International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”

ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

VACUUM DEWATERIMG: NEW WAY FOR CONCRETE

FLOORING BY TREMIX METHOD

Vivekkumar patel1, Jayeshkumar Pitroda2, J.J.Bhavsar3

Final Year Student, ME C E & M., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 1
Assistant professor, Civil Engineering Dept., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 2
Associate professor, Civil Engineering Dept., BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 3

Abstract: A flooring work for civil structure that is both time efficient and medium to high
workability process to create a facility that is safe, healthy and comfortable concrete flooring
to be done by used of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring (VDF) technology. This process
is a means to efficiently remove excess water from newly placed, compacted and leveled
concrete surfaces. Vacuum treatment of concrete has been refined to specially address
concreting of large exposed surfaces in hot weather conditions. Vacuum dewatering greatly
improves the abrasion and impact resistance of the concrete surface. The vacuum dewatering
results in coarse aggregate in the fresh mix being drawn to the top surface a further
contributing factor in achieving wear-resistant concrete surfaces the surface of vacuum
treated concrete is free of pitting, an important consideration for abrasion resistance and the
possible exposure to a continuous flow of liquid over the member. Technologies applied in
concrete flooring will improve concrete flooring physical behavior. This method used like
concrete flooring in warehouse, concrete road, parking area, production area in industrial
buildings. Nowadays this vacuum dewatering technique for concrete flooring is excessively
using by various contractors & builders in order to get good quality & to achieve speed in
construction of concrete floors. This paper provides a review on a new way of concrete
flooring by the used of vacuum dewatering concrete technique/remix method in the area of
concrete flooring in civil structure with its advantages & dis-advantages of VDF system.

Keywords: vacuum dewatering, vacuum pump, Modern civil engineer, Technologies

I. INTRODUCTION
A. Definition
A vacuum dewatering concrete flooring/tremix method can be defined as “Vacuum
Dewatered Flooring is a special type of Flooring Technique to achieve High Strength, Longer

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 1
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Life, Better Finish and Faster Work. This type of floor is suitable for high abrasion & heavy
traffic movement.”

B. Vacuum dewatering concrete flooring and its benefit

A high quality concrete floor or pavement requires not only to be level, but it should also
have high wear resistance, high compressive strength, reduced shrinkage and minimum water
permeability.

The Vacuum Dewatered (VD) Flooring method is a system for laying high quality concrete
floors with superior cost-effectiveness. The key to the use of this method is the dewatering of
concrete by vacuum process. Surplus water from the concrete is removed immediately, after
placing and vibration, reducing the water-cement ratio to an optimum level.

1) Adopting the VD flooring method facilitates use of concrete with better workability
than what is normally possible.

2) A lowered water to cement ratio due to vacuum dewatering leads to improvement

in each of the properties of concrete like wear resistance, compressive strength, less
shrinkage and minimum water permeability.

3) Through the vacuum treatment, it is possible to reduce the water content in the
concrete by 15-25% which greatly increase the compressive strength.

4) By lowering the water-cement ratio, the tendency of shrinkage and subsequent

cracking is greatly reduced.

5) Since the water-cement ratio is lowered through vacuum dewatering, concrete of high
initial slump can be used while pouring.

C. History of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring

The vacuum dewatering process, patented in the United States, nearly half a century ago, has
attracted increased interest in recent years after several Scandinavian firms simplified the
equipment enough to make it practical for almost any builder Vacuum dewatering is used
widely throughout Europe today, and in Sweden the method is used for 40 to 50 percent of all
concrete floors. Basically, the process improves strength, durability, and other properties of
concrete by reducing the water-cement ratio immediately after the mix is placed, usually in

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 2
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

floors and other flatwork.

Tremix or vacuum dewatering flooring is popularly known in India, is actually Vacuum

dewatering process of concrete. It was originally invented by Tremix AB, Sweden many
years ago. This process was introduced in India by Aquarius Technologies in 1987. In 1991
to start production of Vacuum System in India. It became so popular in India that almost
everybody related to concrete flooring industry, may be manufacturers / contractors /
consultants started calling this process by the name of its inventor.

