Page 1 of 2
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 3:06 pm
by henpecked
Right, a bit perplexed here. 
Got a couple of weeks off work to cast a slab. I was going to use a C20 mix (garage base) but would a C25 or even 30 be justifiable?
The slab finishes with build up MOT (roughly 150mm) above ground. Would it be best to build 2 brick course to retain this, or shutter past the MOT (2" or so) so the edge finishes in concrete?
Also, the edge on one side has concrete gravel boards, would these be OK to retain 150mm of concrete or would shuttering be best practice ?
And finally can fibre replace rebar mesh on 150mm?
Phew, out of breath now :p
Hp
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 3:44 pm
by lutonlagerlout
a stronger mix doesn't cost much more
think its about £10 per metre extra for C30 as opposed to C20,the bulk of the money is haulage
if you concrete to the gravel boards you would have a job replacing them,however you are moving soonish IIRC
LLL
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 7:31 pm
by henpecked
Looks like Aus is off the list, kids wont go 
Hence casting slab.
What about the fibres? would it be ok to just have fibres and no rebar in a 150 slab of C30?
Hp
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 8:33 pm
by lutonlagerlout
my mate went to melbourne about 5 years ago and him and his kids hated it
he got a start painting and his first job was 80 miles outside melbourne!!!
thats a daily commute apparently
anyway the eldest son refused to go to school anymore so they came back after a year
this is a slab for a shed right?
sounds like overkill hen
LLL
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 9:28 pm
by henpecked
Well, yes.......and no.
The shed was a comprimise to my all singing/dancing garage. So the shed has been oredered, but Im looking at upgrading the base, as if we are actually staying, I will flog the shed in near future and build my cathedral of timber. 
So will the fibre be a feasible alternative to re-bar with C30?
Hp
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 9:36 pm
by GB_Groundworks
will you be running cars on it and what size shed could you get a heavy 4x4 in etc
id so then stick a single layer of mesh overlapped 2 squares if more than 2 sheets, we always tie then together with seel fixing wire but its over kill for a small slab.
fibres ok for light duty and prevent plastic cracking
Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 9:39 pm
by henpecked
Ta GB
It wont be used for heavy duty stuff, maybe a gym at best.
Hp
PS it will be a 6 x 3 m slab @ 150mm
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 2:50 pm
by seanandruby
put fibre board, or something along gravel board.
Posted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 3:07 pm
by henpecked
seanandruby wrote:put fibre board, or something along gravel board.
Ta, I have some 9x3 floor joists Im going to lean up against the fence. 6 mtrs each, should do the job :;):
Again, for a job i was....etc etc :laugh:
Hp
PS
did think the DPM would take care of any 'adhesion' issues anyway
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 7:37 am
by Mikey_C
henpecked wrote:Looks like Aus is off the list, kids wont go
bonus, be even nicer over there, if there over here
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 1:09 pm
by henpecked
Mikey_C wrote:henpecked wrote:Looks like Aus is off the list, kids wont go
bonus, be even nicer over there, if there over here
Lol, Yes it was suggested, we implied Katie could stay with her nan and come over after her exams..... didn't work, just as stubborn as her mam.
Still applying for Visas, just take our time now, maybe in 3-5 years, maybe not, see what happens.
Hp
Posted: Sun Aug 15, 2010 8:07 pm
by henpecked
Well this is how far I've got, on me jack. Everyone either on holiday or bone idle
Slab will go up to the gate/fence bit which is being replaced with double teak doors.
Theres a bit prepped outside the gate for a parking slab to join the main garage base (gully in-between to prevent cracks)
Great work out, dont think I could have got as much pain down the gym :laugh:
Hp
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:19 pm
by henpecked
Well, all done finally.........
Just a question about rain.
The slab is covered and troweled before it started to rain, some small patches have separated from the cement (due to water).
Could I used some cement powder to bind the sand back to the surface tomorrow?
Didn't want to go down the painting route or knocking off the top layer and rescreeding.
Hp
Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 8:26 pm
by henpecked
Forget the last question. The rain battered the surface a bit, but now its dried out, not too bad a finish 
Just brushed off excess sand and cement, looks the dogs dangalies ,shed Tuesday, will be built up whilst Im at work, then the wife can start sending the dinners up the garden :laugh:
Hp
Hence casting slab.
