I just have a tough time seeing how I can pour this in one shot. I keep on thinking that as I fill the edges, the concrete will just flow down and under the form and fill the center section.
I can easily do it in two steps, but not mixing my own concrete, that can get pricey having the truck come twice.
What kind of concrete did you use? Standard here is 3000 psi. What I'd like is that super smooth, very hard/dense concrete they use in machine shops for example.
I asked the same question, since I'd never done it before. Someone pointed out to me that homeowners pour steps all the time. The stuff starts to set right away. I was mixing two bags at a time in the mixer and then dumping it in. I did the lower part first, and then filled in the higher section. It didn't 'flow' at all.
I used Quikrete from Home Depot. I think it was the 4000 psi version, but there's some danger in comparing home-mixed ratings to readi-mixed. The ultimate strength has a lot to do with the mixing and curing conditions. The smoothness of the top surface has to do with how the concrete is troweled and finished and also how it's allowed to cure. Maybe aeration plays a factor in that, too -- how the bubbles are vibrated out. There are also epoxy-type concrete mixes with less aggregate in them.
I'm no expert, though. Hopefully some of the real concrete guys on the forum will sound in.
I need to visit more often...had no idea you were doing a lift. Looks amazing like all your other projects Jack!
Thanks. I'm pretty sure it's the last big garage project for me. (Famous last words, I know.
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I really LOVE having the lift. My car's been up on it basically from day one -- engine rebuild, suspension refresh. It is a world apart from jackstands.
This picture was taken right before things started to get really messy.
