How to Design Reinforced Concrete
At times, concrete slabs need to be reinforced. You can design reinforced concrete yourself--you just need the right tools. A reinforced slab can literally last a lifetime, so your project will be around for your children and grandchildren to enjoy. Keep in mind that extra reinforcement will increase the cost of your project. You may want to have a friend or family member help you with the project. Some of the steps will be easier with an assistant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Concrete
- Sand
- Chalk line
- Shovel
- 2x10 form boards
- Level
- Hammer
- 12-inch wooden stakes
- Double headed nails
- 2-½ inch rebar rods
- Rebar wire
- 3-inch dobey bricks
- Wire mesh
- Diesel fuel
- Water hose
- Rake
Instructions
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1
Mark the boundaries of your slab with a chalk line from a building supply store so you know where to pour the concrete.
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2
Dig the footer for your slab six inches deep. It is important that the footer is level all the way across so your slab will be level. Use a level to ensure the footer is leveled correctly.
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3
To keep concrete from escaping the boundaries of your slab, you will need to create a concrete curb. Place 2x10 form boards around the edges of the slab area. These boards should be about six inches higher than the top of where your poured slab will be.
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4
Use a hammer to put the stakes into the ground around the perimeter of your slab. The stakes should be about 12 inches apart. Place them directly against the form boards.
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5
Hammer the double headed nails into the form boards to keep the boards steady when you begin pouring the concrete.
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6
For a sturdily reinforced slab, mentally mark your slab into three sections. The division doesn't need to be perfect, but it should be close. Mark the lines with the 3-inch dobey bricks.
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Place the wire mesh on top of the dobey bricks, making sure you cover the entire area that is to be poured with concrete.
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8
Put the ½ inch rebar rods on top of the wire mesh, so the rebar isn't directly touching the dirt.
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9
Thoroughly spray the form boards with diesel fuel to prevent the concrete from sticking to the wood. Allow the boards to dry completely before continuing.
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10
Fill the entire slab area with a 2-inch deep layer of sand. Dampen the sand with a water hose and then rake it smooth.
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11
Using more ½ inch rebar rods, construct a grid in your slab area. Place the rebar rods 12 inches apart vertically in your slab area. Then repeat the process, placing the rebar rods horizontally. Your slab should appear to have many 12-inch squares in it.
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12
Using rebar wire, tie the rebar rods together so the rebar doesn't shift when you pour the concrete.
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13
Pour the concrete inside the form boards. Allow it to cure thoroughly, which could take as many as three days.
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