I’m 63 I have been doing concrete since I was 12. And I’m watching you guys pour on my day off, what the heck’s wrong with me! You got it down and bullfloated before the truck left, good job!
I use to pour driveways & other stuff with my dad just the 2 of us! people thought we were crazy but we did it for about 10years,I lost my dad back in 2012,& lost interest in concrete as well,now I just watch,love your videos!
Don't give up bro, I pour with just me and dad most of the time. Your dad would want u to push on bro, u got this. We Mudd Higgs got encourage one another. GOD bless.
My brother and I started our concrete construction business in 1974. He passed about a year ago and I'm retired now, but we're still going. My youngest son took over when I retired in 2012. I still miss it though. You two guys are doing a good job, look like you know what you are doing.
I am 59 and my dad was World War II Army vet I really appreciate to see men working and taking their time to do a great job. Keep up the good work my brothers.
Didn't watch the whole video, but was hoping that was super p and not 70 gallons of water. I poured a lot of "self leveling" mud as a driver. Lots of lazy finishers in this area.
I finish concrete in Miami with a 4 men crew. I tell everyone, nothing is easy in concrete work. Especially on a hot day in July and August. I have respect for all who finish concrete, cause I know how it goes..
I don’t think anyone can appreciate finishing concrete on a hot day until they have on a summers day in Australia man, crazy heat, only complaint about this video is first bull float run should always be the opposite direction you screed, gets all imperfections out then a quick run the same way you screed and she’s right
I haul concrete for a living. The “dry balls” are caused by slumping up the load too quickly with water. The more water reducer that’s added to the mix during batching, the slower you have to add the water to the load. If the batchman adds all the water to the load and leaves no room for the driver to slump up, the balls won’t break up. Also, those came out near the end, so there was most likely dry pack stuck at the front of the drum and started to break loose at the end. Unless you can dry up the load with a bit of cement powder and aggregate, it’s nearly impossible to break that up on a high slump load.
@@user-fy3kd9qf2m I've gotten the balls with a brand new mixer...its definitely the batching method. Typically when its rushed and too wet for the mix chemistries makes for rabbit turd dissentary.🤭
@@user-fy3kd9qf2m The drum usually wears out, just past the center of the drum on the rear half. The fins are usually still fine and don’t affect the mixing due to wear. The height of the fins on a dry batch drum are usually taller than on a dry batch drum. You can tell a wet batch drum from a dry batch drum by, a wet batch drum has a long weld which goes from the front to back of the drum. A dry batch drum has staggered welds running its length. Another way dry balls are formed is when the truck shows up to the job at a 2.5 to 3.5 inch slump and plasticizer is added on-site to create a high flow mix (for radiant floor or basement mixes). If the driver mixes up the load too quickly, it creates lots of balls. The best way to mix the load, is to put the drum in full charge and increase the engine rpm’s just slightly. Then let it mix for 8-10 minutes. I watch guys do this the wrong way all of the time and they always end up with dry balls. Then you have the contractor telling him to add more water and mix it up again. Once the balls have been created, the only thing you can do is have your catchers mitt ready and pretend you’re in the World Series.
Full process???? Still needs to be magged, trowelled and finished????? Not to mention the concrete needs to bleed out and start to set first............what you saw was the easy part, about one fifth of the whole process.
Me and a buddy are our whole crew for a company pouring 50+ yards a day. It's not easy but we've never lost one together. Two guys can conquer the world if they are willing to die for the other.
That's what long time work friends look like. When there is long lasting loyalty and consistency between 2 Pros no job is a hard job. This is why we need to train consistency in all trades.
Drivers love working with skilled crews, this may have been his best one of the day . I have my driving buddy’s telling me nightmares about the derelicts they are dealing with ordering 9 yards and not a clue . I labored in my teens on a concrete crew, much respect to your crew - that’s a decent sized slab you guys made tidy work of
@@OlDirtyBandit yes it is weaker when concrete is overly wet ,your stones will sink (basic gravity) and the fines will rise ,then the concrete can delaminate, makeing weak. And to wet makes it messy to screed ,you want to cut with the screed at 90 slump , that is how I have understood it for past 30 years , everyone to there own.
These guys make it look much easier than it is. Ive poured quite a bit of concrete over the years, but holy Christ I’d never be brave enough to pour an entire floor with nothing more than a chalk line and a screed board. Awesome work.
