Concrete Pumping Newport

Concrete is the (literal) foundation of countless building projects, but unless you've got a concrete plant in your back garden, getting it to your site requires a concrete supplier.

Concrete suppliers can deliver your concrete in a mixer truck for you to pour yourself, or along with a pump. While they'll get the concrete there, preparing the site on your end can make the process a whole lot easier.

As the South West's leading concrete suppliers, we at Wright Readymix know a thing or two about smooth deliveries. Read on for our step-by-step guide to getting your site ready for concrete, whether you're going the pump route or opting for a standard delivery.

1. Check There's Enough Space

Mixer trucks and concrete pumps need a lot of space to operate (both on the ground and overhead), so it's important your site has enough room for them. This includes checking the width of your entrance and any overhead clearances.

Mixer trucks vary in size but are typically around 10 to 11.6 metres long and 3.5 to 4 metres tall at the hopper (the part that holds the concrete mix). Concrete pumps, meanwhile, come in two main types with different size ranges:

• Line pumps: These are smaller and designed to pump concrete over long distances through hoses. Their trucks usually have a height of around 2.4 to 3 metres and a length of 5 to 7 metres.
• Boom pumps: The height of these pumps depends on whether the arm is folded or unfolded. When folded, they can be as low as 3 metres tall. Their unfolded reach can vary significantly, with boom lengths ranging from 16 metres to as much as 62 metres (like the largest ones in our fleet, which are the biggest in the UK!). The truck itself is similar in length to a line pump truck, at 5 to 7 metres.

You should also designate a washout station with proper drainage for the pump operator to clean equipment after every pour.

2. Clear the Pouring Site

Once you're sure there's enough space for the mixer and pump (if you're renting one), you can move onto removing any vehicles, debris, building materials, or anything else that might get in the way of the pour. Don't forget about overhead obstacles - check for wires, trees, or overhangs that could snag the mixer or block the pump's boom.

If there's an obstacle you can't move and there's no other place to pour, talk to your concrete contractor. They might be able to adjust the pouring sequence to work around it, like by pouring sections in a different order or using smaller batches delivered by wheelbarrows or chutes.

3. Prepare the Ground

Next, you can start preparing the site for the pour itself. Make sure the ground where the concrete will be poured is level and compacted to prevent cracking in the finished product, and remove any grass, roots, sticks, rocks, or other debris, as organic matter can weaken the concrete.

It's a good idea to check the weather a few days in advance, as extreme temperatures can affect the curing process. If rain is expected, have a tarp or other covering ready to protect the fresh concrete. If it's going to be hot, consider dampening the ground slightly before the concrete arrives to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture from the concrete, which can lead to uneven curing.

4. Gather Your Equipment

Finally, gather the tools and equipment you'll need to move the concrete from the truck to the pouring site (if you're not using a concrete pump) and to finish the concrete. The exact tools will depend on the size and location of your project, but here are some common ones you might need:

• Wheelbarrows and buckets to transport concrete from the truck to your pouring area
• Rake to spread the concrete evenly
• Edger to create clean, finished edges
• Lute to smooth out the concrete surface and remove any air bubbles
• Safety gear, including gloves, eye protection, and high-visibility jackets

If you're unsure whether you need any additional equipment, don't hesitate to ask your concrete supplier beforehand. They'll be happy to advise you based on your specific project details.

Take Your Project to the Next Level With Concrete Supplied by Wright Readymix

Tired of scrambling to make sure your concrete delivery goes smoothly? At Wright Readymix, we understand the importance of a stress-free pour for a strong, lasting project. That's why we go beyond just supplying high-quality ready-mix concrete. Here's how we make your concrete delivery a breeze:

• Our team works closely with you to determine the exact concrete type and quantity for your project. We factor in factors like setting time and pour size to schedule the perfect delivery window.
• Need help navigating tight spaces or require a concrete pump for extended reach? We offer concrete pump rentals with highly skilled operators who guarantee efficient and safe transfer to your pouring location.
• We understand the importance of time. Our reliable delivery means your concrete arrives when and where you need it, with our team working efficiently to minimise delays.

Take the stress out of concrete delivery with Wright Readymix. Get a free quote online or call us on 01179 582090 today!

Concrete pumping is a vital part of countless construction projects. It lets you place concrete safely and efficiently, even in hard-to-reach areas or when dealing with large volumes. But like any process, mistakes can happen. The result? Delays, safety issues, and a compromised pour.

