Ready-mix Concrete 101 _ Treehouse Trade School

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on mixing and pouring concrete solo. It covers using an 80-pound Quikrete mix with a concrete mixer, the proper tools required (including a pointed trowel, shovel, and wheelbarrow), and tips for adding water and ensuring the mixture is the right consistency. The process includes proper safety precautions, including stabilizing the mixer and wheelbarrow, as well as techniques for pouring the concrete into footings, avoiding cold joints, and preparing the surface for brick laying. The video also emphasizes cleaning tools and maintaining the equipment for future use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to have all necessary tools ready for the job: pointed trowel, shovel, garden hose with a valve, wheelbarrow, and a concrete mixer.
• 😀 Ensure you have the correct amount of water in the mixer (just past the seam) for the concrete mix.
• 😀 Lift bags of concrete with your legs and use your foot to stabilize the mixer to prevent tipping.
• 😀 When cutting the bag, leave the end hanging inside the mixer to prevent spilling the mix.
• 😀 Always check the water level and spray lightly if the mix appears too dry to ensure proper consistency.
• 😀 Be cautious of tipping the mixer when adding a second bag as it increases the load and makes it more likely to tip over.
• 😀 After mixing, be ready to pour the concrete directly into the wheelbarrow without spilling any outside the footing.
• 😀 Use the hoe to evenly distribute the concrete and align it with the grade stakes for proper leveling.
• 😀 When pouring the concrete, make sure the surface is smooth and free of large rocks that could hinder brick laying.
• 😀 Before taking a break (e.g., lunch), make sure to clean the tools to prevent concrete from hardening on them and causing damage.

Q & A

What is the first step in preparing for the concrete mixing routine?

The first step is to gather the necessary tools: a pointed trowel, shovel, garden hose with a valve, wheelbarrow, and the concrete mixer. You also need to prepare the water by filling the mixer just past the seam, which is enough for two bags of Quikrete mix.

How much water should be used in the mixer for two bags of Quikrete mix?

For two bags of Quikrete mix, the water should come up just past the seam inside the mixer. This is more water than needed for one bag but works for two.

Why should you put your foot on the wheel when adding the bags of concrete mix to the mixer?

Placing your foot on the wheel helps stabilize the mixer, preventing it from tipping over as the weight of the concrete bags is added and the mixer begins to spin.

What is the benefit of leaving the lip of the concrete bag inside the mixer?

Leaving the lip of the bag inside the mixer helps contain the concrete mix and prevents it from spilling out when the bag is opened and dumped into the mixer.

Why is it important to be careful when spraying water into the mixer?

It’s important to spray water gently and avoid over-wetting the mix. Too much water can result in a soupy mixture, while too little water can make the concrete too dry and hard to mix properly.

What should you do if some concrete mixture is left in the mixer after pouring it into the wheelbarrow?

If some mixture is left in the mixer, use a pointed trowel to scrape it out. However, don’t spend too much time trying to get every last bit out as it may not be worth the effort.

How do you ensure the concrete is evenly mixed before pouring it into the wheelbarrow?

You should check the consistency of the mix. If it’s not mixed properly, you can briefly tip the mixer horizontally, allowing it to continue mixing the concrete until it reaches the desired consistency.

What precautions should be taken when pouring the concrete into the footing?

Be careful not to spill the concrete outside the intended area. Ideally, you should land the wheelbarrow on the footing carefully to avoid spillage and get the concrete as close to the grade stakes as possible for proper leveling.

What is the purpose of leveling the concrete with a hoe during the pour?

Leveling the concrete with a hoe ensures that it is distributed evenly across the footing and is aligned with the grade stakes. This also helps in achieving the correct height and smoothness for the next layer of concrete.

Why is it important to clean all tools before taking a break or leaving for lunch?

Cleaning the tools before leaving ensures that leftover concrete doesn't harden and make cleaning difficult later. It's essential to remove any green-looking concrete residue to maintain the tools and prevent buildup.