Concrete strength/golf course - Concrete strength/golf course

[TheVictorianCobbleCo]

Hi, a couple of questions.1) I make paving slabs ala Marshalls/Bradstone and want to stay at the 30MPa X 28 days mark for my mix. The problem is the installers complain when cutting slabs (rough edges) if the stone content in the slab is normal, and in my long absence the foreman changed the mix to more sand than stone (6mm). Ratio now 3:2:1 sand stone cement. Any comments on the effect of this would be appreciated. 2) I've been asked to quote on all the path/buggie driveways for a golf course. Apart from the obvious as found in PavingExpert and good engineering practice, are there any flags to be raised from previous experience by you guys that I need to take note of?
Thanks

[Tony McC]

1 - I can't understand why a higher ratio of stone (coarse agg) would cause rough edges when cut. What tools are they using?

2 - block paving if they want a solid surface; self-binding gravel and/or cell matrices for a more informal option.

[Dave_L]

Timber edging and tarmac is what all the golf course work we've done has been spec'd as.

Things to be aware of? Flying golf balls! Wear a hard hat. Believe me.

Oh and the occasional pompous golfer who thinks everybody owes him something........

[TheVictorianCobbleCo]

Thanks for the answers. The installers here use a 9" angle grinder with a diamond blade, but unfortunately their expertise is questionable, I've cut slabs for them and showed them that its possible to get a neat cut. More so their laying technique scares the ** out of me so theres a long road of educating in the offing. I found it difficult to get any fixed figures from people like PPc and Lafarge/Blue Circle re concrete strengths and it looks like I'll have to do test cubes to get an indication. The Golf side has come up well and I've been able to identify concrete with timber edging/kerbs as the main product,with pretty areas/parking areas either cell matrices or block paving. Tar is an option here but I don't have much experience with it so will offer it only with the backing of a reputable co. Watch this space.

[seanandruby]

seems a long and expensive way of doing flags. if they are using an angle grinder it most probably is electric, so how are the wetting down the dust? surely they and the golfers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica ( RCS )? There is a H&S dvd and leaflet called clear the air, maybe you should ask for one and give it to them. The gaffer helped putting it together, its quite informative. also get some free markers with it :;):

[Tony McC]

Wow! A DVD entitled "Clear The Air". That must be brilliant!!

The DVD has been properly available for a couple of weeks now and it's exceeding our expectations. I was in a council highways depot on Friday last and they had it playing on a plasma screen in the reception area. On the community website set up for the project, the demand for the DVD has been phenomenal.

I have a limited number of copies if anyone really needs one. Send me an SAE with a LARGE stamp on it, and I'll post one out to you.

In the meantime, we're looking at the viability of putting it on YouTube...more news as soon as I have any.