This presaturation process aides in preventing the aggregate from absorbing water during the pumping process. It therefore minimizes slump loss as well as increasing the pumpability of the concrete. On the job site, the field technician will find as a result of the aggregate presaturation that the plastic density will be greater than the plastic density for nonsaturated lightweight aggregate concrete for the same air dry unit weight. But this increase in unit weight will eventually be lost thru atmospheric drying. The additional internal moisture also aides the internal curing of the concrete.
Trial Pump A pre-job field trial is recommended.
The actual job site pumping equipment and mix design should be used. The participants should include representatives of the contractor, architect, structural engineer, pumper, testing laboratory and Norlite. Construction site conditions concerning height and distance the concrete is to be pumped should be simulated as closely as possible. Samples should be taken at discharge end of pump line. Back to top Pump and the Pumping System Certain considerations should be made for the pumping equipment.