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rowdyone
10-03-2009, 06:18 PM
I have got a metal building to put up before winter really hits. I have tried several contractors and subs to do the foundation work and I can't get anybody to give me quotes. I live in a very small town and all the old timers have quit and all the young ones just don't seem to either be in a hurry or just don't care.

There is no one else. I have asked everywhere.

I have done concrete work in the past, but that was 15 years ago and I only did it for about a year. Mostly worked with block. Did one mono. slab and a couple of footings but that's it. So I am beginning to think I need to go ahead and try it myself if I don't here anything in the next week or so.

My total footer is 34' 6" x 27' 1/2". It is 22" x 16" with 12" forms and 4" dug below that to equal the total 16". It has to be poured in two separate stages. The footer first then the slab later. The reason is A keyway must be placed at a certain spot for the building to set in which needs to be framed out along with the forms. Then I must trowel out the proper depth once the concrete is workable. I cannot place a board here because the plans specifically state that this spot needs to have no airbubbles and should be trowelled out.

I am trying to remember everything. I have the total yards of concrete at 8yds. That is after I factor in the corners being counted twice and rounding up for the extra "just in case". I cannot remember if a slump test is required for this type of placement or not. Or if it is always required. The footer is a 2500 lb mixture and the slab is a 5000 lb mixture. Using grade 60 rebar along with stirrups that I have formed myself. I made a mock up of the actual footer size on a poster board and and figured out all the measurements for the stirrups that I also drew into the mock up in order to make sure my stirrups are correct. I also forget how much time I have to work the concrete before it becomes unworkable.

Other than that what am I missing or should I not even attempt this? I feel confident in doing this but, like I said it has been YEARS since I have done this and I did not do a whole lot back then. My memory has been going like my hair! :)
Anybody have any advice? It would be greatly appreciated.

rwanders
10-04-2009, 01:04 AM
Slump tests are optional and don't really tell you much anyway-----If you have footer forms and rebar correct and they don't blow out, not too much can go wrong. Slab is another matter----you really need to find some skilled help or it could easily get away from you before you get a finish on it.

RTF
10-04-2009, 04:08 AM
Keep looking for some experienced help, if the concrete sets up on you before you get it placed and finished you will have bigger problems. Foundations for Metal buildings are critical, are there any steel erectors in your area that could help you out ?

rowdyone
10-04-2009, 07:34 AM
Thanks for your replies. The building I am putting up is different than most I have seen. You just get a couple of friends to help you put together one section at a time and lift it into place than bolt that one to the previous one, etc. Each section weighs 165lbs and you put it together on the floor to make an arch. Then just lift in place.


The floor I could wait on till a later date. The door way should be just tall enough to get a concrete truck into in order to place the concrete should I find someone better equipped.