383 240z
Well-known member
I'm going to be pouring a small pad and I have a few questions to ask. The pad will be about 6' wide and 10' long. I have 6" from grade to the top of the pad.
It will need to be able to support a max load of 1 ton over a 2'x3' area.
My first thought was to just pour the whole 6" solid with a thick plastic sheeting underneath to block water. Then I thought about putting down some gravel first, then the water barrier and concrete.
Then I got to thinking, this slab will be in the heated portion of the shop, and that I should insulate it from the ground. That got me to consider putting that thick pink foam board down and pouring on top of that. I was hoping that I should use some sort of wire mesh to help with cracking. Still undecided on the finish, I was leaning toward a smooth troweled finish, like my shop has. However I read that if you trowel to early in the cure the top layer could de-laminate. That had me looking at a broom finish. Don't like that as it will trap dirt and chips from the mill.
Not sure what the min size a redi-mix truck will deliver, so I may end up mixing this myself. That means I'll be using one of the many sakrete products.
My first thought would be the 5000 plus high strength mix would be best. Last questionis how cold is to cold to make concrete? Will I have to wait until spring? Any other thoughts? Keith
It will need to be able to support a max load of 1 ton over a 2'x3' area.
My first thought was to just pour the whole 6" solid with a thick plastic sheeting underneath to block water. Then I thought about putting down some gravel first, then the water barrier and concrete.
Then I got to thinking, this slab will be in the heated portion of the shop, and that I should insulate it from the ground. That got me to consider putting that thick pink foam board down and pouring on top of that. I was hoping that I should use some sort of wire mesh to help with cracking. Still undecided on the finish, I was leaning toward a smooth troweled finish, like my shop has. However I read that if you trowel to early in the cure the top layer could de-laminate. That had me looking at a broom finish. Don't like that as it will trap dirt and chips from the mill.
Not sure what the min size a redi-mix truck will deliver, so I may end up mixing this myself. That means I'll be using one of the many sakrete products.
My first thought would be the 5000 plus high strength mix would be best. Last questionis how cold is to cold to make concrete? Will I have to wait until spring? Any other thoughts? Keith