Semi Dry Concrete Mix For Sleepers

Work it to the perfect concrete mix ratio.

Semi dry concrete mix for sleepers.

The advantage of a dry cement mix is that whilst constructing the wall you can take out and re position the railway sleepers without getting wet concrete everywhere. Create a concrete mixture and lay this in the bottom of the trench around 50mm. For the pointing i was going to leave the slabs to set for 24 hrs and then do another mix of damp mortar with ratio of 3 1 sand cement is this ok. I am laying slabs to make a patio area its approx 15m square and im not sure whether to use a wet or dry mix for the mortar bed.

Use a dry ish building sand plastering sand or if so desired a kiln dried jointing sand. Allow to semi dry and then add the longest bits of wood into the ground. This dry mix seems a lot easier than using the damp mix and would take a lot less time. How to mix cement to make a mortar or concrete mix.

If the ground is damp the concrete will set without having to add water. As this is the first time ive done this i am thinking the dry mix would be easier but is it going to set properly its only going to be for walking on. You may want to leave behind some concrete mixture for haunching at the back of the edging. Start building up subsequent layers with shorter lengths of wood.

I have bought the long screws to fix them together but i also want to fix the first one to the ground. Any residual dampness will cause the sand cement mix to stick and will probably result in a stain. It s tempting to just squirt water into the dry concrete mix with a hose and mix up a soupy batch of concrete. If the mixed concrete looks like the mix in step 9 it s ready to pour.

Consequently this is a technique that is only really practical during the summer months. Otherwise mix in additional dry mix or water until you get the right consistency. Rain and water within the soil will gradually set the mix and the aggregate content keeps the post stable whether its set or not. Mortar mixes are often used dry for bedding fence posts.

The surface of the paving must be completely dry. With the correct tools materials safety equipment and a bit of elbow grease you can make your own mortar or concrete mix ready to use for your next job. A dry mix is immediately mechanically stable whereas a wet mix is more likely to allow the post to move until set. I thought the best way to do this is concrete it in considering i am doing a patio now as well.

Another thing im not sure on is the spacing to leave in between the slabs 5mm or 10mm. Cement mixing is a great diy skill to master and can be applied to a huge range of outdoor building projects around your home.