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I need to quickly brush up on my concrete knowledge. I’m hoping you could help.
I will be pouring a small landing and a step to receive some stairs. This is an outdoor project for a winter climate (Toronto).
The landing ‘pad’ will be about 5′ x 5′. There will be a curb on one side dropping down to about 16″. Another side will butt up against a block wall. The third side will meet grade and the front will have one step down to grade.
The whole thing will be poured onto more or less virgin soil, so I can dig down as far as necessary and still have a stable base.
Here is the advice I’m looking for:
1. Should I put any gravel for drainage under the pour? The soil is mostly clay.
2. Should I use air entrained concrete? I plan to order ready mix, how much more should air entrainment usually cost? Do suppliers like to do it for small loads? Does it offer that much benefit for a small pour?
3. Should I use an expansion strip material between the slab and the block wall? I’m assuming I should.
4. I would like to have a rough finish, but not one that looks brushed. Is the best way to achieve this to not trowel up the cream? What technique would you recommend?
Replies
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1. A gravel base is always a good idea.
2. Yes on air entraining for any concrete that is exposed to freeze cycles.
3. Expansion is not needed for such a small area and will leave a path for water to run underneath and wash out.
4. I would just wait longer before you broom it, that will give a lighter texture.
You may find that the transit-mix company will have a stiff minimum charge for small pours. Consider enlarging the landing or pour another area at the same time.
Terry
*Agreed except on the joint. If any heaving happens it can all go evenly if a strip is used. With a bond to the block wall, the slab could end up canting out of level.Also spray a curing agent on.
*Rubbing the surface up with a wooden float after the bleed water has gone will give you a good non-slip surface.
*Thanks all,The air entrainment is the only pain here. I have one supplier that is happy to drop a yard on the way to other jobs. I've had good service and prices from them a few times. But when I asked about air entrainment, they seemed to balk at a small load.Anyway, I appreciate the feedback.
*Don't worry about it. The air entrainment is most important if you're pouring and curing in cold weather. Unless you form and pour as slow as I type, you'll be done by then.
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I need to quickly brush up on my concrete knowledge. I'm hoping you could help.
I will be pouring a small landing and a step to receive some stairs. This is an outdoor project for a winter climate (Toronto).
The landing 'pad' will be about 5' x 5'. There will be a curb on one side dropping down to about 16". Another side will butt up against a block wall. The third side will meet grade and the front will have one step down to grade.
The whole thing will be poured onto more or less virgin soil, so I can dig down as far as necessary and still have a stable base.
Here is the advice I'm looking for:
1. Should I put any gravel for drainage under the pour? The soil is mostly clay.
2. Should I use air entrained concrete? I plan to order ready mix, how much more should air entrainment usually cost? Do suppliers like to do it for small loads? Does it offer that much benefit for a small pour?
3. Should I use an expansion strip material between the slab and the block wall? I'm assuming I should.
4. I would like to have a rough finish, but not one that looks brushed. Is the best way to achieve this to not trowel up the cream? What technique would you recommend?