One time in New Jersey I had to pour a 20 by 60 driveway by myself because no one showed and truck was there. Three separate pours 90 minutes apart. Had The Bull Float and Fresno hardest day of my life but it came out beautiful
Thank you for keeping your video family friendly and without profanity. I feel safe coming to your channel with an open mind and no mental safeguards allowing myself the freedom of learning from your example and experience. Good Job. 👌
I always have my 2'x2'x3" concrete molds with me to put any extra concrete in after I get done pouring. I lay them out flat on my open trailer and never move them until cured. Makes good condenser pads and walkway blocks. You can make good patio blocks and wall blocks too. I made a retainer wall 80'x4' with them.
I've never done cement before. I appreciate the synchronization. The kicks you reference are to kick cement into the void where your foot just backed out from? Reduce any kinda pockets? Or am I just over thinking this? Also, how much does this amount of concrete cost? Including footings?
You sure do have concrete balls Mike, for most of us who aren't doing concrete everyday it's scary to think about it going off or not being level especially with that large area. You're lucky to have such a skilled and professional partner. Thanks for sharing such a good straightforward vid. 👍
We call them ‘footballs’ in the concrete, they don’t look any different here in the UK! I saw some disappear into some big footings the other day, nothing we could do about them and they did us no harm. But they are a right pain in flatwork! One large job we did once it was a reoccurring problem, but it didn’t take long to figure out that there was one driver who hardly ever bought us footballs! As they were all running out of the same batching plant, we asked him what could possibly be different in his loads? He said that the other drivers weren’t spinning the drum hard enough when it was initially loaded and that in his opinion that lead to the lumps. We are on a bit of flatwork tomorrow, hoping I don’t see any footballs like you’ve had! Keep up the good work, great to see how efficient you guys are.
I assume it's because of the concrete wall that will help reduce expansion and cracking plus the mesh fiber. I would probably still use something tho ... also no jitterbug?
I've got 27 years experience in finishing cement pouring concrete exactly the way they do Mike day is awesome he's got awesome bunch of fellas that young lady that works for his daughter they're all incredible people are concrete gods man they're awesome anyway God bless you all
Board??? How about Rod, or screed ! Wow! It’s not cement mixer either. It’s a concrete mixer etc. cement is an additive not the right name. Concrete is made up from cement, sand, aggregate, some water and or chemicals to avoid water so it doesn’t destroy the strength of the concrete mix.
Hi Mike, I have been there with just me and one other. I do the same thing you do. I use water reducers in all my pours as well. It works great. I swear by it. We call the concrete balls meat balls! Keep up the great work. We are based out of cny 👍
Been pouring concrete for 50 years ....... never seen it this seamlessly done before ....... it’s all about experience...... high slump really helps however........ back in the day we couldn’t get this high tech mix like today however !!!
In my experience those balls come from a dry batch plant. Usually when there is a long travel time to the job-site or the customer has a reputation of pouring piss wet. The batch man will try to get it loaded wet enough so the driver does not run out of water or have to keep re tempering the load to get it to maintain a wet enough slump. In doing so there is so much head water that the cement balls up and floats instead of being agitated by the fins. If you climb up and look in the drum you can see them and since they float they come out at the end of the load. Mixing will only make your load hotter and not break the balls. If you typically only get them when going from a mid range to a super then the batch man needs to go into the mix design and adjust to a lower water cement ratio to compensate for the additional water reduction of a super.
Also what helps is if the batch plant can slow down the flow of cement into the truck. Many TXDOT jobs and telling the computer to go slower on the discharge helped a lot. Of course, a wet mix, usually a 6” or above will give you balls. Better to have the trucks travel at full charge for a longer time to give it more time to break them up. A 5” slump or lower to break up the materials is always better. Better to add water on the job than get there too wet and have balls to deal with.
Saying that the balls come from a long haul is a bunch of ballonii. It comes when the batch man loads to fast. The dry mix went into the mixer too fast and didn't break up. Also the drum must be turning full speed when the mix is going in.