Below the figure 1 shown the layout of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring

Figure 1: layout of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring/tremix method

(Source: www.tradecoraj.com)

D. Fundamentals for Development of vacuum dewatering flooring system

Level floor, high Improve wear

value for money flatness accuracy resistance

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 3
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Need of Vacuum Dewatering Concrete Flooring
1) The mixing water added to a concrete mix exceeds the amount of water required to
fully hydrate the cement constituent.
2) The additional water functions as a lubrication medium to allow mixing, placing,
leveling and consolidation. In conventional concreting practice, an important
challenge is the prevention or limiting of evaporation of mixing water out of the
freshly placed concrete.
3) The uncontrolled removal of water from the concrete matrix can result in adverse
effects such as plastic shrinkage cracking. Excessive bleeding of concrete can
negatively interfere with surface characteristics such as resistance to wear. Thus the
durability and service life of the flooring element is in question. Concreting in areas
exposed to the elements, specifically in hot and windy conditions poses even higher
demands in order to produce quality, durable concrete.

B. Used by vacuum dewatering flooring method is…

1) This process is a means to efficiently remove excess water from newly placed,
compacted and leveled concrete surfaces. Vacuum treatment of concrete has been
refined to specially address concreting of large exposed surfaces in hot weather
conditions. It renders an economical, time-efficient compaction technique to concrete
that can be placed on a medium to high workability.
2) Vacuum treatment of concrete based on Portland cement results in a marked increase
in compressive strength. In general, compressive strength of vacuum dewatering
processed concrete is 25-45% higher at 28 days after casting. Increased flexural
strength as well as a higher dynamic modulus of elasticity is measured.
3) Vacuum dewatering greatly improves the abrasion and impact resistance of the
concrete surface. The vacuum dewatering results in coarse aggregate in the fresh mix
being drawn to the top surface a further contributing factor in achieving wear-resistant
concrete surfaces the surface of vacuum treated concrete is free of pitting, an
important consideration for abrasion resistance and the possible exposure to a
continuous flow of liquid over the member.
4) Durability considerations include the improved impermeability, higher density, lower
absorptiveness and reduced shrinkage.

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 4
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

a. Below the figure 2 shown the condition of concrete floor before & after
vacuum dewatering concrete flooring.

Figure 2: Before & After condition of tremix method

(source: www.wisdomgroup.in)
C. over view vacuum dewatering procedure.
1) The vacuum dewatering process removes surplus water present in the concrete.
This is done using the Vacuum Equipment comprising of Suction Mat Top Cover,
Filter pads and Vacuum Pump. The process starts immediately after surface
vibration.
2) Filter pads are placed on the fresh concrete leaving about 4 inches of fresh
concrete exposed on all sides. The Top Cover is then placed on the filter pads and
rolled out till it covers the strips of exposed concrete on all sides. The Top Cover
is then connected to the vacuum pump through a suction hose and the pump is
started.
3) Vacuum is immediately created between the filter pads and the top cover.
Atmospheric pressure compresses the concrete and the surplus water is squeezed
out. This process lowers the water content in the concrete by 15-25%.
4) The dewatering operation takes approximately 1.5 - 2 minutes per centimeter
thickness of the floor. The dewatered concrete is compacted and dried to such an
extent that it is possible to walk on it without leaving any footprints. This is the
indication of concrete being properly dewatered and ready for finishing.

Below the figure 3 Shown the effect of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring method

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 5
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

Figure 3: vacuum effect

(source: http://www.ravitec.com/vdf.htm)

D. Advantages and Disadvantages

a) Advantages of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring method
1) Reduction in W/C ratio leads to early setting and high strength.
2) This system removes the excess water after pouring of the concrete & thus an
ideal water cement ration can be achieved
3) Increase in compressive strength of concrete by 40-70%.
4) The surface hardness of the slab increases by 130%.
5) Water absorption is reduced enormously.
6) Minimum dusts.
7) Level floor, high flatness accuracy.
8) Minimized crack formation, Shrinkage reduced by 50%.
9) Improved wear resistance.
10) Elimination or minimization of overtime.
11) High and early strength, minimize damage to newly cast floors.
12) Void-free& Denser concrete.

