Should I lay my concrete base in sections?

Question

I am going to lay a concrete base approximately 9' x 17' and 6 inches deep. The question is, can I lay that as one slab or should I do it in two sections? If so, any advice on how to do it?

Answer 1

I would suggest sections.  if you want this slab to be nice and smooth you need to "float" it.  This process is basically shaking the top, and getting the gravel to sink below the surface, as well as grading any high spots and low spots.  It produces a  nice flat smooth surface.  the easiest way to float a slab is to use a nice flat "stick" that reaches from one side to the other and rides on the top of the forms.  you move the stick back and forthe and at the same time side to side.  so as you can imagine, this will need to be a long stick if your pad is 9' wide.  you'll need about a 12' stick that's really straight and relatively smooth on one side.  it's doable.  

i would go with 3 3'x17' sections.  do the outside 2 first, then once they have cured and you've removed your inside forms, pour the middle strip using the outer strips as the form.

there are lots and lots of different ways to do this,  that's just how I would do it.

Answer 2

Doing it in two sections could result in an un-level pad.  best thing is to do it all at once.

Answer 3

go for the two sections... heck go for more sections if you want to.  for someone who is doing it themself, concrete can be tricky, as far as cracking and getting it level

Answer 4

You'll just need to put control joints in it so if it cracks the cracks will stay where you want them. Don't do 2 sections or they can heave and separate causing an uneven surface. Make sure you tamp the soil and use re bar, you'll need a bull float to reach the area for finishing. It will require at least two people for screeding and doing the pour. It's hard work but as long as you think the job through before you start it should go smoothly.

Answer 5

sounds like u already laid 4'' so nothing left to do but lay the other 2 inches all at once

Answer 6

For me that sounds like an awful thick slab,or for RV parking.It's only 153 sq ft. or about 3 yds of concrete.I would order 4 yds.

Here we go.Make certain you use a plate compactor on your sub base,last thing you want is soft ground underneath.

You didn't mention re enforcement,ie wire mesh,fiber mesh,rebar.Should you use wire mesh or rebar make sure it is in the center 1/3 of your pour.Mesh or rebar does no good on the bottom.

You didn't mention how your gonna get the concrete to the pour,ie wheel barrows or back the truck in.Personally when I order concrete I always have the plant add "Delvo" to my mud.This is a concrete stabilizer which gives me more time to work the mud without it flash setting.

Homeowner mistakes happen allot with concrete,this is an art and hard work.I strongly would tell you to perhaps put a add for 2 finishers on craigslist.I do that when I need a extra hand on some of my pours.The going rate here is $200 a day per finisher,so don't let them get to you.

Good Luck/Wisdom