Pouring concrete

I have no experience with fencing, but my father-in-law does and is helping me out.

Holes are dug, material is in, all set.

Just waiting on concrete. I had suggested having a pump truck come in and fill up the holes (i know someone who owns a concrete contracting company and got a really good deal, cheaper than if I were to buy bags)

The father-in-law says it wont work since the posts are metal and shoring them up would be a PITA (47 posts)

He wants to use bags of quick setting concrete dry and then pour water in the holes.

Is he wrong and can the slump of the concrete hold up a pole?

Does he just want to torture me and have me carrying 7000lbs of concrete? Haha.

 

Just for clarity, cement is a dry ingredient and concrete the mixed final product, I know that it is done routinely, but although I can't say that I have ever done even a test hole this way I have personally never understood the concept of dumping cement in a hole and pouring water in on top of it. Why not just dump the cement in the hole, backfill, and let mother nature add the water? And yes, I know this has been done as well. To me it would be similar to dumping some flour, eggs, and whatnot on a cookie sheet, pouring some milk over the top, putting it in the oven, and expecting to have cookies. As long as you have already checked it out, and it's feasible for what your doing, I would go with the concrete truck. Then keep an eye on things and as it starts to get some body, one of you start at one end and the other at the other end plumbing the posts.