Cocnrete tutorials/tips - Small Cabin Forum

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Small Cabin Forum / Cabin Construction / Cocnrete tutorials/tips


Author	Message
bobbotron Member	# Posted: 10 Jul 2012 12:06 Reply Hey all, I'm getting ready to mix some concrete for sonotubes. Been a while since I've done concrete, I was wondering if you guys had any tips for getting the right ratio of water. What are some good heuristics for telling if I have the right amount of water in my mix? I know it shouldn't be a soupy mess, but I have a hard time telling if it's on the dry side or just right.

bobbotron Member	# Posted: 10 Jul 2012 13:13 Reply I'm planning on using a empty coffee cup with the top cut off to do slump tests with. If it slumps by a 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the cup, I believe this is about right?

TomChum Member	# Posted: 17 Jul 2012 12:34 - Edited by: TomChum Reply Hi Bobbo, you can do a test but I don't think it's that critical. Those tests are for publix worx projects, where the $ is endless (taxpayer money) and the liability too. Sounds like an easy test though. I just pat it down, see if the butter comes up. You are pouring concrete in a hole, for loadbearing and for weight. I think you will have it figured out by the 2nd wheelbarrow (and many to come, judging by the size and # of holes!). Your foundation, with big holes, down to rock, will be very very strong.