Posted: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 pm
I am preparing myself a concrete base for a soon to be delivered shed and am amazed at the variety of advice from websites, DIY stores etc, ranging from 'just lay slabs onto grass, through to build retaining wall surround, then hardcore and concrete. I have just seen your web site and from my own research it ranks as the most comprehensive, thank you! Three questions if I may.
1) I am looking to construct 100mm high shuttering onto compacted clayish soil. I am excavating the 100mm depth (albeit into a slight R-L grade slope, approx. 1 in 15) I thought the 75mm or so soil on the lower level would be sufficient to hold. Your diagram under 'Concrete' shows a concrete base onto which a slim kerb stone is laid. Is this really necessary? Could I say sink a kerb stone into the soil (say 150 deep) as as retaining without further concreting, as I am hoping to receive a single delivery of pre-mixed and do without the hassle of mixers, bags of sand/cement etc...?
2) If I do need to construct a concrete pad onto which I mount the kerb stone, does this kerb become part of my shuttering. If not how should it work?
3) I am also looking to run an electric (PVC/SWA) cable into the shed through the floor. Do I need to tape between the membrane and plastic conduit? Are there any other special considerations (bar the trench depth, warning tape (already noted from your site) and electrical considerations, I'm fine on those!).
I hope these make sense and aren't too basic for the forum. I recognise I'll always be 'an apprentice' regarding building work but for the bit I do I'd like to get it 'right'.
Regards,
Droc
1) I am looking to construct 100mm high shuttering onto compacted clayish soil. I am excavating the 100mm depth (albeit into a slight R-L grade slope, approx. 1 in 15) I thought the 75mm or so soil on the lower level would be sufficient to hold. Your diagram under 'Concrete' shows a concrete base onto which a slim kerb stone is laid. Is this really necessary? Could I say sink a kerb stone into the soil (say 150 deep) as as retaining without further concreting, as I am hoping to receive a single delivery of pre-mixed and do without the hassle of mixers, bags of sand/cement etc...?
2) If I do need to construct a concrete pad onto which I mount the kerb stone, does this kerb become part of my shuttering. If not how should it work?
3) I am also looking to run an electric (PVC/SWA) cable into the shed through the floor. Do I need to tape between the membrane and plastic conduit? Are there any other special considerations (bar the trench depth, warning tape (already noted from your site) and electrical considerations, I'm fine on those!).
I hope these make sense and aren't too basic for the forum. I recognise I'll always be 'an apprentice' regarding building work but for the bit I do I'd like to get it 'right'.
Regards,
Droc