It begins!

[thebadger]

Re: It begins!

We had a patio poured and the took them offthe same day!

I think I've read 7 days 70% cure. I took my forms off my recent hearth pour in 2 days.

That said, go with what george says to be on the safe side - can't hurt to leave them on.

Dick

[gjbingham]

Re: It begins!

I like seven days before pulling forms. 3 is minimum.

[thebadger]

Re: It begins!

Mfiore

Looking good!!!!

I need to add a concrete section by the wood opening so I plan on having the kids put their prints in that...

Dick

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

Poured a 5.5 inch foundation slab yesterday. It was hot (for Michigan), so the concrete set up faster than anticipated. It still turned out pretty good. I'm keeping it misted and covered in plastic.

Tried to get the kids hand prints in, it was a little tough for them (I waited too long).

Is it safe to remove the forms? In three different sources, I've read to pull the forms in 2 hours, 2 days, and 7 days.

[wesslock]

Re: It begins!

needed to post to view pics , thanks

[thebadger]

Re: It begins!

Mfiore,

I put the time capsule in the stand toward the top. It will still be covered with about 10 inches of concrete. I used a piece of PVC pipe that I capped on both ends (FYI - I read on one "time capsule" web site not to use PVC but I thought it made sense to use it). I then plan to get a little engraved plaque to marke the spot (cheesy I know ).

I've attached a pic. The green dot marks the core I put it in.

This was one of the few things my 4/6 yr old could get involved with.

Thanks
Dick

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

Did you put the time capsule in the foundation or the stand?

[thebadger]

Re: It begins!

Mfiore,

Congras on the progess...

Seems like it would tie in better, but given the weight, I don't think it would matter either way but would defere to the one of the experts...

Now's the time to add a time capsule if you want. I left one core empty, put my capsule in and then add a piece of durarock over the opening to keep concrete from running in. I then market the spot on the outside so I can create a little plaque (cheesy I know but how would someone know it's there in 500 years )

Keep posting pics.

Dick

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

I found a product called "Paver-Base". It's a fine gravel mixture, comes in 50 lb bags, and is designed to go underneath brick pavers. It compacted very well. With just a hand tamper, it was solid. You really could drive on it without leaving an impression.

I put in 4-5 inches of compacted Paver Base, covered with plastic, put up my forms, and put down the re-bar.

I now have a foundation that consists of 4 courses of concrete blocks, mortared together, resting on 12 inches of a concrete footer, the bottom of which is 48 inches below grade (6 inches below my frost line). The footing is tied to the foundation with 1/2" re-bar, with every core filled with concrete. The foundation has re-bar that will tie into the 6 inch concrete slab I've framed. I think I'm ready to pour concrete. Is there anything else I need to do before I pour the slab?

Also, there are a few cores of the foundation with re-bar sticking out that I did not fill with concrete yet. Do I need to fill them well, and let them cure prior to my concrete slab on top, or can I fill them at the same time as the concrete slab (make sense?)

Thanks again

[PeterW]

Re: It begins!

Sand is used as a 'blinding' layer - it fills most of the gaps in the top surface of the gravel, and stops any sharp stones puncturing a damp membrane layer which usually goes between the sub base and the concrete.

It also stops the fines in the concrete leaching downwards into the gravel, and as you say, makes it easier to get a consistent level of concrete.

Cheers

Peter

[brokencookie]

Re: It begins!

I have seen a lot of concrete laid over crushed rock followed by a layer of sand. The sand is generally used because it is easier to screed before pouring concrete. If you want a nice even surface so you are sure you have a 4 in ( or 5 in ect) slab, sand is cheap and easily leveled.


Bruce

[dmun]

Re: It begins!

I'm suspicious of sand under footings. Sand can shift and wash out, where crushed rock stays put, and has bigger voids and less likelihood of getting silted up and not draining. But we're talking about the inside of your footings, right? It doesn't matter what you put there. Nothing is going to shift or wash out inside the block enclosure.

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

Further questions. The guys at the local concrete yard recommended compacted sand as a base below the concrete, rather than gravel. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

I think a concrete slab will work best for me. Even though I have solid block footings, the block stand will be slightly smaller (4 inches in each dimension). This will give me a little support outside the stand for future finish material (whatever that will be) in the future.

I also will explore alternative shapes for the stand (possibly an 'H' shape, see other threads). The concrete will be needed in the middle to support this.

Questions: Since I have a 48 inch block foundation, do I need 6 inches of concrete (per plans) or will 4 inches suffice?

Is there a significant difference in the support provided by 1/2" re-bar vs 3/8? When I had the block delivered, my great home improvement store sent the wrong size, and I didn't realize it until using half of it.

[mfiore]

Re: It begins!

Sorry to hijack your thread, but it got me to thinkin'....

I'm happy for the discussion! Always better to discuss these issues before I get to that point in the build than after. Seems like a solid base below the concrete would prevent it from settling/cracking (like our sidewalks)?