what is the proper formula for making cement?

Question

i have a lot of cement work to do, and would like to know what materials i need from gravel pit and mixture ratio. thanks

Answer 1

Making concrete isn't that hard. One thing the others didn't mention is whether you want a more dry or wet pour. In some cases like a slopping location you may want a more dry pour as it will keep it from running. The biggest key is in the Mixing. Wet or dry it must be mixed very well or it won't set. Plus in the summer time with hot temptures you should if possible provide shade or if possible pour it later in the afternoon close to sundown. Or if that isn't possible try covering it with a tarp or some type of cover and wet it down. Give it plenty of set up time before moving anything heavy onto it you know like at least a week or so.

Answer 2

The correct ratio is 3:2:1, and add water, to a slum of 4". Like the guy above said. But mixing by hand is plain stupid. You can check out the rental places they usually have big gas mixers or better for you, a smaller electric one. Also check out Home Depot's rentals too.

You don't say what type of work either. Morter is a different mix, and gravels come in a variety of sizes, too.

Answer 3

Well since you are going to be mixing it is a mixer I hope.

In Mexico they mix it by hand sometimes and it always fails...

If you aren't experienced I wouldn't mix it concrete yourself. too much room for error.
Look in the phone book for a rental place that has the mixers and will premix it for you as you need it. I replaced my driveway and did it that way it only saved me about 5,000 over having a big truck come in....And if it is a bad mix then you can say hey what's up with the bad mix and get it replaced instead of ordering more because you screwed up a batch..
Your Best bet is to rent the mixer, and go buy the cement in bags real cheap from Lowes and mix it yourself as much as you need. and its like a box cake, no fuss no muss..

Answer 4

you would be better off ordering it, but if you want to DIY. sand, gravel, and portland cement, +water.
1 shovel of cement 2 shovels of sand 3 shovels of gravel,
depends on What you are pouring, a drive or patio requires a strong mix, a wall is a diffrent, mix,
call you local cement co they will tell you what you need to mix for what you are pouring,

Answer 5

on our job site we use 3 parts sand, two parts gravel, and one part cement - mix with water until you like the consistency.