These balls do not float. They are the same weight as the rest of the concrete. It only appears as though they float. There are always more balls that can be seen as not nearly all appear on the surface.
late 70s in Connecticut did lots of flat work and footings. 2 guys . Even poured foundation for addition. Made all forms . Helpful that I had precast experience
I have helped on different size pours. I’m lousy at it. It’s amazing to watch these guys do it seemingly effortlessly. This is one of those dying arts. And if you don’t believe it’s an art try it. A good concrete guy is worth every penny of his wages. PS. They had that figured perfectly down to the last trowl full.
@@MikeDayConcrete what do you guys pay per yd for concrete. Out here in New Mexico it went up to $125. You guys did a great job. I was wondering where you guys put the control joints. I'm sure there was some more finishing after that right?
I worked on concrete pouring driveways, curb and gutters, even done a basketball court. I give much respect to these two men the work is hard from beginning to the end! It's not a job for everyone especially when you have to handle those curb and gutters steel forms.
Why so much haters. A lot of super humans out there, doing it all by yourself. Make a video of it, then I'll be a believer. How ever Mike decides to pour it, let it be. It's between him and the owner. If he gets a callback so be it. To me they do clean work. Keep up the videos Mike, I like your team.
While it is true that two guys can pour something like this when conditions are right. Cool weather, eight inch concrete slump, no mesh to pull, a short radius drain screed and a skilled partner. That being said, you do great work and it is nice to see you work as you are a true craftsman! Things would be different with a 5" slump and a sunny 100F Texas afternoon!
Hey Mike, I don’t often subscribe to TH-cam channels but I did for yours because I have such an appreciation for you. I have been detailing concrete for almost 10 years (grinding, polishing, epoxy) and now just getting into pouring and finishing. Your videos really help and your work is fantastic. Thank you.
Nice work, never heard of the plastizer stuff, 1st load looked really wet vs 2nd load too. Seen few clinkers nothing like those tho. Most here now use power screed w fiber too. Not a pro but been on a bit of flatwork.
They did that 1st load wet on purpose, so they wouldn't get a cold joint at the end. Poured a little mud in my day for about 8 years, best damn job I ever had but just didn't pay enough.
We use quite a bit in the city's too for high rise buildings it has to be wet for the pump to reach 50 75 100 floors up without sacrificing the integrity of the concrete
I have driven concrete delivery truck and finished concrete both. If you’ve never done this you can’t appreciate how back breaking difficult this is. They did a great job.
Tell me about it my we got a pump truck in for a pour today. The cement truck drivers ended up blowing out a part of the hose. Scared the shit out of me.
There’s a lot reasons the meatballs can happen. One of the common ones you’ll see is if it’s a large load (10yds or so) there’s not enough open space in the barrel for it to blend. You might notice loads 8yds or under tend to mix more consistently. Also sometimes your not getting enough batch water in the nose during loading.
I helped a guy pour the concrete on a floating slap for a shed once we built. Around 10 by 16. That was hard work. No joke. Good thing the delivery driver gave some help.
Ummm, no wire or rebar or any type of inner reinforcement to keep that giant slab from cracking? I suppose that's one way to do it if there's no building codes whatsoever.
Good lord, please free TH-cam commenting of stupid people... There is one guarantee with concrete: it's going to crack even if you use wire mesh or rebar. Using the right mix which includes things like fiber mesh, right amount of water, plasticizers and superplasticizers, 2% high early on a cold day so it can cure properly, etc help to reduce the amount of cracking. Cutting and dividing is there to control where a slab cracks.. Good compaction, slab thickness, and weather when placed also play in to how well it performs and lasts. While I'm here, if you are a concrete contractor who: 1. directs the ready mix dude to 'soup it up' with a ton of water because you're lazy, weak or undermanned, man up or pack up shop. 2. if you pour driveways on sand or just dig too much dirt out with the skidsteer and roll it back in without tamping it, its called class 5 and a plate compactor. Slow down and do proper prep...don't skip, or pack up shop. 3. When finishing, the slab starts getting away from you because you're too slow or you didn't properly figure in the weather or the right mixes. What do you do? You spray the damn thing down with water and then the whole thing spalls like a mother fucker within the first year. Treat your customers right and redo the thing. It expensive to replace I know, but if if you don't know what you're doing, or don't have enough skill or guys to get it finished right the first time, you shouldn't be in the business...pack up shop.
@@patrodgers5233 I'm a beginner/novice working with concrete. When assisting others with pours, I'd always hear "make the mix as wet as hell". I was always told you had to have wire/fiberglass mess to strengthen the slab. Your comment is spot on. Do the prep right (i.e. class 5 and a plate compactor), have plenty of help, and know the weather. Thank you for your excellent advice.
