My pole barn...a solo affair

[MtnViewRanch]

Originally Posted by bindian

Danno1,
That is what Mikim explained to me today. I was thinking the door ways need beams, but didn't realize perimeter beams by the poles will keep the edges from cracking.
Thanks!
hugs, Brandi

More $$$$

[bindian]

Originally Posted by MtnViewRanch

More $$$$

Call it sweat equity. It sounds better that way.
hugs, Brandi

[EddieWalker]

Wire gives a concrete pad an amazing amount of strength when installed properly, unfortunately, it's rarely done properly. What happens is it's layed out on the ground or sub base just fine. Then the crew pulls it up when the concrete is being dumped. In theory, this should work, but in reality, the wire mesh never makes it to the middle of the concrete. In a few places, it might be near the top or even come out of the top, which is bad, but most of the time, it's in the bottom of the pad. It is VERY DIFICULT to get wire mesh in the center of the pad. Of course, you will have no way of knowing this until it's tore apart. If you have cracks, the contractor comes up with one of a dozen plausible excuses why it's not his fault. Only when you cut it up do you realize why it's really cracking. All cement cracks, but with rebar or wire properly installed, it doesn't lose it's strength when it cracks.

Eddie

[bindian]

Originally Posted by EddieWalker

Wire gives a concrete pad an amazing amount of strength when installed properly, unfortunately, it's rarely done properly. What happens is it's layed out on the ground or sub base just fine. Then the crew pulls it up when the concrete is being dumped. In theory, this should work, but in reality, the wire mesh never makes it to the middle of the concrete. In a few places, it might be near the top or even come out of the top, which is bad, but most of the time, it's in the bottom of the pad. It is VERY DIFICULT to get wire mesh in the center of the pad. Of course, you will have no way of knowing this until it's tore apart. If you have cracks, the contractor comes up with one of a dozen plausible excuses why it's not his fault. Only when you cut it up do you realize why it's really cracking. All cement cracks, but with rebar or wire properly installed, it doesn't lose it's strength when it cracks.

Eddie

Eddie,
The times I have helped pour concrete, we grab the wire with a hoe and pull it up a little. I saw some wire rebar supports, about 12 inches long and about 3 or 4 inches wide, that look like they could be used to hold up wire mesh also. I already have the wire. Now I need to find a place that sales 20 or 30 foot long rebar.
hugs, Brandi