Tips for Concrete Pour day?

[MerlinsBeard]

I plan to take off work this coming Wednesday to help guide the contractor and support him during the excavation and pour of my 10x16' slab. Any tips that I should be prepared for?

He's done several other concrete jobs in my neighborhood during the development that turned out well, but it's a bit more nerve racking when it's your own.

I don't want to get in his way, but still want to be present to observe and stay on top of anything that could happen. Weather appears to be good. I have water access in the backyard. Anything else?

 

[NBN]

Not to sound too condescending

You have probably checked the other jobs he previously completed in the neighborhood prior to you hiring him. Let him do his job. He probably doesn't need your guidance or support. Mention to him how to access the jobsite, where water and electricity is located and enjoy your day.

It is nerve wracking as I just had a contractor pour a 30x40 last week, I had to place my confidence in his experience.

 

[komalakustoms]

I would agree with NBN. I hope you would trust the contractor you hired for the job. If not, he probably isn't the best candidate for the job. Hire someone you trust with experience. I cant thank my contractor enough for the work he and his guys put in. AS hard as it was for me to sit back and let them work, it paid off in the end. And the contractors will will also appreciate it.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

My intent is not to micromanage the contractor, but this is my first slab and I get one shot. My question is more like, I wish I would have thought of this before "blank" happened. I have gone over details through email when I got the quote, but it's been a couple of months. Probably should print that out and review with the contractor the day of.

I have the shed slab placement staked out from my own measurements, pvc conduit protruding from ground. Only placement issue I have is making sure the 16" studs don't overlap one of my existing PVC conduits since I'm having an Amish shed delivered to be anchored to the slab.

 

[Shiftless]

Unless the slab is larger than the shed, the relative position of the wall studs and the pvc conduit stubs is unchangeable now.

 

[Dr. Brown]

To consider:

Conduit under the slab?
Pull pots
Metal beam embedded to tack/weld to
2” receiver hitches for vice or grinder stands.
Drain slope
Door floor
Brushed floor just inside man door to prevent slipping.

Just some thoughts.

 

[Forgottonia]

I'm like you: I like to stick around to see how they're doing, but stay out of their way and let them do their job.

Only suggestion: Maybe put a cooler of ice and bottled water some place nearby for them to drink. They'll appreciate it, and they might be a bit more diligent than otherwise.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

Unless the slab is larger than the shed, the relative position of the wall studs and the pvc conduit stubs is unchangeable now.

Actually, I decided to not have the PVC stubs through the concrete but on the outside at the rear of the shed to mitigate any difficulty with having the shed delivered and anchored. So technically they could move the slab laterally relative to the PVC stubs to make sure there's no stud that would overlap.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

I'm like you: I like to stick around to see how they're doing, but stay out of their way and let them do their job.

Only suggestion: Maybe put a cooler of ice and bottled water some place nearby for them to drink. They'll appreciate it, and they might be a bit more diligent than otherwise.

That's a great suggestion! I actually did that as part of my thesis defense back in the day and it certainly helped the professor's demeanor. I remember telling my wife to provide refreshments to her attendees as part of her thesis defense and I'll just say that there was a substantial attitude difference when it came time to cross examination compared to her other classmates.

 

[walrus]

pour of my 10x16' slab.

2 guys can pour that easily. If they can't handle that slab you have a lousy concrete company working for you.

 

[misterfixit]

My opinion for what it's worth:
Could you pour the slab yourself, or be in charge and get it right if your contractor wasn't there? If not, sit back and watch. I understand it's your first slab, I hope it isn't his.

If you can take his place and do it by yourself, your paying him to save your back which is a wonderful thing to be able to do. In that case go ahead and look over everything. Otherwise, watch and have the water handy.

The only thing I would do, and I would do it prior to anyone showing up for work, is to measure and make sure the forms are square.