Roman roads are 2000 years old they didn’t have rebar in them. I am of the opinion that rebar rots oxidizes turns to rust Swells up and breaks the concrete from the inside it takes 30 maybe 50 years. It should be galvanized coated. The reason the cement is soupy they put plasticizers in it. I just wonder if that’s what happened Miami surf Side ? You can only make fake rocks so strong.
I am researching concrete foundations. I came across, doing a job of this size with a different more time efficient approach. Clear, compact dirt, lay tarp, lay rebar, pour concrete, level and smooth out with 2inx4inx32ft (use a "L" shape elbow to go over the foundation edge), one man on each side, done. Great video.
Ive been pouring concrete since i was a little kid, im 19 now so its been about 8 years. my dad owns a business in Mid-Michigan. The plant we use most often (Fisher Sand & Gravel), in the last year we seem to get more and more of what we call Footballs (concrete balls). but all the plants we use up here we seem to get atleast one football a truck it seems now. sometimes they are just small (Size of a baseball) but sometimes we get ones that are basketball sized.
You guys rock! Now that’s experience. Slow and steady, calm and simple. I particularly like the synchronized push and shake of the mud off the boots as you screed. I just imagine a couple of eager DIY home owners trying this on a hot day. 😂.
Watch carefully. The kick of the concrete off the boot is for pushing the concrete up to the screed where the void appears whene the foot is lifted. Watch closer.
Boom pump operator for 15 years. We call em dough balls or powder balls here in UT. They can raise hell with the pump if they make it past the grate, been plugged up on more than one occasion because of em. Just a little present from the dry batch plant.
Our concrete company's owners name is Herb so we call them Herby Heads. Always messing with the batch man telling him we sending them back in the front seat of the truck in a seat belt
Lol.... 😂 we had a guy called tear out Chad . He messed up concrete pours all the time . So we ended up with having to remove the concrete on a number of occasions.
As a concrete truck driver I can tell you a number of things on why you get clumps. 1. mixing time, depending how far the job pour site is from the batch plant you may want to add more mixing time to really mix up that load on short distances in comparison to a delivery that's 20 miles away that'll be mixed well once arriving on site. 2. Dry packing, not having enough water in the drum before dumping material in while truck is being loaded will also cause clumps. Adding more mixing time should help mix it up but still may have clumps. 5 minutes on high idle with the drum on full charge will really help mix it but allot of drivers don't give it 5 minutes because we're always rushed and contractors may get mad so allot of drivers try mixing it up in under a minute and start pouring and still have clumps. Give the driver a true 5 minutes on high idle and the drum on full charge. Look at the time and time it the moment you hear the truck Rev up. It'll make a difference or at least smaller baseball size clumps in the least.
Had 54 yard pour for a large inclosed garage about 40 years ago, never had any of that, if fact had 2 inches of insulation board put down before pour concrete on top of it, trucks came about every 30 minutes 9 yards at a time starting at 6 am, everything went great, floors was done early afternoon, we had to keep putting water on it every hour, no problem as the water was already in the building.
2 guys that really know what there doing and work well together, can make alot happen.. I've done it for years with a buddy of mine.. you can work 3 times harder with the wrong crew and more guys.. 2 good concrete guys can make a lot happen
I’ve poured 1500sq ft with mesh in a slope driveway with one experienced guy, one kinda finisher and another without any experience in 90F day in the noon sun. 3 hrs to complete pour for being one large pad and a smaller 3 cubic meter pad.
YA KNOW SOMETHING FELLAS... AFTER I READ YOUR STORY, I COMMENTID ON IT. THEN I READ EVERYONE ELSE'S. THEY ALSO WERE FANTASTIC STORIES GUYS. I FEEL LIKE IVE KNOWN YA'LL HOGS FOREVER. WE NEED TO START A DAM CONCRETE CLUB. IT'S NICE AGAIN TO CHEW THE FAT WITH SOME OTHER HOGS AGAIN. BLESS US ALL BOYS AND GIRLS.
Mike i used to pour concrete we would do 100 yards or more a week for like eight years. I’ve never seen that. I think what you said was right it’s there mixing process doing it.
