Anyone know anything about concrete?

I know a bit. I have built rock walls and used mortar. I have poored slabs and did it myself.I poored an extra thick 12" slab several years ago at the base of some stairs outside as they were moving/tilting. They are now stable!

Drainage is key so ensure it is properly sloped.A base of gravel about 4" thick under the concrete will ensure good drainage and prevent soil erosion underneath. Strength can be added using rebar and concrete wire,but it needs to be all tied togther with wire or a welder.. I also use some thing called fibrefrax? It's basically chopped fibreglass. Add this to the concrete and it becomes very strong.

Ratio of cement to sand/gravel affects cure time. I used 4:1 but I want my concrete to cure if it gets cold. The more cement you use the fastr it will cure and the reaction is less likely to stop if it gets too cold.

While it cures you want to keep it wet. Concrete will absorb water as it dries. This becoames a probel on hot days.What I did was cover the slab with an old comforter and soak it with water,then cover with plastic. Even on a hot 100 degree day the cement stayed wet.


It is a lot of work. The best thing is to have lots of help!