When should a tremie pipe be used to pour concrete?

The use of a tremie pipe is specifically suited for scenarios where concrete needs to be poured underwater or in situations where controlled placement is important, such as when pouring concrete for drilled piers. Drilled piers often require concrete to be delivered to the bottom of a drilled hole, and a tremie pipe facilitates this by allowing concrete to flow directly from the mixing truck into the pier without coming into contact with the surrounding water.

This method helps in preventing the concrete from segregating or contaminating with water, which can adversely affect its strength and performance. Aside from drilled piers, the tremie pipe is widely used in underwater construction, such as in the case of deep foundations or marine structures.

While quick-dry concrete might require different pouring methodologies, and high rock content as well as sandy soil conditions might demand various practices for stability and mix integrity, the specific application of a tremie pipe aligns best with the need to pour concrete into drilled piers effectively.