I’d say it’s just part of the job. I only got upset if cement ball vibrated thru the grates on my pump and caused the plug at the reducer etc. usually just mix it in the mixers for a bit and it will get rid of the issue. I’d rather have a cement ball than a fin fish falling into the hopper and causing a plug at the reducer , point of a smaller discharge hose . All I a days work. If that’s the worst thing that happens to you on a job site, count your lucky stars!
When I started in concrete, my wife and I would do that. I told her we'd do 3 a week, needing every other day to recuperate! Soon she was replaced with two men, and we were doing 3 per day. Three pour the first, head to the second and three pour it, drop one guy to go finish the first, and two go pour the third. One heads to finish the second and one stays to finish the third. Piece of cake!
Where's the Welded Wire Mesh? It's going to crack over time, all slabs do, but the WWM will reduce the cracking and spreading of cracks. I always require a rebar and WWM inspection before any concrete is poured on my jobs. I can't tell you the number of times people have tried to get away without using reinforcing of all types.
I will say, it looks like they have a good base. There's a great study, which I reference to contractors and architects all the time about under concrete slab construction. It's titled, "Vapor Barriers Under Concrete Slabs", but the most interesting facts are about the use of sand in lieu of compact DGA in this very detailed repot. www.vaporsafe.com/library/vaporbarriersunderconcreteslabs.pdf
Fiber creet is good for this, you technically don't need rebarb with it only being about 4-6 inches. Only industrial pours like firehouses and 2nd story's would need the barb and the fiber mud.
@@hostileactual7655 Yes, slab reinforcement is local requirement. They do use it in LA; don't use it in Las Vegas. We used to use a 2" sand base in the midwest. No sand base in the west. Has to do with freeze/thaw and expansivity of the soils.
Most wire mesh ends up at the bottom anyway. This is a garage floor. Not a Shop or Floating slab. Rebar is overkill on a slab of this nature, especially if you pour 4000 mix with fiber.
I have drove for a company 27 years. Yes they my load to fast or not adding enough water when loading a truck or your loading a hot load from a bulk truck load. Concrete is had work. Your knees and back ware out after 20 to 25 years of working Concrete. Hauling concrete for years I can say I know alot of good guys.
I’ve seen pump drivers absolutely refuse to pump another drop after seeing one of these cement rocks. But we usually do what you do mike and just bust them up and mix it with some wet stuff
The floor pour is impressive, but whit i wanna complement is how nice that stem wall is !! Who ever the framer is for this job should really appreciate this. A nice level stem with proper bolt placement sure makes for a nice framing job. Everything starts with a good foundation!!!!
It's a pleasure seeing these old clapboard siding houses in Maine which look just like the neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA, 3,000 miles away. Where the siding is all made from old-growth redwood.
@@augustreil On the Odell Complete Concrete channel he adds his own fiber mesh and uses rebar. Was just curious if fiber mesh can act as a replacement for rebar.
I appreciate you concrete carpenters. I have been on some bigger pours, but usually I have only done small concrete jobs related to building. Im more of a framing carpenter, cornice work, doors, windows, interior doors, wood flooring, walls and trim
We used to pour place and finish stamped in larger square footages with only 2 guys, a joke with piss wet slumps and yet there are dry packs in the load..
You two made it look easy. That's teamwork in action. One question though, how come you didn't use rebar? I know you said you had microfiber in the mud but was there anything else in the mix that made you not need rebar?
I do it like this everyday. 2 guys. I've even done garages, and driveways solo. Time is of the essences but don't don't get in a rush. The balls are from "rebatching" the left overs from previous job. No biggie
Nice job Pouring (or Placing) the concrete...Most experienced two man crews can get it done as you did.... QUESTION: Why don't you have the Vaper Barrier placed under the fill? When you pour on plastic the concrete sets from the top up instead of the top down.... All the water goes to the surface so when you start finishing you are already behind because 1/2 to 3/4 of the concrete is already set.
About as wet as self leveling. But they make it work for them. Btw about the clumps, dirty truck fins. Seen it plenty of times, you do what everyone does, pull them out and break them up. He needs to chip that truck out. Good job guys. Been in concrete quality control for 25 years now, not much I haven’t seen.
It would struggle to make a 9" slump. Super plasticizer or not it's too damn wet and I promise you it won't break 3500# in 28 weeks let alone 28 days. These guys need to try pouring concrete on a military base or bridge job. Those "trucks of the trade short cuts" only fool gullible homeowners and contractors that don't give a crap about the quality of their finished product.
