Removal of concrete block in basement floor
#1
06-05-12, 06:48 AM
Removal of concrete block in basement floor
Not really sure what to call this or what it was originally for.
In our basement, there are at least spots where the concrete raises up to create a stand of some sort. The one (under the old well equipment) I am guessing was built for what it's being used for but the other (larger) block is not being used for anything and really is in the way.
My questions is;
What is the easiest (most cost effective) way to take this thing out?
I do not know if its all concrete, or if there is a stone inside, or something else.
In our basement, there are at least spots where the concrete raises up to create a stand of some sort. The one (under the old well equipment) I am guessing was built for what it's being used for but the other (larger) block is not being used for anything and really is in the way.
My questions is;
What is the easiest (most cost effective) way to take this thing out?
I do not know if its all concrete, or if there is a stone inside, or something else.
#2
06-07-12, 07:29 AM
I thought I would bump this thread as the more I look at my home water system, the more this concrete platform needs to go or be reduced in hight.
I do not know if the platform is solid concrete, or has something inside consuming space.
Any suggestions on how to break this up and or check inside it first to find out what may be in there?
I can't tell if it was part of the original floor or added after the fact thanks to the many layers of paint on it (assuming after the fact).
I do not know if the platform is solid concrete, or has something inside consuming space.
Any suggestions on how to break this up and or check inside it first to find out what may be in there?
I can't tell if it was part of the original floor or added after the fact thanks to the many layers of paint on it (assuming after the fact).
#3
06-07-12, 08:22 AM
Mike, I've seen pours like that, and ever specified their installation, on some commercial jobs. In each case, the pour was made to encase and protect a service entrance between tho point where it entered the building and where it entered the gear. That said, the puzzling thing about yours (the larger one under the window) is that it is free-standing; none of the sides touches anything. Hmmm...
As for looking inside it, you can try scanning it with a stud finder made to look into concrete for rebar, live power and copper pipes. That should get you 3" or 4" deep on eash side and the top. You might also be able to have it X-Rayed, if the X-Ray gun will fit up against the right side - the plates should easily fit on the left.
One question: Have you cleaned, scraped and looked closely at the cube/floor joint on the two sides you can get to? I'm wondering if it might have been just poured in place for use as a support, like the one under the old well equipment, and be basically "floating" on the floor.
As for looking inside it, you can try scanning it with a stud finder made to look into concrete for rebar, live power and copper pipes. That should get you 3" or 4" deep on eash side and the top. You might also be able to have it X-Rayed, if the X-Ray gun will fit up against the right side - the plates should easily fit on the left.
One question: Have you cleaned, scraped and looked closely at the cube/floor joint on the two sides you can get to? I'm wondering if it might have been just poured in place for use as a support, like the one under the old well equipment, and be basically "floating" on the floor.
#4
06-07-12, 08:32 AM
I suspect it was poured in place as a support, for what, I don't know. I can see (don't know if it's visable in the photo) that it was formed like a poured concrete wall. You can see the lines from the boards along the side.
I haven't tried scrapping away at the paint along the seams to see if it floating (which I suspect it is).
Suggestions for taking it down or out?
If I can bring it down to ~8-12" from the floor, I could level it out and use it.
I'm thinking I might try a small air hammer to see how it reacts to the concrete.
I haven't tried scrapping away at the paint along the seams to see if it floating (which I suspect it is).
Suggestions for taking it down or out?
If I can bring it down to ~8-12" from the floor, I could level it out and use it.
I'm thinking I might try a small air hammer to see how it reacts to the concrete.
#6
06-07-12, 08:56 AM
Originally Posted by the_tow_guy
Or a couple of good smacks with a sledge hammer. Will be tough to level off at a lower height once you start banging on it, though.
I might take a quick go at it with an air hammer to see what I am messing with.
From there, room permitting, I'll probably give it a go with the sledge hammer.
As for leveling it, once the abuse is done, I'll frame it and use some leveling concrete to smoothen things. Hopefully if it's floating, they didn't use anything to anchor it in place back then.
