As part of construction work, pour a concrete slab is essential to guarantee the stability and solidity of a floor. The realization of this work is accessible to all good handymen and is carried out in a certain number of stages which we will describe below.
The concrete slab is one of the essential works in floor renovation or in the context of new construction. Acting as a load-bearing floor, it will help to seal the foundations and guarantee the stability of the ground. The slab is necessary in the development of a garage, in the realization of a driveway for cars or pedestrians, or in the creation of a terrace. It is also made for the construction of a swimming pool.
This structure is made of gravel, water, sand and cement. Sometimes it is also composed of an insulator as well as a water repellent. It is available in several types:the classic concrete slab which accommodates relatively light weights, the reinforced concrete slab made up of steel reinforcement which optimizes its resistance capacities and the slab to be assembled which is used to create a terrace or even garden paths.
Before pouring the concrete itself, a number of works remain to be done upstream. The operation thus begins with a disbursement of the ground. It is a question of digging the ground with a specific machine or a shovel then storing in the hole sand, gravel and rubble which ensure the stability and the resistance of the slab. The ground must be compacted with the help of a groomer or a manual rammer. As weeds sometimes grow under the structure, the laying of a geotextile film is highly recommended.
This done, now make the formwork. This helps to contain the concrete as well as to delineate the slab. It is made of sawn boards, the dimensions of which correspond to the future slab. Said boards are held in place by stakes fixed in the ground which will be removed once the concrete has dried.
Always with a view to strengthening the structure, the addition of reinforcement or reinforcement is recommended. This steel mesh is usually sold in specialty stores and comes in the form of large mesh. As it must be raised, this reinforcement is to be placed on small wedges.
There are two ways to make concrete:manually or with a concrete mixer. If you are considering the first option, pour one part cement, two parts sand and three parts gravel into a container. Use a shovel or trowel to mix and then gradually add water until you have a smooth paste. On the other hand, if you have a concrete mixer, all you have to do is turn it on, tilt it at 20°, pour in water and then add the ready-mixed concrete. Wait until you get the right consistency.
This step completed, it is time to move on to the casting itself. Pour the concrete into the core of the slab and spread it with a rake. Use a 2 meter ruler to even out the entire surface by pulling it towards you and then back. Continue adding the concrete and manipulating the ruler. Then take a trowel to smooth the surface and make sure it is flat. Make circular movements for this. After 24 hours, you can remove the formwork. The drying time of the slab lasts between one and two months.
All you have to do is add the coating of your choice to bring an attractive visual rendering to your new floor.
