High-rise concrete pumping for skyscraper construction

This article explains the role of high-rise concrete pumping in India's fastest-growing construction sector. Technical problems, improved mix designs, SCMs, admixtures, and contemporary technology all contribute to the safety, efficiency, and durability of high-rise structures.

- Dr L R Manjunatha

India's construction of numerous tall buildings and skyscrapers necessitates the high-rise pumping of concrete. Hence, we need proper mix designs of concrete that utilise high-quality admixtures and SCMs. Apart from the above, we require the most modern technologies and equipment, along with trained manpower, to handle this sophisticated work and prevent concrete failures. Has the Indian RMC Industry geared up for the same? It is a big question mark!!

What is high-rise pumping of concrete?

High-rise concrete pumping is a modern construction method that uses specialised equipment to transport concrete to the upper floors of skyscrapers and other tall structures. It has replaced older, less efficient methods, such as using cranes to lift concrete in buckets, to increase safety, speed, and precision in construction.

Technical overview of high-rise pumping of concrete

High-rise pumping is the process of transporting fresh concrete vertically (often above 100 m, and up to 400–600 m in supertall buildings) through pipelines using specialised concrete pumps. It is an essential method for skyscrapers, bridges, towers, and tall infrastructure projects.

Code references & guidelines:

ACI 304.2R is placing concrete by pumping methods (American Concrete Institute), ACI 211.4R is a guide for selecting proportions for high-strength concrete, IS 4926:2015 is ready-mixed concrete (specifies guidelines for producing and transporting pumpable mixes), IS 456:2000 is plain and reinforced concrete (general design provisions), and EN 206 (Europe) is concrete, specification, performance, production, and conformity. Pump manufacturer guidelines also provide practical design limits and pump selection charts. These codes provide principles, but detailed pumpability criteria often come from research papers and equipment suppliers rather than national codes.