Concrete/Slab questions

[Jon 72 442]

I am planning on pouring a monolithic slab in the next few weeks for a 24 x 28 garage. I have done concrete work in the past and have had some good... and some bad experiences. I think I am getting better as I go though.
I don't have alot of help so it will probably just be me and one or two other guys. I am not counting my wife and daughters even though they will be trying to help. I am thinking with limited experienced help I am better off pouring the slab in two sections so it is easier to handle. That way I can use a board down the center of the slab to screed to with a 16 ft 2 x 4 and I can handle any issues a little easier. I would probably pour one side on one weekend and the other side on the next weekend (weather permitting).

If I have extra concrete is it OK to put it in the other side that I am not pouring yet or will that weaken that part of the slab because it is not all poured and cured together?

It looks like the mixes for grage slabs are air-entrained 4000 psi. From what I am reading you should not steel trowel air-entrained. So do you just pour screed, float and done? Should or can you lightly trowel to smooth out any lines from the float? I am planning on an epoxy floor but probably not right away.

I have saved up enough money for just materials so I am on a tight budget, otherwise I would have someone pour it. I am pretty nervous about pouring it myself because I have always had experienced help in the past. I fully understand how easy it is to screw it up. When it goes good it alwasy seems like it was easy.

I appreciate any thoughts or comments.

 

[NUTTSGT]

My advice, find somebody to help you out that has done alot of concrete work in the past. Even if it costs you a couple hundred dollars, it'll be cheaper than wasting 8-10 yards of concrete.

 

[stevefasano]

Monolithic Slab. mono - one.
Meaning one pour..

 

[Jon 72 442]

Monolithic Slab. mono - one.
Meaning one pour..

My original intent was to pour it all in one pour but I read an article from Family Handyman magazine where they divided the slab in two sections to make it easier to handle. I see where people add on to there existing garages with a mono slab and tie in with rebar. Why would it be any different to pour in two sections? Is there a significant loss in strength?

 

[stevefasano]

removed due to

 

[stevefasano]

removed due to

 

[pcmeiners]

If your really tight, then go with the two pours, half the total size of the slab could be floated by one person (with a good back) with grunt help. You should have rebar jutting out from the first pour to properly connect to the second (not wire), judging min 2 ft.
I would not use a 16' 2x4 (basically spaghetti), thinking more like a 2x8 KD. Hope the pour days temp is not to cool or warm, keep it wet after it sets up.

"If I have extra concrete is it OK to put it in the other side that I am not pouring yet"

I would not even consider this, if you measure and calculate correctly, considering a small overage you should have little crete left. After calculating, run it by the crete provider. Use the overage for sidewalk piece?