Effect of Ultrasound on the Formation of a Lubrication Layer in Concrete Pumping

Abstract

When concrete is being pumped through a pipe, a lubrication layer is formed at the interface between the concrete and pipe, which plays a dominant role in determining the pumpability. In the present study, a method to improve the properties of the lubrication layer was suggested by imposing ultrasound on the pipe. To examine the effects of ultrasound on the formation of lubrication layer, three different intensities of ultrasonic energy were applied while conducting 170 m long full scale pumping tests. When ultrasound was applied, the lubrication layer thickness increased, which led to a decrease in pumping pressure. Therefore, the application of ultrasound can be an effective method for improving pumpability.

Development of technology for the preparation of heavy-duty concrete mixtures by processing with an ultrasonic multi-frequency acoustic field

“…The technological scheme takes into account the conditions of the four stages indicated earlier, provided that the most effective method is the activation of the mixing water, subsequent treatment of the cement mixture with ultrasound without additives, then when mixing with additives and a multi-frequency acoustic field of increased power -when feeding the concrete mixture to the laying site through a sleeve [30,31]. In fact, the mixing procedure is divided into two parts, first, a mixture of cement with activated water is homogenized in the mixing chamber, then multifrequency ultrasonic mixing occurs with the addition of small and large fillers and plasticizer additives.…”