@charliehill3062 with plasticizer you'll get 5k in 7 days. I use it in my walls all the time and on my federal and state jobs that require a 3" slump. I don't like to use it on flat but it's fine to use
I batched at a prestress plant for 10+ years, from my experience improper aggregate loading causes these balls ( which are basically cement and water) for concrete to mix properly the mixer should be loaded 70 to 80 percent water with all the the aggregate followed by slowly feeding in the cement and remaining water. ( by the way, the powder in the mix is cement, when it is introduced with aggregate as a mix it then becomes concrete.)
I had concrete balls and now my backs done! Best of luck, get all you can. You hit 60 and it ain’t going to be the same! Someone that’s been there and done that!
Yeah so I'm familiar with the concrete nuggets, I live in ocean park wa. And we named them ocean park nuggets. Small town and small concrete plant with old trucks. The fins in the drum get worn or there is build up in the drum and it doesn't mix sufficient. We had a truck that was notorious for having lots of balls. Anyways not much else you can do besides break them up. Shortly before that plant closed down I had poured an exposed aggregate patio for a client and one of those baseball sized nuggets got missed initially but was found during the washing/exposing process. Needless to say I was glad to retire old big balls truck as that has been the only bit of concrete I have cut out and repoured in 34 years. Great videos Mike keep it up.
It's fibres reinforced, perfect for slabs on grade, go check Sika for fibres. He is also using water refucer which allows that slump without loosing strength. These guys are professionals, no cracks with fibres.
I had a guy that was pouring my shop floor while I was at work. His help didn't show up and he poured the 26x50 by himself that day. Looked great too!
I’m 63 I have been doing concrete since I was 12. And I’m watching you guys pour on my day off, what the heck’s wrong with me! You got it down and bullfloated before the truck left, good job!
I think it's that you are now 63. We do tend to slow down as we get older.
Bet the driver wasn't happy to sit there for an hour...
I'm 75 and still want to grab a trowel every time I see a pour...
I use to pour driveways & other stuff with my dad just the 2 of us! people thought we were crazy but we did it for about 10years,I lost my dad back in 2012,& lost interest in concrete as well,now I just watch,love your videos!
@@westvirginiahellbilly8124
God Bless!
Don't give up bro, I pour with just me and dad most of the time. Your dad would want u to push on bro, u got this. We Mudd Higgs got encourage one another. GOD bless.
The word Higgs was suppose to be Mudd HOGGS stupid auto correct.
I just lost interest in it because I'm getting to old to do it anymore 🤣
@@jimbeam9176 I've seen & I know some guys that are in their 50s-60s & their still placing concrete my uncle is one of them he's 54.
My brother and I started our concrete construction business in 1974. He passed about a year ago and I'm retired now, but we're still going. My youngest son took over when I retired in 2012. I still miss it though. You two guys are doing a good job, look like you know what you are doing.
Thank you Gary!
I am 59 and my dad was World War II Army vet I really appreciate to see men working and taking their time to do a great job. Keep up the good work my brothers.
retired finisher here and so glad you told us about the superplasticizer, I was gonna call you out on a 8 inch slump
Not retired yet but started as an edger and went to knee board finishing and I was thinking the same thing🤣
Didn't watch the whole video, but was hoping that was super p and not 70 gallons of water. I poured a lot of "self leveling" mud as a driver. Lots of lazy finishers in this area.
@@TUGG75 we poured big commercial government jobs. They wouldn't let us add water, our QC guy had to come add super p to the mix.
I thought the same thing. No bar, 8-9 inch slump, hope you’re only parking bicycles on that shit.
@@jeremiahhowe2956 fibermesh reinformcent with suplerplasticizer.......you can park a semi on that
A warning to those who think it looks easy
These Boys make it look easy
Its not
Good job
Great team
Respect from Australia
I've poured for 25+ years, and yes it's not easy.. with the right people its easyer but that's it
On a 85 + degree weather, no way Jose !!!!😬😬
So very true spoken.
I finish concrete in Miami with a 4 men crew. I tell everyone, nothing is easy in concrete work. Especially on a hot day in July and August. I have respect for all who finish concrete, cause I know how it goes..