b) Disadvantage of vacuum dewatering concrete flooring method

1) High initial cost.
2) Need trained labor for the vacuum dewatering process.
3) Need specific equipment for vacuum dewatering like vacuum pump.
4) Need power consumption during dewatering process

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 6
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

III. CONCLUSION

From the literature review and case studies it is concluded that, Vacuum dewatering process
is very important modern construction work in the context of economy, facility, modern
technology and comfort. It is very useful for special purpose projects like for the use of wear
house, parking area, industrial flooring like flooring of large area. And nowadays Vacuum
dewatering process are very easily used in the construction industry using any modern
techniques and machineries.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Authors thankfully acknowledge Dr. C. L. Patel, Chairman, Charutar Vidya Mandal,
Er.V.M.Patel, Hon. Jt. Secretary, Charutar Vidya Mandal, Dr. F.S.Umrigar, Principal, BVM
Engineering College, Dr. L. B. Zala, Professor and Head, Civil Engineering Department,
BVM Engineering College, Prof. J. J. Bhavsar, Associate Professor and P.G. Coordinator
(Construction Engineering and Management), B.V.M. Engineering College, Mr. Yatinbhai
Desai, Jay Maharaj construction, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India for their motivations,
infrastructural support and cooperation to carry out this research.

REFERENCES
[1] Construction of a rigid pavement with vacuum dewatering Indian concrete journal volume 71 – page 13
[2] Dahl G., (1975), "Vacuum concrete", CBI Reports, 7: 75, Part 1, 10 pp. (Swedish Cement and Concrete
Research Inst.,).
[3] Roy Chudley, Roger Greeno; Building Construction Handbook, pp-676
[4] Tophan T. E., (2013), "Vacuum dewatered flooring in durable construction", International Journal of Civil
Engineering Research Vol. 4, No 1.
[5] Murari Lal Gambhir; Concrete Technology: Theory and Practice 14.4 vacuum concrete pp 4747&475
[6] Neville A. M., (2011), Properties of Concrete, 5th Edition, Longman Sc and Tech Publishers.
[7] Vacuum dewatering flooring from ;http://www.slideshare.net/
[8] Vacuum dewatering system/tremix method from Aquarius Technologies Private Limited,india
www.aquariustech.net
[9] Vacuum dewatering procedures Publication #C750290 Copyright © 1975, The Aberdeen Group

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 7
International Conference on: “Engineering: Issues, opportunities and Challenges for Development”
ISBN: 978-81-929339-1-7

AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY

Vivekkumar Patel was born in 1992 in Valsad City. He received

his Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from the
Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidhyalaya Engineering college, Gujarat
Technological University, in 2014. At present, he is First year
student of Master's Degree in Construction Engineering &
Management from Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya, Gujarat
Technological University. He has published papers in National
Conferences.

Prof. Jayeshkumar R. Pitroda received his Bachelor of Engineering

degree in Civil Engineering from the Birla Vishvakarma
Mahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel University in 2000. In 2009 he
received his Master's Degree in Construction Engineering and
Management from Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel
University. He joined Birla Vishvakarma Mahavidyalaya
Engineering College as a faculty in 2009, where he is Assistant
Professor of Civil Engineering Department with a total experience
of 14 years in the field of Research, Designing and education. He is
guiding M.E. (Construction Engineering & Management) Thesis
work in the field of Civil/Construction Engineering. He has
published many papers in National Conferences and International
Journals.

Prof. Jaydevbhai J. Bhavsar received his Bachelor of Engineering

degree in Civil Engineering from the Birla
VishvakarmaMahavidyalaya, Sardar Patel University in 1978. In
1986 he received his Master's Degree in Building Science and
Technology from University of Roorkee. He joined Birla
VishvakarmaMahavidyalaya Engineering College as a faculty
where he is an Assistant lecturer of Civil Engineering Department
with a total experience of 32 years in the field of Research,
Designing and education. He is guiding M.E. (Construction
Engineering & Management) Thesis work in the field of Civil/
Construction Engineering. He has published many papers in
National Conferences and International Journals.

11th April, 2015, S.N. Patel Institute of Technology & Research Centre, Umrakh, Bardoli 8