Mixing Concrete with a Mixer Questions

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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Mixing Concrete with a Mixer Questions


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sabiggs Member	# Posted: 17 Jul 2011 13:01 Reply Considering renting a cement mixer and mixing some concrete this upcoming weekend and was looking for a little imput. I will be filling 6 10" sonotubes using 80lb. bags of mix. I've done the math and it should be between 22-27 bags based on our depth. A few questions I have, mainly out of specific curiosity, are: 1. About how much water will be needed per bag? (I have read/ figure about 1 gallon per 80lb. bag) I only ask because we don't have access to water but do have several 5 gallon jugs already at the site. 2. About how many 80lb bags should we be mixing (on average) at a time in the mixer? 2-3 bags? More, less? 3. Any estimates on how long the process will take? Start to finish or just per mixer load? Any other info or advice would be appreciated. Thanks for the experienced advice everyone.

Rob_O	# Posted: 17 Jul 2011 17:31 Reply 1) A gallon per bag sounds about right, read the bag to be sure as it will vary between mixes. Bring about 10 gallons extra for cleanup. Less water is better, it makes for stronger concrete 2) depends on the size of the mixer. 1 ft^3 per bag, get a mixer large enough to do the biggest pier in a single pour if possible 3) You will get tired long before that concrete mixer. How long can you keep up? Here's some great info on setting up sonotube foundations for small buildings