Single stage concrete pumping through 2.432Â km (1.51 miles): Weather and execution challenges

This paper describes the execution challenges faced during single stage pumping of concrete through 2.432 km. Pump and pipeline selection and installation, materials' development, establishing of control points and controlling variations are discussed. Concrete responses to weather changes play a vital role in concreting and pumping methodology development. Measuring pump pressure during pumping can provide insightful guidance to concreting. In order to optimize concrete mixtures, distance-specific mixture designs were developed and a relation between air-free paste volume (AFPV) and pumping distance is derived. Pipeline priming and washout procedures specific to long-distance pumping are elaborated in detail. The paper presents a broad understanding regarding the challenges encountered; changes in pumping distance, materials, and climate would change the approach to solutions.