Tremie is a method of pouring concrete underwater or in deep underground spaces using a tube to direct the concrete. It is commonly used for building bridges and setting piles. The method helps the concrete set and dry properly, preventing subsidence. Tremie is also used to seal underground wells.
Tremie refers to a method of pouring concrete underwater or in dry spaces deep underground. Tremie can also refer to the main equipment used to direct the pouring of this concrete. A tremie pour allows the concrete to successfully set and dry and helps keep moisture away from the wet concrete mix.
The tremie method of pouring concrete is often used when building bridges, or to set piles needed to support footers and foundations in water or unstable ground. First, contractors build a standard module out of metal or composite materials. This shape must match the size and shape of the object under construction. A metal plate is attached to one end of the shape, and then the entire object is lowered until it reaches the seabed. The plate at the base of the module must be securely fixed so that no water can enter the module.
Next, the installers lower a tube of mortar or dip into the base of the form. One end of the pipe needs to stay close to the seabed, while the other end is fitted with a large bin or hopper to collect the freshly mixed concrete. A concrete mixer truck empties the mix into the hopper and the wet concrete travels the length of the tremie to fill the base of the formwork. Installers should keep the bottom of the mortar pipe in contact with the fresh concrete at all times for best results.
After the pour is complete, the tube is lifted up and out of the mould. The concrete is allowed to dry according to the type of mix used, and tests can be done to determine if the concrete has cured safely. Depending on the application, the modules can be removed or simply left in place.
The tremie method is also used to seal the linings of underground wells. Sealing around the well with concrete or mortar prevents the well from collapsing in on itself and also prevents unwanted surface water from contaminating the water supply. The tremie pumps wet concrete into the base around the well casing until the mix reaches ground level. Once the mortar pipe is removed, installers simply drill through the base of the casing and surrounding concrete to access water for the well.
Some may wonder why tremie is needed. While it is possible to simply pour concrete into a mold from above the water level, this generally results in a very poor finished product. Falling concrete is no longer mixed properly once it settles into the base of the formwork, resulting in voids or air pockets that could lead to subsidence.
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