Concrete Calculations

[di11on]

Re: Concrete Calculations

Thanks David, really appreciate the advice.

I did add burn-out fibers. I cut up some polypropylene rope. Not much though, and I didn't separate the fibers very much. Nice weather here in the South of France... I might just let it dry naturally for a good while before firing up. Since mine is in sections, I could, for example, turn them upside down in the sun to dry the inside.

Here is the advice from the Ciment Fondu website:


It is advised that the first firing does not take place
before 48 hours after casting. Then to carry out a
gradual rise of 50?C/hour and holding for at least 3
hours at 110?C before then continuing up to 500?C.

What do people generally use to control the temperature of initial firings?

[david s]

Re: Concrete Calculations

Using an alternative fuel is a very good method, but we're not allowed to discuss it on the forum. You may be able to find some good solutions on the curing thread or PM me.

[di11on]

Re: Concrete Calculations

Thanks again Dave.

I'm wondering, since my oven is cast in sections - would it make sense to do some curing before I mortar them together? There'd be a lot more surface area for moisture to escape.

In this case, are there any special precautions I should take? Otherwise, I could just follow the standard instructions with my un-mortared dome and then some again once I've mortared. Would that make sense?