PREPARATION

• Excavation: Be sure to take out all organic matter - grass, leaves, tree roots, wood, etc.

• Compaction: Subsoil and other base material on which concrete is to be placed must be compacted uniformly and evenly so the slab won't settle and won't vary in thickness.

New Construction:

• In new construction where excavation has occurred for a foundation, soils should be backfilled and compacted in 6" lifts all of the way to final grade.

• If in doubt, have an on-site compaction test performed.

• Or use Ready Mix Flowable Fill as a fill material.

Forms:

• Stake securely.

• Must be straight and rigid to stay in place without springing or settling.

• Stake every 4'.

• The forms determine the final grade of the driveway.

Uniformity:

• Subgrade should be uniformly damp when the concrete is placed.

• Subgrade should have a uniform temperature when concrete is placed.

• Uniform slab thickness.

• Mix should be uniform from batch to batch.

• Concrete should have uniform wetness all over when it is being cured.

The Subgrade Should Not Be:

• Frozen

• Muddy

• Soft

• A well prepared, uniformly compacted subgrade at correct elevation is essential.

• Special Features: If plastic is used under the slab, it should be understood that all water must exit through the top of the slab and finishing operations can take longer.

Placing:

• Plan ahead.

• Be prepared - manpower, tools, materials.

• Be concerned - "What will we do if it - rains, snows, freezes, too hot, etc."

• Instruct / Inspect

• Place as soon as possible. Must be delivered and discharged within 90 minutes from the time the mixing water is added.

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