Replies

1. 
   experienced | Jun 22, 2006 04:31pm | #1

   Yes they can be done after the fact. The quicker (like today) the better!!!

2. 
   CapnMac | Jun 22, 2006 04:48pm | #2

   am i screwed?

   That's a different question, on many levels.

   can they be "cut in" after the fact?

   Yes.  It's quick, if a bit messy; call the rtental center and get a rate for a wet concrete cutting saw.  Typically, a cut joint can be as shallow as 3/8".  Spacing them about the width of the concrete down the length works.

   is my contractor a big ol' dope?

   That could be an entire 'nuther thread all by its lonesome.

   In my neck of the woods, it's a bit tougher to get the concrete guys to remember to sleeve driveways than to get CJ put in; next hardest seems to be getting dowels put in across joints.

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
3. 
   FastEddie | Jun 22, 2006 05:31pm | #3

   Agreed, it can easily be done after the fact.  And it needs to be done quickly for two reasons: while the concrete is fresh and green it will cut easier, and you want to get the grooves cut before it starts to crack on it's own.

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   merlvern | Jun 22, 2006 05:35pm | #4

   thanks everyone

1. 
   brownbagg | Jun 22, 2006 06:56pm | #5

   cut them today, about 10 feet apart, no more than ten feet and cut them deep. 1/4 the thickness of slab so at leats a inch deep. if you wait till weekend it be too late.

1. 
   CapnMac | Jun 22, 2006 07:22pm | #6

   and cut them deep. 1/4 the thickness of slab

   Hmm, what happens if the reinforcing gets cut?  Doesn't that leave a "risk" that the edges will/could/might seperate?

   Ok, so it's low risk--the concrete 'dude' didn't joint (or ask about jointing)--so, there's (maybe) just 6x6 WWM smushed down to the bottom, but still . . .Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

1. 
   merlvern | Jun 22, 2006 07:59pm | #7

   i talked to my mason about the "joints" and he said that he is going to put in "relief cuts" today.......any advice/clarity about this? are they a common practice as opposed to the joints incorporated in a pour?thanks,john

2. 
   CapnMac | Jun 22, 2006 10:23pm | #8

   he is going to put in "relief cuts" today.......any advice/clarity about this? are they a common practice as opposed to the joints incorporated in a pour?

   Well, that's what "we" have actually been talking about with the concrete saw. 

   "Common" will depend some on location.  (Hint:  Update Profile <g>)

   I've seen more engineers specify relief cuts in large commercial slabs than I used to--but I don't know if it's a "trend" or not. 

   There are two arguments for relief cutting.  One is that the weight is on the "top" side, so if the concrete "bends" at all, that top surface is in compression--the saw cuts can then "close" to relieve that stress (which likely cracks the concrete underneath, but in a neat line, not all jagged).

   The other argument is that a traditional control joint is messy, what with having dowels & the like in it, especially in a "hot" (versus cold) joint.  The thinking then goes, a messy joint will not be as clean as a neat joint, ergo if it cracks, the crack will not be neat, either.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

3. 
   merlvern | Jun 22, 2006 10:56pm | #9

   thanks capn'note to self......in the future omit phrases such as "screwed" and "big ol' dope" from posts.2nd note to self.....check references, don't take comments like "i know a great mason" at face value.appreciate all your help