How To Pour Concrete: 4 Best Methods
Concrete pouring often requires a combination of specialised machinery and skills, but it usually begins with a concrete truck. Depending on the project type, volume of concrete, access to the work area and specific job needs, there are several methods to effectively pour concrete, each with their own advantages and limitations. Here’s a closer look at the four most common methods of concrete pouring.
4 Main Methods of Concrete Pouring:
1. Concrete Truck Chute
The most common and traditional method for pouring concrete is through the use of a concrete truck and it's attached chute. Generally, the concrete truck arrives on site and the concrete is unloaded directly from the truck’s rear chute into the desired location. This method is simple and quick, making it ideal for smaller projects like pavements or driveways, where the concrete pour is relatively short and easy to access. No other specialised equipment is required when using the chute of the concrete truck to pour, making it particularly suited for areas that are easily accessible by the truck.
However, concrete truck chutes have limitations, particularly in how far they can reach, as they typically cannot extend in length. The average length of a concrete truck chute ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 meters, although this will differ based on the specific model or manufacturer of the concrete truck. If the site is too large, the chute may not be able to reach the desired pour location, and if the site is too small or complex, the truck may not be able to fit through access points or get close enough to the pouring area. Additionally, uneven or soft ground poses safety risks, making it difficult for the heavy truck to manoeuvre and increasing the chances of getting stuck.
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2. Wheelbarrow
The wheelbarrow has been a reliable tool for transporting and pouring concrete for many years. It remains a practical, cost-effective option for small-scale projects, especially in areas with restricted access where larger equipment cannot be used. This makes it a popular choice for garden and home renovation projects, where precise placement of concrete is essential. A wheelbarrow provides complete control over the amount and location of the pour, making it suitable for tasks that require accuracy. It can be used in conjunction with a cement mixer or a concrete truck, offering flexibility based on the specific needs of the project.
However, the wheelbarrow method comes with notable drawbacks. Transporting concrete in wheelbarrows is highly labor-intensive and physically demanding, often requiring significant effort from workers. It doesn’t take much imagination to recognize how time-consuming and exhausting this process can be, particularly for larger tasks. The lack of speed is a major disadvantage, as moving concrete this way often requires multiple workers and considerable time to complete the job. For larger pours or projects with tight deadlines, this method is inefficient and impractical, making it the least effective option when compared to more modern alternatives.
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3. Concrete Pump
Concrete pumps are another option for pouring concrete on site. Boom concrete pumps are commonly used for larger construction projects, such as new housing developments and business parks, where long-reach, accurate pouring is required. These pumps are also ideal for pouring concrete at various heights, making them particularly useful for constructing buildings like multi-story car parks. A ground pump is perfect for residential areas with limited access, such as transporting concrete into a garden through a narrow alley beside a house. The concrete is fed into the pump, which runs along the ground to the required location. This eliminates the need for the concrete truck to access the back garden directly.
However, concrete pumps are very expensive pieces of equipment to buy, maintain or even hire and often have long lead times, meaning you could face delays in being able to lay your concrete. Another drawback is the flow control - it's not as simple as turning the pump on and off. The pipe still needs to expel the remaining concrete before shutting down, which can result in an extra 2 to 5 seconds of flow. If not timed properly, this can lead to overspill or wasted concrete. Due to the complex mechanisms of a concrete pump, thorough cleaning is also required after each use, using specialised equipment to ensure all hydraulics and extending pipework are properly cleaned. If not maintained properly, repairs can be very costly.
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4. Excavator Concrete Bucket
A common method for pouring concrete involves using an excavator equipped with a concrete pouring bucket. This approach is particularly popular on tight, complex or boggy sites where a concrete truck may struggle to navigate. Concrete pouring buckets are designed with a large capacity and a pouring chute, making it simple to place concrete with precision in the desired area. This makes them especially useful for construction projects that require careful control, such as pouring concrete footings, slabs for buildings and filling drainage trenches with pea shingle. Once you invest in a concrete pouring bucket, it becomes a long-term asset that you won’t need to replace. It’s also easy to clean, requiring only a simple hose down to remove any leftover concrete.
However, using a concrete pouring bucket to pour concrete does have its limitations. It relies on the availability of an excavator on-site, which may not always be practical for smaller projects or those with limited resources. Additionally, unlike a concrete pump that offers a continuous flow, using an excavator with a pouring bucket can be slower and more time-consuming. Each load of concrete must be transported individually from the concrete truck to the pour site, requiring multiple trips. Despite these challenges, the excavator and bucket combination remains a valuable tool for specific scenarios where precision and mobility are essential.
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Shop Rhinox's range of Concrete Pouring Buckets - Available to order online for 5 to 25 ton excavators. |
Choosing the Right Method for Pouring Concrete
Selecting the right method for pouring cement and concrete is crucial to ensuring the success of your project. By carefully evaluating the project size, site conditions and access requirements, you can choose the most efficient and cost-effective method, saving time, effort and resources while ensuring a high-quality pour.
Select your concrete pouring method:
Concrete Truck Chute: Ideal for small projects like driveways and pavements with easy truck access. This method is simple, fast, and doesn’t require additional equipment, but it’s not suitable for hard-to-reach or complex sites due to the chute’s limited reach.
Wheelbarrow: Best for small-scale projects with restricted access, such as gardens or home renovations. It offers precise control and is cost-effective, but it is labour-intensive and inefficient for larger pours or projects with tight deadlines.
Concrete Pump: Perfect for large-scale projects or pours requiring long reach or high-altitude placement, such as multi-story buildings. Pumps provide speed and precision, especially in hard-to-access areas, but they come with high costs and require skilled operators.
Excavator Concrete Bucket: Suited for complex, confined, or boggy sites where precision is essential. This method is versatile and allows for accurate placement of concrete, but it’s slower than pumps and requires an excavator, which may not always be available.
Shop online with Rhinox!
If using a concrete pouring bucket is the best concrete pouring method for your projects then we are here to help! Rhinox manufacture a full range of excavator concrete pouring buckets for 5 to 25 ton excavators with capacities up to 1 cubic metre to make your concrete pouring jobs more efficient. All Rhinox concrete buckets are available for same day dispatch so you can get your order as quickly as the next working day! Order online today or get in touch to order via our team.
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