2006-08-16 16:12:42 · 10 answers · asked by William A 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
A reinforced (wire mesh) slab need only be 4" thick. However, the formula for finding the cubic yards for a 5" slab is: 28 x 66 x .42 divided by 27 = 28.74 cy. For 4" slab the cubic yards needed would be 22.58. Order an extra 1/2 to 1 yard to make sure you do not run out.
Slabs this big need to have construction joints every few feet to control cracking.
This is an awful big project. I hope you have help. Consider getting the area ready and hire a professional finisher.
Good luck!
2006-08-17 12:04:20 · answer #1 · answered by duke1414 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You want a concrete slab that dimension. Cement is just one ingredient.
Concrete is portland cement, sand, and gravel. A decent mix is 20% cement, 40% sand, 40% gravel, so you'll need one bag of portland cement (92 or so lbs), about 200+ lbs of sand, and the same of gravel.
You'll have to mix it in 4 or 5 separate pours as this quantity is large. Your total is about 5.3 cu ft, which is around 500 lbs. A wheelbarrow works best.
Use rebar or metal mesh so the slab doesn't crack. If you can, have your yard cut the mesh for you 24"X 62". Prop it up so it is 2" of the ground and 2" away from the form edges. You can use a few small rocks to hold the mesh off the ground.
Mix the dry ingredients in that same 20/40/40 mix each batch. As you add water, try not to drown the mix. It should be pliable, not dry. If you drown it, add some more dry ingredient in the same proportion. Now pour it in! Spread it out with a shovel or hoe. Be careful on the first few batches that you don't disturb the mesh.
Once you get to the top (I hope the form went down level!) use a straight piece of 2x4 to screed the top by moving it side to side over the edge of the form and removing any excess concrete.
Let it sit for 48 hours and then remove the forms. Voila!
2006-08-16 23:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by szydkids 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are asking how much concrete you would need it would be about 29 cubic yards. Why so thick of a slab? Driveways are usually 3.5" thick which would reduce the concrete down to 23 cubic yards.
Don't forget reinforcing steel, you can use 6"x6" #10x#10 mesh. It comes in sheets and you have to overlap them and tie them together.
Also, you should do this in two or three separate slabs. Concrete will crack over time and separate slabs will minimize the cracking.
2006-08-17 11:27:52 · answer #3 · answered by big_mustache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you only need 4 inches thick slab. unless you plan on putting a heavy building on it. the average double drive is 47 yards of cement at 4 inches. the average cement truck carries 4 yards in it. its alot more than you think. they can push 6 yards in them if they are going a short distance and dump right away.
2006-08-17 00:51:26 · answer #4 · answered by hollywood71@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably don't want one big slab. It could crack. A better idea would be to do two or three smaller slabs laid side by side.
2006-08-16 23:20:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
so what is the question? You go here and find out how. There is not enough room to expain this labor intensive job.
www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/slabs
2006-08-16 23:23:50 · answer #6 · answered by mysticideas 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well cement is 56.76 a yard and you want about 800 yards so thay would cost you elbow dollars and purple cents. doesent anyone use google anymore?
2006-08-16 23:20:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
going to drive a tank over it or what?
2006-08-17 18:46:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OK. You have my approval.
2006-08-16 23:17:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
is this a question?
2006-08-16 23:17:38 · answer #10 · answered by alandicho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