Don't worry. With over 25 years in the concrete business, we at Wright Readymix know how to make your pour flawless. Read on for five common concrete pumping mistakes to dodge and keep your project on track!

1. Choosing the Wrong Pump

Not all pumps are created equal. They come in all sorts of sizes and configurations, from trailer-mounted boom pumps that can reach over buildings to line pumps ideal for tight spaces. Choosing the wrong pump for your project's needs, whether it's reach, volume capacity, or boom placement, can massively reduce efficiency and increase the risk of mistakes. In the worst-case scenario, it can even pose safety risks if the pump can't handle the job.

Before hiring a pump, assess your project's requirements. It's a good idea to consult with a concrete pumping professional to determine the ideal pump type and size for your specific pour. Factors to consider include:

• Volume of concrete needed
• Distance it needs to travel horizontally and vertically
• Access limitations at the pouring site

By analysing these factors and comparing them to the available pumps, it'll be a lot easier to make an informed decision about which to go with.

2. Mixing the Concrete Incorrectly

There's also the concrete mix itself to consider. An overly wet concrete mix can block pumps and lead to segregation, where the coarse and fine aggregates separate. On the flipside, a dry mix can be difficult to pump and may not achieve maximum strength when cured.

To avoid this, make sure the concrete mix design is specifically formulated for pumping applications. Work with your supplier to fine-tune the mix if needed, regularly testing the slump and keeping the flow consistent throughout the pour.

3. Rushing the Process

Like any construction project, shortcuts rarely pay off. Concrete needs time to set right. Rushing the pour can trap air bubbles inside, making the final product weaker and more prone to cracks down the road.

The key to avoiding this is to be prepared. Figure out your concrete pour time and pump truck arrival well in advance, and get the site ready beforehand so you're not scrambling when they show up. You should also communicate clearly with the supplier and pump crew to make sure everyone's on the same page about timing. This way, you'll have the time you need for the concrete to settle properly, saving you from future headaches.

4. Ignoring Weather Conditions

Mother Nature can throw a wrench in even the smoothest concrete pour. Extreme heat can accelerate the concrete's setting time, which can lead to workability issues before it's placed in the forms. Cold weather can slow down setting time, extending the curing process and potentially compromising the concrete's long-term strength.

Be prepared to adjust the mix design or pumping schedule based on the weather forecast. This may involve adding admixtures to control setting time or using insulating blankets to protect the concrete from freezing temperatures. By planning for the weather, you can make sure the concrete has the proper time to cure and achieve optimal strength.

Want to know more? Read through our complete guides to pouring in hot and cold weather!

5. Neglecting Safety Protocols

Concrete pumping involves heavy machinery and wet concrete, both of which can pose major safety hazards to workers onsite. Some of the main risks include hose blowouts or hose whipping, electrocution from touching overhead power lines with the boom, and holding valve failures.

To minimise the risk of accidents and comply with legal regulations, it's important to follow all necessary safety protocols. Here are some of the key steps to take:

• Organise a safety briefing to make sure all personnel and contractors involved understand their responsibilities
• Equip all personnel with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear
• Communicate clearly with the pump operator, concrete truck drivers, and ground crew to prevent misunderstandings and potential accidents

This is just a starting point, so always stay up-to-date on industry standards and don't hesitate to consult a safety expert if you have any questions.

Wright Readymix: Expert Concrete Pumping Services in the South

Looking for a concrete pumping partner you can trust? With Wright Readymix, you can avoid these pitfalls and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience at every stage of your project. Here's what sets us apart:

• We have a huge fleet of concrete pumps available to hire, from our boomless minipump to the largest pump in the UK. Whatever your project size or location, we have the perfect pump for you. Not sure which pump is best? We're happy to discuss your project and recommend the perfect fit.
• Our skilled operators will handle the pumping safely and efficiently, saving you the cost and hassle of hiring a third party.
• We'll work with you to supply the exact ready mix concrete you need for your project, guaranteeing the perfect consistency and volume for the job. All our mixes come with a full guarantee for added peace of mind.
• Thanks to our large service area, we're able to reach you wherever you are in the south.
• Need advice on getting the best results? We're here to share our expertise whenever you need it.

Let's get started. Get a quote online or give us a call on 01179 582090 today!