leveling large slab

[MXRose3]

I'm going to be pouring a 24' x 24' slab of concrete inside my already built pole building. My question is: How can i level or screed the concrete since it will be going right up to the side of the lower frame of the pole building? How do most people do this?

Bob

[Rich]

There are 2 methods I would recommend.
Dry screeds or wet screeds.
Dry pipe screeds are set at elevation (top of pipe = top of concrete) and then screed between them. When you're done with a section you pull the screed pipes and set them up on the next preset pins.. then go back and fill in where the pipe was.
Wet screeds (my personal preference) are all done with a laser level. You pile concrete up and flatten it out to where the elevation is (set by laser) then screed between them - no pipes to move or fill in.

[MXRose3]

Ok, if i use pipe, what size do i use, and do i use something to prop it up on to bring it 4" or 6" up off the ground? I assume you use something to drive into the ground and hold the pipe up.

[Rich]

You should be able to find a concrete supply company that will rent you screed pipes. Typically they are 2-1/8" in diameter.

[MXRose3]

Ok, if i'm going to lay a 24' by 24' slab of concrete, how should i break it up with the screed pipes? Three 8 foot sections or two 12 foot sections? Theres only going to be two or three of us working on it.

Bob

[Timothy Hampton]

The easiest way to do this using the pipe screed method is to divide the pour into 12' sections. Drive two stakes (at the 12' point) at either end leaving the tops at the finish floor elevation (top of concrete). Pull a string line between the two. Drive 12"stakes about 4' apart, made from 1 by 4, under the string line where the pipe will lay. Measure down as you drive the 1 by 4 stakes and leave the top of the stakes what ever diameter the pipe is below the string. Put a 10 penny nail on either side of the top of the stakes to hold the pipe on the top of them. As you pour the concrete, slide the pipe down the series of stakes, pull out the stakes not being used anymore and throw concrete in the void left from the pipe.

[Rich]

Exactly Timothy. For a screed board I recommend magnesium :) but if you find a nice straight 2x4 (as long as you don't have to "pull" too much concrete) it should work fine.
I'd recommend at least 3 people - 2 to screed and one to muck.

[Timothy Hampton]

You may check with your local tool rental store and see if they rent a "vibra strike". This is a moterized screed board which is worked by one person. As well as a labor saving device, it's vibrating action consolidates and levels the concrete by letting the aggregate settle in the slab and bringing up grout to the top allowing for a better finish. There are different sizes of float boards that can be attached for your particular application. I could hug the guy who invented this, It's saved years off my back from screeding with traditional mag boards and 2 by 4s!

[Rich]

good call Timothy - my view is if it was easy everyone would do it :)

[Tom R]

Your right, Tim - - I own a 'Vibra-Screed', and though I do a lot less concrete work than some of you guys, I consider it one of my 'best' tools. What makes me look good makes me feel good.

[MXRose3]

Thanks very much guys for being so informative. You've helped me see the light! I'll be working on this very soon and i'll let you all know how it turned out.

Bob