Concrete Pouring Process

What are the steps in pouring concrete?

The concrete pouring installation process is easier than you may think, even if you haven’t ever done anything like that before, with these 6 steps: 

1. PREP THE GROUND

First, the ground must be prepared before the concrete pouring can be done. How is ground prepped for concrete pouring? By removing any material or objects that can cause interference with the concrete pouring procedure. This includes shrubs, grass, old concrete, rocks, trash, trees, etc. There must be nothing but raw earth in the area being serviced. 

2. BASE AND LEVEL

The area is then dug out for the concrete pouring, and for the surface to be able to drain, if isn’t sandy soil, another layer needs to be installed. What do you put down before pouring concrete? A gravel layer is poured and spread out to create a base. Then forms are built at a marginal height and nailed to a stake. The stake is tapped to reach the desired height so that a perfectly level board is in place. 

3. STEEL BAR STRENGTH

Before the concrete pouring can be done, reinforcement is installed for added strength and crack resistance, using a half-inch Rebar, (a steel bar). 

4. CONCRETE TRUCK PREPARATION

An inspection and review of the area are done prior to the concrete truck’s arrival for the concrete pouring to take place. This is done to avoid any mistakes, like making sure the forms are in place, level and sturdy. 

5. POUR, SPREAD, FLATTEN 

As the concrete pouring is happening, it will come out of the truck-mounted drum as the driver tilts the drum in slumps that are 5 to 6 inches high. At this point, the concrete mix can be moved by the crew using assorted tools to push and pull the substance to meet the leveling form’s highest point, leveling as they work. 

6. SMOOTHING 

As the crew smooths the concrete pouring, the slab will “bleed” water which will evaporate and vanish, allowing the concrete to harden. If the weather is hot, the entire concrete pouring process needs to be quick so that it doesn’t harden unevenly and lumpy. 

How deep do they dig for a concrete slab?

The slab area is evacuated of dirt up a depth of approximately 7 inches. This allows for a three-inch gravel base and a four-inch layer of concrete pouring.

How long does it take to pour concrete?

For the actual concrete pouring action, it will depend on the size of the area. For a standard residential concrete slab, approximately an hour to two hours is standard, provided there is a sufficient crew and no problems.  A large industrial concrete slab can take days, again, depending on the size of the area. 

How long does it take for poured concrete to set?

It will “set” to full strength within twenty-eight days. By the 7^th day, the concrete is 70% cured and considered to be full strength. Within 48 hours of the concrete pouring, it is considered “set”.  However, it will never become fully cured. Once the concrete pouring is done, the concrete will continually harden – forever. 

Can you pour concrete directly on dirt?

The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes with a few “buts” to follow. A good base is a good foundation for anything, especially for concrete pouring. Any flaws in the surface that will be covered will have a direct impact on the finished quality. Before you proceed with concrete pouring directly onto raw dirt, here are a few tips:  

• Frame: Without a frame, your concrete pouring is going to spread out in all shapes and sizes, it won’t be level.  
• Base: The base thickness will depend on the project. A driveway should have a base minimum of 10 inches, a sidewalk should have a minimum 6-inch base. 
• Water:  Extremely dry dirt isn’t going to compact like moist dirt, but extremely wet dirt isn’t going to compact either. It needs to be at a ‘happy medium’ for successful concrete pouring results.
• Compact: Once the dirt and soil are prepped, they should be compacted to form that solid base we’ve mentioned. Remember, concrete pouring will be more successful with a well compacted, clean base.