Concrete question

[Ed62]

I have to pour a pad 8' X 8' X 4" thick. The estimate is (36) 80 lb. bags of concrete mix. I don't think I can get it delivered in a redi-mix truck.

It is supposed to be 87 degrees, and I'm not sure I can handle all the mixing, with the sun beating down on me. I will have a (younger) helper. Is it possible to pour 1/2 of the pad one day, and pour the other 1/2 another day without problems? The pad is for a hen house, so it doesn't have to be pristine.

Ed

[woodturner]

I have to pour a pad 8' X 8' X 4" thick. The estimate is (36) 80 lb. bags of concrete mix. I don't think I can get it delivered in a redi-mix truck.

It is supposed to be 87 degrees, and I'm not sure I can handle all the mixing, with the sun beating down on me. I will have a (younger) helper. Is it possible to pour 1/2 of the pad one day, and pour the other 1/2 another day without problems?

Your estimate sounds right -thirty six 2/3 cu ft bags should give you 24 cu ft.

That's about a yard of concrete. Bags will probably be cheaper, but you could go with a concrete truck. Based on local prices, it would cost about $50 more for the truck, but save a LOT of labor.

To place the pad in two sections, form one half of the pad and place that. Use an edger all around. Let it cure a few days (keeping it wet, of course). Then form the second half, using the edge of the first part as one side of the form. Use the groover to finish that edge.

[LarryG]

Yes, you can do it, using the methodology woodturner describes, but the two sections should be keyed together so that their top surface will remain in alignment if you get any settling or frost heaves.

There are metal keyed control joints available, or you can make a homemade version out of wood.

Another way would be to drill holes in the form at the mating edge and insert some short pieces of rebar -- #3s about one foot long would do it, spaced 1'-0" OC -- through the holes, so that half their length will be embedded in each of the two sections.

[pelligrini]

It is supposed to be 87 degrees, and I'm not sure I can handle all the mixing, with the sun beating down on me. I will have a (younger) helper.

Are you planning on using (renting) a mixer? It would surely give you a more consistant mix and save a lot of time and effort.

[JimD]

Were you going to rent a mixer or mix by hand? It seems like it would be a lot more managable with a mixer.

Jim

[BigguyZ]

Yeah, even with a mixer that's a lot of work. If you're not getting a truck, I'd reccomend renting a mixer (Or two!). I did a project with my brother where we were adding to an existing pad to expand a patio. It was a lot smaller than that pad, and with one mixer it took almost a whole day and was a LOT of work. Good luck!

Oh, and take some pics to show us the results!

[cabinetman]

You might be able to get a delivery of "undelivered" cement, or overage that the truck has after a run. It's a shot in the dark, but it may be discounted. Sure beats mixing it yourself.
.

[capncarl]

Does your redimix concrete supplier have the haul it yourself concrete trailers? A lot do. They are ideal for this type of job, just buy what you need, tow it home and pour it yourself, wash out the trailer and return. It might be worth towing 100 miles just to keep from having to mix it yourself and burn up 2 whole days.
capncarl

[Ed62]

Wow! Thanks very much for the help. Not sure what my options are locally. I'll have to check it out.

Ed

[dbhost]

Another vote for a rented mixer. You SHOULD be able to get it all poured in one shot if you use a mixer. Doing it manually in a tub is backbreaking labor. A mixer will make everyone's lives MUCH easier...

Not sure about your part of the country, but Home Depot rents mixers around here...

Do keep in mind, 36 #80 bags of concrete adds up FAST. Not sure what sort of truck you are figuring on using, but I wouldn't put 2880 lbs over my rear axle. I'd rent a flat bed trailer, OR rent Home Depot's truck and abuse it... Of course for that kind of quantity, you MIGHT be able to get delivery from a local vendor...

[Kensrock]

Concrete

Equipment Rental stores often have one yard mixers that you can haul behind your truck. I've used them and they are great for small projects, a lot less of the hard work of mixing it yourself..

[jeepman71]

Watch Harbor Freight with coupons. I bout HF mixer for $167.00 after coupons. It handled 2 bags of quickrete easily and could do 3 but it didn't like it.

[herb fellows]

You really want a truck to deliver, even if it's $150 more. Tough times, I know, but the labor savings is enormous!

[WayneJ]

Don't know about where you are but in Jersey we have trucks that will come to your job site and mix however much you need and pour it. I can't help price wise tho.
Wayne

[woodturner]

Don't know about where you are but in Jersey we have trucks that will come to your job site and mix however much you need and pour it. I can't help price wise tho.

The mix and measure trucks are available here, too, but they are very expensive. It's in the range of $250 for the first yard, $200 per yard for the rest. Readimix is in the range of $80/yard, but they effectively charge you for five yards minimum ($400).

So if you need 2 yards or more, around here you are better off with readimix.