Forming

Summary

This video guides viewers through the process of preparing and pouring a concrete slab for the Cica Treehouse project. It covers key steps like removing organic matter, compacting the soil, setting up form boards, reinforcing the slab with wire mesh and rebar, and termite prevention. The video also discusses specific preparations for both exterior and interior slabs, including plastic and gravel placement. Additionally, it provides concrete ordering details, costs, and tips for using a pump truck. The video concludes by reviewing necessary tools and preparations to ensure a smooth concrete pour.

Takeaways

• 😀 Preparation of the slab area includes removing organic material and compacting the soil with a plate compactor.
• 😀 The slab area needs to be leveled to a depth of 4 inches across the entire surface, with some areas deeper for footings.
• 😀 Footings are reinforced with rebar and are designed to support posts, with depths ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
• 😀 Reinforcement for the slab is provided by a 6x6 wire mesh, which is lifted during the pour to ensure proper placement within the concrete.
• 😀 The slab is connected to the house's foundation to prevent movement, with termite treatment applied around the perimeter.
• 😀 The process for an interior slab requires a redline mark on the wall and plastic under the gravel to help with moisture control.
• 😀 A slight slope of 3/4 inch from back to front is planned for the interior slab, with designated areas for living and greenhouse spaces.
• 😀 The checklist for slab preparation involves marking the area, removing non-virgin soil, compacting, and ensuring proper forming for the concrete.
• 😀 Calculating the amount of concrete needed requires measuring the slab's cubic footage and dividing by 27 to get cubic yards.
• 😀 The concrete mix is priced at $238 per cubic yard (including taxes and fiber) as of September 4th, 2024.
• 😀 Concrete pouring requires coordination with a pump truck and scheduling the appropriate concrete mix with smaller gravel for the pump.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing for a concrete slab pour?

The first step is to mark out the area where the concrete will be poured, and then remove any organic matter and non-virgin soil to ensure the ground is stable and won't compress.

Why is it important to remove organic matter from the ground before pouring concrete?

Removing organic matter is crucial because it can decompose over time, causing the ground to shift and potentially crack the concrete slab.

How do you ensure that the ground is properly compacted before pouring the concrete?

A plate compactor is used to compact the ground, ensuring the base is stable and solid before the concrete is poured.

What is the purpose of using grade stakes during the slab preparation?

Grade stakes help to establish and maintain the correct height and level for the concrete slab, ensuring uniformity throughout the pour.

What type of concrete reinforcement is used in this project?

This project uses a 6x6 concrete reinforcement wire mesh and rebar to reinforce the slab. The rebar is tied together using pigtail wire.

What is the purpose of using wire mesh and rebar in the concrete slab?

Wire mesh and rebar are used to provide additional strength to the concrete slab, preventing cracks and ensuring stability over time.

Is plastic required for exterior slabs?

No, plastic is not required for exterior slabs, but termite treatment around the perimeter of the slab is important to prevent infestations.

How is the slab connected to the foundation of the house?

The slab is connected to the foundation by drilling into the house and ensuring the slab is tied in place, which prevents any potential movement of the concrete.

How do you calculate the amount of concrete needed for a project?

To calculate the amount of concrete, measure the slab's dimensions in cubic feet and divide that by 27 to convert to cubic yards, as concrete is sold by the cubic yard.

What is the cost of concrete for this project?

The cost of concrete for this project is $238 per cubic yard, including taxes and fiber reinforcement.