In pumping operation, the force exerted by pumps must overcome the friction between concrete and the pumping pipes, the weight of concrete and the pressure head when placing concrete above the pumps.

In pumping operation, the force exerted by pumps must overcome the friction between concrete and the pumping pipes, the weight of concrete and the pressure head when placing concrete above the pumps. In fact, as only water is pumpable, it is the water in the concrete that transfers the pressure.

The main problems associated with pumping are the effect of segregation and bleeding. 

To rectify these adverse effects, the proportion of cement is increased to enhance the cohesion in order to reduce  segregation  and bleeding. On the other hand, a proper selection of aggregate grading helps to improve the pumpability of concrete.