Husband & Wife Team Pour 14 x 32 Concrete Slab

Simple Living Alaska・2 minutes read

Setting up a sawmill involved careful planning, including leveling the foundation, pouring a substantial amount of concrete, and reinforcing with rebar for strength. Despite challenges like battling mosquitoes and ensuring precise pouring, the project was successful, highlighting the importance of meticulous planning and attention to detail for future endeavors.

Insights

  • Proper soil preparation and the use of rebar are crucial for a successful concrete pour, ensuring a solid foundation for the sawmill.
  • Adequate planning, including precise calculations of concrete needed and securing reliable delivery, is essential to avoid running short during the pouring process, emphasizing the importance of meticulous preparation for future projects.

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Recent questions

  • How is a concrete pad prepared for a sawmill foundation?

    The concrete pad for a sawmill foundation is prepared by setting up a leveled foundation with ample space around it. The soil, predominantly gravel, is ideal for drainage and as a base for the concrete pad. The area is scraped with a tractor to level it, potentially adding more gravel if needed. Forms for the concrete pad are constructed using 2x6 boards, secured in place with rebar stakes. Half-inch rebar is laid out in a grid pattern with two-foot squares for reinforcement, tied together with wire for added strength. Thicker 5/8 inch rebar is used on edges, half-inch rebar in the rest, with extra stakes added to prevent blowouts. The concrete pad is planned to be 10 yards, weighing over 30,000 pounds, with meticulous attention to detail in preparation for a successful pour.

  • What tools are needed for finishing a concrete pad?

    Finishing a concrete pad requires tools like a bull float, trowel, edger, and broom for a smooth finish. The concrete is screeded to level it, bull floated to smooth the surface, and troweled for a polished look. Edging tools are used for precise edges, while a broom finish is planned after the bleed water evaporates. Attention to detail in edging and finishing is crucial for a perfect concrete pad. Extra tools may be borrowed for the process to ensure a high-quality finish, with each tool serving a specific purpose in achieving the desired result.

  • How is rebar used in the construction of a concrete pad?

    Rebar is essential in the construction of a concrete pad for reinforcement and preventing cracking. It is laid out in a grid pattern with two-foot squares, tied together with wire for added strength. Half-inch rebar is used in the grid, with thicker 5/8 inch rebar on edges for additional support. Rebar is placed six inches from forms with rebar chairs to keep it centered, ensuring proper distribution of reinforcement throughout the concrete pad. The team works diligently to tie the rebar together with wire, battling mosquitoes late into the evening to secure the foundation for the sawmill.

  • What is the importance of concrete delivery in construction projects?

    Concrete delivery is crucial in construction projects, ensuring an adequate supply for the foundation and structure. A large amount of concrete is needed for the foundation of a sawmill, with meticulous planning required to avoid shortages during the pouring process. Calculating the exact amount of concrete needed is essential to prevent setbacks, with online calculators aiding in accurate estimations. Running short on concrete can be problematic, but adding rocks can help fill the void and complete the project. The success of the concrete pour day relies heavily on sufficient concrete delivery, with attention to detail in preparation and execution for a flawless finish.

  • What challenges are faced during the concrete pouring process?

    The concrete pouring process presents challenges such as ensuring sufficient concrete delivery, avoiding shortages, and maintaining quality. It's crucial to have the concrete slightly higher than lower to ease the raking process during screeding. Physical effort is required, especially when spanning long distances with a heavy screed like a 2x4. Running out of concrete can be problematic, but adding rocks can help complete the project. Despite challenges, meticulous planning, accurate measurements, and sufficient concrete delivery are key to a successful pour. Lessons learned from each project contribute to improved processes and outcomes in future construction endeavors.

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Summary

00:00

Sawmill Project: Concrete Foundation Preparation and Construction

  • The project involves setting up a sawmill on a leveled foundation with ample space around it.
  • Concrete delivery is crucial for the project, requiring a large amount of concrete for the foundation.
  • The soil at the site is predominantly gravel, ideal for drainage and as a base for the concrete pad.
  • The preparation involves scraping the area with a tractor to level it and potentially adding more gravel if needed.
  • A 10-yard concrete pad, weighing over 30,000 pounds, is planned for the sawmill foundation.
  • Forms for the concrete pad are constructed using 2x6 boards, with a 14-foot width and 32-foot length.
  • Rebar stakes are used to secure the forms in place before pouring the concrete.
  • The project involves planning for a future structure over the sawmill, with posts to be placed in specific locations.
  • Half-inch rebar is laid out in a grid pattern with two-foot squares for reinforcement of the concrete pad.
  • The team works late into the evening, battling mosquitoes, to tie the rebar together with wire for added strength.

21:04

Efficient Concrete Pour with Expert Assistance

  • Rebar is essential for preventing concrete cracking; rebar placed six inches from forms with rebar chairs to keep it centered.
  • Thicker 5/8 inch rebar used on edges, half-inch rebar in the rest; extra stakes added to prevent blowouts.
  • Tractor work done to level area for concrete pour; gravel sourced from property for accessibility.
  • Concrete pour day preparation involved wetting down forms to prevent rapid drying; water station set up for extra water.
  • Concrete truck arrived with a front chute, allowing for precise pouring with minimal raking needed.
  • Retarder added to concrete due to long travel time; water mixed in truck to activate concrete.
  • Operator of the truck was exceptionally helpful, assisting with raking and ensuring efficient pouring.
  • Concrete screeded, bull floated, troweled, and edged for a smooth finish; extra tools borrowed for the process.
  • Broom finishing planned after bleed water evaporates; attention to detail in edging and finishing for perfection.
  • Concrete pour day successful, with a sense of accomplishment and pride in the finished product; lessons learned for future projects.

39:26

Efficient Concrete Pouring Process and Tips

  • When screening concrete, it's preferable to have it slightly higher than lower to ease the raking process.
  • Screeding involves physical effort, especially when spanning distances like 14-16 feet with a 16-foot screed.
  • Using a 2x4 as a screed can be challenging due to its weight, especially when spanning long distances.
  • It's crucial to ensure the concrete delivery is sufficient, as running out of concrete can be problematic during the pouring process.
  • In case of running short on concrete, adding rocks can help fill the void and complete the project.
  • Calculating the exact amount of concrete needed is essential to avoid shortages, with online calculators aiding in accurate estimations.
  • Despite some challenges, the concrete pouring process was successful, with the final result exceeding expectations.
  • The finishing touches, like bull floating and broom finishing, significantly impact the appearance and quality of the concrete pad.
  • Learning from the experience, future projects will involve meticulous planning, accurate measurements, and ensuring sufficient concrete delivery to avoid any setbacks.
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