pouring pad in nov question-west texas

[lt1driver]

any problem pouring a 14x22 pad for garage in november in abilene, texas....things to do, watch for, check, be aware of...etc. etc. pad will be 8" thick and 5000psi strength to support a 2 post lift, city limits me to no larger than what i am planning unfortunately, basically will be an enclosed carport 11' tall.....thanks

 

[ConCretin]

If weather is your concern, what do you expect for a low temperature? I can't imagine that you get much cold weather down there. We could place an 8" thick slab with 5000 psi concrete in February.

 

[nehog]

1. Way overkill on that slab. You don't need 8 inches of 5000 PSI for a two post lift.

2. No way you'll be happy with 11 ft headroom.

 

[Nighttrain]

Have plenty of cold water for the workers. Just kidding I know it gets cold up there. Your probly better pour this time of year than in August. We are doing a gunite pool now and pouring 2000 SF of decking next week. I'm glad we're doing it now so the water will not evaporate so quick.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Whatever you do, be damn sure you are there watching it being poured and finished. If you read about bad concrete pours, not being there is usually the common factor in a bad pour story.

 

[lt1driver]

building size and height are limited by city so will make do, overkill on specs but very little money and better piece of mind, will store 2 cars with the two post, both low and will fit in 10' ceiling. thanks for replys.

 

[wssix99]

1. Way overkill on that slab. You don't need 8 inches of 5000 PSI for a two post lift.

In addition to that, the thicker slab (assuming the same amount of reinforcing mesh/rebar is used) will be more prone to cracking.

If you go with a double thick slab, you will need double the reinforcing to restrain the shrinkage cracking. (Expensive, PITA to install, etc.)

 

[laser3kw]

had mine poured about this time last year.Average temp was ~45º.
poured 4" or 5" everywhere and added two 3' x 3' x 12" pads for a lift .
Year later no cracks.

 

[f150skidoo]

If your worried about it getting to cold at night you can cover the pad with some straw once the pad sets up a bit.

 

[Fyrme]

When I read the title Pouring concrete in November, it reminded me of the slab my uncle poured in mid Nov. 15 years ago. To this day it has zero cracks. I believe the key there was proper ground prep and it stayed green for almost 2 months due to temp and humidity this time of year. I agree, 8" is way overkill and it's going to take twice the material than a 4" slab. I would consider that unnecessary cost. Why not just pour a 4" with two 8" deep holes where the lift is going. Put plenty of rebar in it and call it a day.

 

[Falcon67]

Concrete cures from the inside out. In our weather, no big deal here. Our average frost doesn't come until the last week of November, if then. I painted and cured my shop epoxy floor paint in December. You should just follow the city published guidelines for your slab:

http://www.abilenetx.com/buildinginspection/b4.htm

http://www.abilenetx.com/BuildingInspection/b5.htm