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what is poor mans concrete

by Jocelyn Windler Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Soil-cement is a mixture of Portland cement, natural soil, and water used to form a hard, semi-rigid paving surface. It is most often used in highways or as a sub-base for asphalt or other forms of paving, but it can also be used as a cheap stand-alone paving surface for driveways, sidewalks, patios, or garage floors.Nov 18, 2019

Full Answer

Can you pour concrete over existing gravel driveway?

Cement mix might work in some cases over an existing gravel driveway. Laying a concrete driveway over an existing gravel one is possible, but it is not generally recommended. The kind of gravel that is intended to go under cement is typically a smaller grade than what is used for gravel driveways.

Can you mix dirt with concrete?

0:161:51Soil Cement - Simple & Cheap Home Application [Homemade] - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe use the higher ratio of cement to make the math easier and of course it ensures success our ratioMoreWe use the higher ratio of cement to make the math easier and of course it ensures success our ratio is about a half inch of cement for every three and a half inches of dirt.

How do you make concrete?

To make your own concrete from limestone cement, mix 2 parts all-purpose sand to 1 part cement in a wheelbarrow with a shovel or in a cement mixture. Mix in 4 parts of gravel or crushed brick to the mixture, then slowly add water into the dry ingredients.

How much gravel do I need for a 4 inch concrete slab?

You will need 3 inches of gravel under a concrete slab that is 4 inches thick. More gravel is better, but 3 inches is the minimum amount of gravel you should have with a 4” slab. Use ¾” washed and screened gravel, then compact it to level.

How do you make cheap concrete?

0:583:53How to Make Your Own Concrete | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we have three buckets of sand two buckets of aggregate. And one bucket of portland cement sandMoreSo we have three buckets of sand two buckets of aggregate. And one bucket of portland cement sand aggregate portland cement is this basic ingredient for all concrete.

What is an alternative to concrete?

Finding Sustainable Alternatives to Concrete Alternatives made from recycled materials --- like ferrock, ashcrete, timbercrete, and hempcrete --- tend to require less carbon than concrete and also help to recycle waste materials like steel dust and chaff.

Can I make my own concrete?

To mix your own concrete for footings and piers, use 1 part Portland cement, 2 parts clean river sand, and 3 parts gravel (maximum of 1 inch diameter and specially washed for concrete mixing). Add clean water, a little at a time, as you mix. The concrete should be plastic, not runny.

Whats the difference between cement and concrete?

What is the difference between cement and concrete? Although the terms cement and concrete often are used interchangeably, cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates are sand and gravel or crushed stone; the paste is water and portland cement.

What's the mix for concrete?

In terms of the ratio for concrete, it depends on what strength you are trying to achieve, but as a general guide a standard concrete mix would be 1 part cement to 2 parts sand to 4 parts aggregates. For foundations, a mix of 1 part cement to 3 parts sand to 6 parts aggregates can be used.

What happens if you don't put gravel under concrete?

Because concrete is a very porous material, it will absorb any moisture that it contacts. This can cause pooling. Without crushed stone, pooling water will settle under it and erode your slab. Adding a layer of crushed stone will add proper drainage, as well as create a barrier between your slab and the ground.

Is sand a good base for concrete?

As a general rule, stay away from using sand as a subbase. You're better off using gravel; your concrete will last longer and have less of a chance of cracking over time.

Should you put plastic under concrete driveway?

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends a minimum of 10-mil polyethylene or thicker for vapor retarders under concrete. Their Guide to Concrete Floor and Slab Construction ACI 302.1R-15 identifies that thicker poly provides a better barrier and is also more puncture resistant.

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