Should I use concrete forms to build 27' curved & sloped ramp to front porch?
#1
10-15-12, 10:05 AM
Should I use concrete forms to build 27' curved & sloped ramp to front porch?
I am planning to build a 27 ft long curved & sloped ramp to the front porch (39 " wide). The ramp will be 21" high at the porch. Should I use plywood to build curved forms for the "walls" of the ramp structure and put fill in between these "walls".
Then I could put concrete on top of the fill to get a concrete walking surface. I've never done anything like this, so I'm really just guessing.
If this is not the way to go, what is?
I'm attaching the 3D rendering from a sketch I made.
Then I could put concrete on top of the fill to get a concrete walking surface. I've never done anything like this, so I'm really just guessing.
If this is not the way to go, what is?
I'm attaching the 3D rendering from a sketch I made.
#2
10-15-12, 03:32 PM
How to Make Concrete Ramps | eHow.com
How to Build Concrete Ramps | eHow.com
https://www.google.com/search?q=conc...DZHr0QGYtYGoAw
There are a number of sites that have that info. There are a few to get you started.
How to Build Concrete Ramps | eHow.com
https://www.google.com/search?q=conc...DZHr0QGYtYGoAw
There are a number of sites that have that info. There are a few to get you started.
#3
10-15-12, 04:04 PM
Should I use plywood to build curved forms
#4
10-15-12, 06:39 PM
Member
Just make sure you drive the stakes to hold it place close together and into solid soil (especially on curved portions). The curves will tend to bow outward, so you may need more support on a curve.
Since it is on a slope, do not pour a real wet mix, since it may slump lightly or flow downward.
Add some joints for appearance and to control where the shrinkage cracks will form, but be hidden.
Dick
Since it is on a slope, do not pour a real wet mix, since it may slump lightly or flow downward.
Add some joints for appearance and to control where the shrinkage cracks will form, but be hidden.
Dick
#5
10-16-12, 03:05 AM
If you plan on doing the rock, you just can't pour over gravel. You will need sides too, so plan on leaving space for the pour to contact the sides of your bender board to give that flat surface you need.
#6
10-16-12, 11:49 AM
Member
Instead of wooden bender board forms (which have to be removed, leaving a small gap between the concrete and stone retaining wall), why not use black plastic garden edging? The stuff with a continuous bulb or lip extruded into the top edge works fine, and has the advantage of not requiring removal after the concrete sets up, as it won't disintegrate like wood will over time if left in place.
#8
10-16-12, 08:25 PM
Member
A 21" walkway height was mentioned by the OP in the initial post. He also mentioned concrete walls in the next sentence, with his diagram showing them faced with stone.
My bad for calling them retaining walls, but I think that's what they are.
My bad for calling them retaining walls, but I think that's what they are.
#9
10-17-12, 02:33 AM
My interpretation is there is nothing there now and he wants to build a ramp from nothing. The concrete walls would be his pour, up and over the fill. Thus his question regarding forming it up. May be reading it wrong, IDK.
#10
10-21-12, 05:37 AM
Thank you to everyone and a clarification
Thanks for all the advice.
The picture may be misleading in that it shows stone on the side of the ramp - that is an idea for facing the concrete, decorative. I may or may not do that. So the ramp itself is just concrete. Hence the question about how to build the "walls" of the ramp.
Thanks again to all.
The picture may be misleading in that it shows stone on the side of the ramp - that is an idea for facing the concrete, decorative. I may or may not do that. So the ramp itself is just concrete. Hence the question about how to build the "walls" of the ramp.
Thanks again to all.
#11
10-21-12, 07:03 AM
Member
I used Trex planks to pour a curved concrete walkway. They bend easily when left in the sun for a couple of hours. When you are done just hose them off and you can reuse them. Whatever you use, adequate staking is very important.
