got 500 yds coming up at a freeway overpass. Pumping the slope on the underside. It is steep 2' drop for every 1' elevation change. Line pumping it (they don't want to use a boom). anyways, I can pump from the top down or the bottom up. I was thinking of hanging hose from the top... maybe 20' secured to the bridge? Running it around the side then under? Any one line pumped something steep?

yes. it sucks and it's pumped stiff no more than a 2". it'll be a looooong day. my advice is to pack a big lunch. and as for pumping the job, set up on the bottom and work from the top down.

Top down. Easier to pull concrete downhill as long as it is tight.

Sounds like a shotcrete job.

May The Pump Gods Bless You!!!!!    PourItOut!!!

I'd probably loop it in from the side. Tie it off up hill, bring a couple small come along's to help pull it up hill. And lots of muscle. Starting at the bottom helps the mud stack better. It might pump easier at the hose end down hill (pile in better). Check the mix design to see if you can pump it.

Top down. Easier to pull concrete downhill as long as it is tight.

But who am I?

I like a 4000 psi mix for my 2.5 hose. I pump from the top down. If I am above the slope I will run the hose to the bottom and come back up to the top. While you pile it up you do not want a shot to hit it or down the hill the pile will go. I pump slow and easy, basically use the hose like a caulking gun and lace it in and let it sit a bit before screeding. I do all the placement for the local district DOT here.

Thanks for the suggestions. I mentioned the shotcrete idea and they are toying with it, the mix is a blend and I haven't seen the numbers yet but I hear its about 1500 lbs of 3/4 and 800 lbs of 3/8. Don't know the sand or cement ratios yet. Sounds a bit rocky to me. I would like to see about 1200 lbs of 3/4 and 400 lbs of 3/8 with more sand like 1200 lbs and a good 475 lbs or more of cement. What about a superplasticizer or water reducer, would that help the mix pump? going to check the job on monday, I'll make it work... pump-on!

In this case cement and ash makes it pump. Other times water or chemicals.

Yeah, 1600 lbs total rock will pump, but not 2300 lb. Also 6 bag (480lb) PLUS some fly ash (150lb) will make a good mix. The sand would be the balance of weight like around 1550. Air helps to pump. Super will make it looser, it should help also.

Super-P is gone in 20 - 30 minutes, unless you can get rid of that load and start the next, you're left with stiff mud once again.   A high range water reducer doesn't flash off like Super-P, does the same thing.  you still need the right amount of water to make the required lubricating paste to lube the hose.  A rockier mix requires less water, and less cement to make the strength.  It's a catch 22 for the pumper.  But cheaper isn't better as far as the pump is concerned.  Concrete is supposed to be a long-term investment, it behooves nobody to cheap out.  Generally mud that pumps good, is good mud, quality and strength-wise.  A pump is a hell of a quality control machine.

What about spraying it on?