At 19:12 27/01/05 -0500, you wrote:
>Thanks to all of you who jumped in with ideas, suggestions, etc. concerning
>my idea for a wood shop floor over gravel. I would prefer concrete but I have
>never attempted a concrete slab project. Yes, the base cost of concrete is
>only slightly more than wood, but I know I can deal with the wood myself. The
>added cost of someone else finishing the slab including the fact that the
>concrete would have to be buggyed 100+ feet does make wood considerably less.
>I believe it was Keith who said I wouldn't be happy with anything other than
>concrete and I respect that. I also did a quick web search for "soil cement"
>and found a number of hits on the subject. May want to research it further.
Tom,
Phil's suggestion of trying a small area first is a good one. Not all soils
are suitable, if there is a high organic content there can be future problems.
When you think about it you are replacing the cheaper sand/gravel component
of the concrete with soil. You are still using the expensive cement,
probably more as you build a surface. On site the technique is to spread a
layer of cement on top then blend it with a honking big tractor mounted
rotary cultivator to work the cement through the desired depth. Uniformity
of mix is the key to success so be prepared for a lot of passes with a
garden cultivator.
On balance I would suggest that you consider mixing the concrete yourself
on site. That way you can assemble the materials beside the floor and mix
it in small batches. You wont be faced with a large heap of readymixed
concrete hardening before your eyes as you desperately try to transport and
lay it in the Florida heat. The floor can be done in bays giving you time
to screed and float off as you go.
As long as the sub base is stable and well compacted a four inch slab
should be adequate (even three inch reinforced). Provided you will not be
running forklift trucks over it or exerting huge point loads. Other
listmembers have wide experience of this and may share their experience.
Happy flooring.
Nick Brearley
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