Pumpability of Optimized Grade Aggregates

Abstract

This work validates the gradation boundaries presented by Dr. M. Daniel Cook in his 2015 dissertation. A large variety of concrete gradations were pumped through a pipeline and their pressures were measured, analyzed, and compared. From this, recommendations for aggregates gradations were made to reduce required energy to pump a concrete mixture. A widely used field test, called the Slump Test, was used extensively in this project. Recommendations for slump were also given as a means to determine if a concrete is pump-able. Also, concrete containing air-entraining admixtures were tested to determine what happens when pumping air-entrained concrete. Along with these mixtures, a novel Rapid Shear Test was created as a means for determining whether shear properties of fresh concrete is a major factor in the property changes of pumped concrete. Together, these tests and results provide general recommendations and a framework for further comparative testing in the future.