates. For example, decorative concrete can be installed using a small pump with considerably low output rates while structural elements will benefit more from a powerful, high-capacity pump.
For more information, contact companies like Hunter Concrete Pump Hire.