I don’t think anyone can appreciate finishing concrete on a hot day until they have on a summers day in Australia man, crazy heat, only complaint about this video is first bull float run should always be the opposite direction you screed, gets all imperfections out then a quick run the same way you screed and she’s right
I haul concrete for a living. The “dry balls” are caused by slumping up the load too quickly with water. The more water reducer that’s added to the mix during batching, the slower you have to add the water to the load. If the batchman adds all the water to the load and leaves no room for the driver to slump up, the balls won’t break up. Also, those came out near the end, so there was most likely dry pack stuck at the front of the drum and started to break loose at the end. Unless you can dry up the load with a bit of cement powder and aggregate, it’s nearly impossible to break that up on a high slump load.
...exactly!
Good answer for concrete balls. Plus the fins are wore out? Hmmmm?
@@user-fy3kd9qf2m I've gotten the balls with a brand new mixer...its definitely the batching method. Typically when its rushed and too wet for the mix chemistries makes for rabbit turd dissentary.🤭
@@user-fy3kd9qf2m The drum usually wears out, just past the center of the drum on the rear half. The fins are usually still fine and don’t affect the mixing due to wear. The height of the fins on a dry batch drum are usually taller than on a dry batch drum. You can tell a wet batch drum from a dry batch drum by, a wet batch drum has a long weld which goes from the front to back of the drum. A dry batch drum has staggered welds running its length. Another way dry balls are formed is when the truck shows up to the job at a 2.5 to 3.5 inch slump and plasticizer is added on-site to create a high flow mix (for radiant floor or basement mixes). If the driver mixes up the load too quickly, it creates lots of balls. The best way to mix the load, is to put the drum in full charge and increase the engine rpm’s just slightly. Then let it mix for 8-10 minutes. I watch guys do this the wrong way all of the time and they always end up with dry balls. Then you have the contractor telling him to add more water and mix it up again. Once the balls have been created, the only thing you can do is have your catchers mitt ready and pretend you’re in the World Series.
@@user-fy3kd9qf2m I'm glad to be able to provide some input here.
Finally a professional actually showing the full process this is so appreciated thank you.
Thank you!
Full process???? Still needs to be magged, trowelled and finished????? Not to mention the concrete needs to bleed out and start to set first............what you saw was the easy part, about one fifth of the whole process.
@@paulcoote3094 Not the easy part. If you don't get it laid down right with the right slope it'll all go to s***.
This video make me sleepy
Me and a buddy are our whole crew for a company pouring 50+ yards a day. It's not easy but we've never lost one together. Two guys can conquer the world if they are willing to die for the other.
I know where you're coming from. Working with you mates and looking after each other gets the impossible done every day.
Kinda fruity. idk
I worked with concrete alot. An never seen two guys work in unison together like they do. 👍👍
Awesome, thanks!
RIGHT 💯💯💯💯💯🔥💯💯💯💯
The bromance is strong!
That's what long time work friends look like. When there is long lasting loyalty and consistency between 2 Pros no job is a hard job. This is why we need to train consistency in all trades.
Young guy just does what ever old guy does
Drivers love working with skilled crews, this may have been his best one of the day . I have my driving buddy’s telling me nightmares about the derelicts they are dealing with ordering 9 yards and not a clue . I labored in my teens on a concrete crew, much respect to your crew - that’s a decent sized slab you guys made tidy work of
When your slump is basically self leveling it's make placing it so much faster and the screeding goes easier. No big piles to rake lol. Nice job guys!
Weak concrete. And stones sink.
@@concreter6832 you didn’t listen very well did you
@@OlDirtyBandit what didn't I listen to mate?
@@concreter6832 you said that concrete is weak
@@OlDirtyBandit yes it is weaker when concrete is overly wet ,your stones will sink (basic gravity) and the fines will rise ,then the concrete can delaminate, makeing weak. And to wet makes it messy to screed ,you want to cut with the screed at 90 slump , that is how I have understood it for past 30 years , everyone to there own.
These guys make it look much easier than it is. Ive poured quite a bit of concrete over the years, but holy Christ I’d never be brave enough to pour an entire floor with nothing more than a chalk line and a screed board. Awesome work.