 

[ford33]

Measure the slab dimensions and confirm it is the correct size.
Check for squareness at the corners.
Is the depth of concrete sufficient and meet your requirements.
Define what flat and level means to you versus the contractor.
What is the final finish of the surface?
Where are the control cuts going to be cut and when and how.
Control cuts going to have rounded edges
If you have rebar or wire mesh installed will the contractor hold it in position mid-depth or let it fall to the ground doing no good.


What slump and how do you control the water added at the job site.
Where do you put the excess concrete

 

[like2wheel]

To consider:

Conduit under the slab?
Pull pots
Metal beam embedded to tack/weld to
2” receiver hitches for vice or grinder stands.
Drain slope
Door floor
Brushed floor just inside man door to prevent slipping.

Just some thoughts.

Embedded beam? Pull pots?
Its a 10 x16' shed.
Gonna straighten the frame on his lawn tractor?

 

[66cj225]

You may need to humble yourself to the reality of a 'less than a load' job. There aren't a lot of frills. A path for access, a place to wash out and a good guess of how much is really in the truck. If this goes well, it's beverage oclock.

 

[66cj225]

Maybe you could form up some tractor counter weights for you and the neighbors for the excess concrete.

 

[larry_g]

Maybe have a couple of stepping stone forms built in case they have to much concrete. Have a place located that they can washout the truck. I have a gravel drive so I just had them do it in the driveway. Have a 5 gallon bucket or two they can dump concrete in, now you have a couple of weights to tie down the tent to. Only fill to 1/3-1/2 full.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[komalakustoms]

I'm like you: I like to stick around to see how they're doing, but stay out of their way and let them do their job.

Only suggestion: Maybe put a cooler of ice and bottled water some place nearby for them to drink. They'll appreciate it, and they might be a bit more diligent than otherwise.

i did this too from my desk at work I moved one of my cameras in the direction of the pour just because i was too excited

 

[MFortie]

I had a 1800 sq. ft. slab poured in front of my shop a couple months ago. Buddy of mine and I did the grading, forming, and steel (my buddy decided to weld the rebar -- said it was easier than tying).

We stood back and watched while the crew did the pour & finishing. I had breakfast muffins and a cooler with water & Gatorade for the guys.

Other than shooting the bull with the pump crew and drivers, we pretty much stayed out of the way and let the pros do their job. Turned out great.

But yeah, I was a bit 'apprehensive' at the start...

 

[engineer2]

Someone on GJ wisely suggested asking the concrete truck driver for info on how long the concrete has been on the truck. I forget the time limits, but ideally you want the first pour of the day.

 

[Pntyrmvr]

I get the load ticket from the mixer driver and take a photo of it.

Even if I sub out the actual concrete supply contract. Most drivers are used to it and hand it over without question. Especially if I'm dressed in work clothes.

Lots of good info on that ticket for future reference. And dispute resolution.

 

[nadogail]

Doubling down on the Ice Water and Soda. Maybe Pizza as the job is winding up.

Alcohol has no place on the job.

 

[haulna]

Make sure the base rock is compacted and watered down prior to placing the concrete.

 

[Davefr]

Your job starts after the pour. Concrete likes to stay cool and moist for the best cure. You need to keep the surface hydrated or cover it up to retain moisture.

Hot and dry after the pour is worst case for concrete. Avoid those conditions.

 

[MerlinsBeard]

Concrete contractor had to re-arrange my pour for this week (Wednesday) instead of last week since he was juggling customers. Gave me the time to cut up some sod to donate to my father-in-law over the weekend, with some spare for trying to pretty up the dirt around the perimeter of the slab. Thanks for the advice, hoping for the best and that the thunderstorms stay away.

 

[captain14]

Good luck on Wednesday. Post up some photos after the job and how it went.

Any forms set up for the unexpected extra? Pads for your trashcans, step outside the shed,etc?

 

[duneslider]

Its amazing what a cooler of cold drinks and some hostess treats will do for a job.

We got a hand written note from a dump truck driver because we left him a couple cokes and a swissroll.

Our electricians took care of a couple "extras" after mentioning they appreciated the cooler of drinks we left.

If they are professionals they don't need hand holding but will certainly appreciate some kindness.