Types of underwater concreting with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each method

Placing concrete in water is a very difficult operation. All aspects of the method, from mixing, transportation, placement and control of the work, must be carefully evaluated and should only be carried out by highly experienced engineers and workers. The aim of placing concrete underwater is to keep the fresh concrete and water as separate as possible and to prevent rapid water flow when they come into contact so that the cement is not washed away. For these reasons, choosing the correct placing method is the most important factor in terms of final quality. When using conventional concrete under water, there is a possibility that some of the mixed cement will be washed away by contact with water. This can reduce the surface strength of the concrete mix and create permeability towards its internal reinforcement. Therefore, underwater concreting methods should be implemented based on the minimum amount of contact between water and concrete and also on the prevention of any disturbance in the water. Of course, sometimes a type of this material that is not dispersible (such as non-dispersible concrete) can be used as a common method in underwater concreting. This article refers to some of the most important methods of concreting underwater. The most important methods of underwater concreting include pouring with underwater cups, pouring with a funnel and pipe (thermic pipe), pouring the mixture underwater with a pump, bag work method, Hydro-valve concreting, and the injection method in underwater concreting.

Types of underwater concreting with a focus on the strengths and weaknesses of each method Keywords:

Underwater works , thermal pipe , Hydrovalve concreting , injection method , horizontal concrete distribution , formwork