need to learn concrete for small slab

[1930artdeco]

I need to pour a small slab that will be enclosed to hold my air compressor's but it will be outside and covered by a lean too roof. My first of many questions is this, I am expecting it to be approx. 8 ft. long (still working the dimensions) but how do I know if I need put in stress relief cuts? If I need to, I am assuming about midway?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[930dreamer]

 

[ConCretin]

You don't need to worry about control joints until you get into much larger slabs, say something of the order of 20'.

Mike does a great job with his YouTube videos but you can also take a look at my Guide to Floor Slabs in the link below to see if some of your questions are answered.

 

[1930artdeco]

Yeah I stumbled on his videos and really
like them. Thankfully I am not doing anything super heavy or complex. But I still want to do it correctly. May not look all that good compared to a contractor but it will at least be down correctly.

 

[PWC Repair]

The first slab I EVER poured is 12x18x4" thick. Web wire reinforced. It's now my wife's SHE-SHED, but I wrenched out of it for many years. I rented an aluminum float with long handle and bought a trowel. I used a long 2x6 as a screed and had a buddy help me. It came out every bit as good as a pro job. I even watered it down twice a day for the first week. Just watch the vids and DO IT!!! I'm building my son's house right now with no previous experience.....the resources are everywhere if you have the want!

 

[1930artdeco]

Ok, here is where I am so far.

1) made up some 2x6 forms and leveled each side.
2) scraped out dirt so could put down about 1" of sand and then about 1" of gravel and compacted with my sledgehammer and a block of wood.
3) I added some wire on top of the gravel.

This is where I stand right now. Up next I have to get several bags of concrete (not sure which version as there apparently are several different styles/finishes). Then mix and pour and smooth the surface.

Question: what is the best way to add anchor bolts for the tank? This is what I have been thinking about so far. I am going to trace out a circle that matches the circumference of the tank feet. Mark the holes and attach the bolts and then put it in the form and pour the concrete over it so the bolts stick up out of the concrete. Is this going to work or will it weaken the concrete? I just don't want to buy/rent a gun for three bolts.

Mike

 

[1930artdeco]

Here are the pics.

 

[dcg9381]

You can drop the bolts in the concrete, I'd probably add a big fender washer or similar.. But positioning them can be tricky.
I use "redheads" to bolt things to concrete. Easier for me to drill a hole after the concrete is dry to get the placement right, something like this:



Your wire slab looks fine... Try to keep the wire off the ground, it's easier to set it on something then pour rather than try to place it during the pour.

 

[1930artdeco]

Yeah, a coworker told me to drill and I didn't think if that. So I think I will be getting a bit and some anchor bolts.

 

[1930artdeco]

Ok, mixed and poured today. Not bad….forgot to oil the inside of the forms. So they can stay put until the pad is really solid. Or I can leave them where they are. I am not planning to use them as a support structure. I will mist it down per the instructions today and tomorrow. By Monday I should be able to drill the anchor bolts for the tank. If not there is always next week.

 

[930dreamer]

You don't need to worry about control joints until you get into much larger slabs, say something of the order of 20'.

Mike does a great job with his YouTube videos but you can also take a look at my Guide to Floor Slabs in the link below to see if some of your questions are answered.

Sorry, you should have been my first recommendation!

 

[1320stang]

If you can wait, I'd do so on drilling, it'll still be sorta green, I'd probably give it a week or two. I put my 80gal on hockey pucks as a vibration isolator, used bolts smaller than the hole with fender washers.

 

[1930artdeco]

I can wait a week or so. I still and trying to figure out how to do the plumbing and electrical for it as well.