how do i pour a concrete slab?


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Old 06-27-07, 09:26 PM
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how do i pour a concrete slab?

i need to lay a rectangle concrete slab to put a garden shed on. this slab will be 2 metres wide and 3.5 metres long. problem is it is down the back of my house behind an existing shed and has a fence beside both sides.
so basically what im saying, the slab will have 4 sides but 2 sides will be unaccessible due to the fence and the other side unaccessible due to the shed so i can only access it from one side, like driving your car into the garage, it will only go in one side as it has walls on the other sides.
how do i pour the concrete and then smooth it over when i only have access to the front and cant get to the back?
it will have reinforcing in it as well which i cant very well walk on.
I will need to bring wheel barrow loads of concrete from the front as the concrete mixer truck is too big to fit under my carport.
do i need to configure walk boards or something or what?
 
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Old 06-28-07, 04:17 AM
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Here is a help on pouring concrete.

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/h2pourconcrete

The reinforcing wire is lifted as you pour so that it is in place. Alternatively, the wire can be supported prior but would preclude walking on it.
 
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Old 06-28-07, 05:42 AM
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cool thanks, looks good. but a few more questions, my slab will be about 8-10cm thick, how long can you work with concrete in a 20 degree celcius overcast day before its not really workable any more?
How long does it take before its ready for its final finishing?
 
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Old 07-01-07, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by TheMechanic
cool thanks, looks good. but a few more questions, my slab will be about 8-10cm thick, how long can you work with concrete in a 20 degree celcius overcast day before its not really workable any more?
How long does it take before its ready for its final finishing?
bump^^^^^^^^^^^
 
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Old 07-01-07, 07:11 AM
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how do i pour a concrete slab?

It will take anywhere from 30 minutes after placing to a few hours. - There are many variables.

Some are:
1. Type of cement.
2. Is there any fly ash in the mix?
3. Temperature of the aggregates.
4. Fresh cement (usually in the late summer or fall) will set faster.
5. How long from the time the concrete was batched at the plant.
6. Air temperature
7. Wind
8. Humidity
9. Sun exposure
10. Slump or amount of water

I am sure I missed a few factors.

You just have to judge based on feel. On common error is "over finishing".

Dick
 
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Old 07-05-07, 04:02 PM
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ok cool, i will ask the supplier i think and see what they say.

also, what is overfinishing??
 
 

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