Concrete Construction Question

[JohnSinVA]

Have you considered using a gravel footer? Or perhaps concrete piers and a post frame structure? There are alternatives to a standard concrete footer which might be easier to get done on a tough site.

 

[jhb]

I'm about to start building some stone walls and was going to purchase a 5Cu-ft electric cement mixer (Home Depot?)

Are these worth it? They only run a few hundred dollars.

 

[Allen2]

Cracker,
The only pumpers I have seen around here have been the big truck mounted ones. It would probably be overkill for this job and probably too expensive for me. However, I have not checked with the rental yards to see what they have. I have put that on my to-do list.
Thanks.
Allen

 

[Allen2]

Eddie,
Thanks for all of the info. I have followed your projects on here and as far as I am concerned you are a god in the building world. I calculate the footer for this job to be about 6 yards. I mixed alot of concrete in a previous life, but that was a while ago and I was a whole lot younger. I know its hard work. That is why I was exploring doing it in pieces. I think before I start down that road I will make another round of phone calls. There have been some really good ideas mentioned here that I am going to check into. Thanks again for taking the time to respond. I look forward to more pics of your projects to give me inspiration.
Allen

 

[Allen2]

bczoom,
I never thought about checking on what size trucks they have. The concrete place I would probably use is just on the other side of the hill from me (still probably about 5 miles away). I went out and looked after reading your post. A smaller truck just may get back there if the guy was careful and the truck wasn't too big (and it stays dry). Another item for my to-do list for phone calls. Thanks for the idea.
Allen

 

[Allen2]

Jim,
So I guess the contractors here are no different than other places. I have been following your project as well. At least I don' t have the rocks to contend with, just alot of roots. The BX23 is pretty good about snapping through those. I will be checking with the rental places to see what kind of buggies they have. It may turn out to be one of the more cost effective solutions. I will be watching for your pics to see how your project turns out. Good luck getting it in before the snow hits.
Allen

 

[FL_Cracker]

If you had a FEL on the BX you could take it one bucket at a time back to the slab. Might take a little while but that's better than a wheel barrow.

I will admit I hate to think about concrete splattered all over my new tractor, but it would wash off if you got it quick....

 

[Allen2]

Bebster & Caylor,
Thanks for the ideas on doing the concrete in pieces. I like the idea of the notch in the end. I think that combined with rebar would work really well. I am really going to try not to do it in pieces. I have some more calls to make based on the ideas listed here. But if I am forced to, I will start doing in pieces. I don't really want to wait until next year.
Allen

 

[Allen2]

If I missed anybody with a reply - thanks! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I knew this forum would generate some helpful information. Based on your replys, here is a summary of what I plan on doing next. If anyone else ends up in a similar situation, maybe this will be of some help to them. Thank you all for your help. Hopefully I will be able to post some progress pics here in the near future. Here is a pic of the site in question. The clearing all the way to the back of the yard is the site I cleared. The driveway is to the lower right corner of the picture. The path back to the site would be along the deck and through the trees. A smaller truck just may be able to do that.

To-Do Summary:

1) Call some more contractors, maybe get lucky

2) Check with concrete supplier about smaller trucks and 1 yard trailers

3) Check with rental yard about concrete buggies and concrete pumps

Thanks all.
Allen

Thanks all.

 

[v8dave]

Call a concrete pumping company just to see how much they charge. It may end up being cheaper than a rental yard where you'll have to end up with a day's charges because you'll have to work your pour and clean the pump & hose before returning it. One truck load will be poured in an hour or less, likely only a few hours worth of pumper charges.

The pumps used in my shop construction were all trailer type pumps with hose laid out on the ground. Although, the longest run they made at my place was just a tad over 100'. Largest pour was about 40 yards--four trucks worth. Grand total of four pours--one for slab, one for walkways and short back drive, two for the 120' driveway.

One thing good about a pumping company is you get another guy on the job. The pump operator runs the end of the hose spitting out the concrete. He has a radio control for remote operation of the pumping machine.

The cost of a pumper may be less than you think if you factor in the paid truck waiting time.