Just look at that foot work, that’s the difference between experience and experienced.. great stuff men.
they both on time together
One time in New Jersey I had to pour a 20 by 60 driveway by myself because no one showed and truck was there. Three separate pours 90 minutes apart. Had The Bull Float and Fresno hardest day of my life but it came out beautiful
Thank you for keeping your video family friendly and without profanity. I feel safe coming to your channel with an open mind and no mental safeguards allowing myself the freedom of learning from your example and experience. Good Job. 👌
Thank you!
@@MikeDayConcrete My pleasure.
You feel safe because there’s no profanity? lmaoooo
@@techzilluh hey my kids watch vids with me and I don’t want them hearing that fucking shit 😄
Here we have two guys that work well together. Good cooperation.
I always have my 2'x2'x3" concrete molds with me to put any extra concrete in after I get done pouring.
I lay them out flat on my open trailer and never move them until cured.
Makes good condenser pads and walkway blocks.
You can make good patio blocks and wall blocks too.
I made a retainer wall 80'x4' with them.
That's awsome, great idea!
Smart.
Those guys made it look easy. A couple of real craftsmen.
Nothing easy about concrete. Yes they can make it easier
Love the precision back kick when you’re screeding! Looks like synchronized swimming!👍
Thank you
Indeed nice when you have a good workmate!
You got a good dance partner there Mike... ;)
I've never done cement before. I appreciate the synchronization. The kicks you reference are to kick cement into the void where your foot just backed out from? Reduce any kinda pockets? Or am I just over thinking this? Also, how much does this amount of concrete cost? Including footings?
Synchronized screeding - Sounds like an Olympic event, lol ..
You sure do have concrete balls Mike, for most of us who aren't doing concrete everyday it's scary to think about it going off or not being level especially with that large area. You're lucky to have such a skilled and professional partner. Thanks for sharing such a good straightforward vid. 👍
Awesome, thank you!
We call them ‘footballs’ in the concrete, they don’t look any different here in the UK! I saw some disappear into some big footings the other day, nothing we could do about them and they did us no harm. But they are a right pain in flatwork! One large job we did once it was a reoccurring problem, but it didn’t take long to figure out that there was one driver who hardly ever bought us footballs! As they were all running out of the same batching plant, we asked him what could possibly be different in his loads? He said that the other drivers weren’t spinning the drum hard enough when it was initially loaded and that in his opinion that lead to the lumps.
We are on a bit of flatwork tomorrow, hoping I don’t see any footballs like you’ve had!
Keep up the good work, great to see how efficient you guys are.
Thank you brother 🙏
Dirty hands, clean money. Guys like this are the legit backbone of this country! Kind of satisfying to watch this vid.
just curious why rebar wasn't used for this pour?
They must have a good base.
I assume it's because of the concrete wall that will help reduce expansion and cracking plus the mesh fiber. I would probably still use something tho ... also no jitterbug?
I've done lots of concrete lots! Never seen two men work together better than the two of you! Be proud stand tall!!
thank God for a cloudy day and the add mix!!!
I've got 27 years experience in finishing cement pouring concrete exactly the way they do Mike day is awesome he's got awesome bunch of fellas that young lady that works for his daughter they're all incredible people are concrete gods man they're awesome anyway God bless you all
I love the footwork with the board going back and forth. You guys are coordinated like a couple of figure skaters. 😄
😊 thank you
Exactly, every time I see a concrete crew the first thing I think of is.......... figure skaters
Very nice team work
I thought of synchronized swimmers doing something useful.
Board??? How about Rod, or screed ! Wow! It’s not cement mixer either. It’s a concrete mixer etc. cement is an additive not the right name. Concrete is made up from cement, sand, aggregate, some water and or chemicals to avoid water so it doesn’t destroy the strength of the concrete mix.
So impressive. Your skills are top notch and you're so in sync you don't even need to talk. Wish my subbies were so with the programme!
Hi Mike,
I have been there with just me and one other. I do the same thing you do. I use water reducers in all my pours as well. It works great. I swear by it. We call the concrete balls meat balls! Keep up the great work. We are based out of cny 👍
Thanks James!
We call them meatballs aswell
Been pouring concrete for 50 years ....... never seen it this seamlessly done before ....... it’s all about experience...... high slump really helps however........ back in the day we couldn’t get this high tech mix like today however !!!
In my experience those balls come from a dry batch plant. Usually when there is a long travel time to the job-site or the customer has a reputation of pouring piss wet. The batch man will try to get it loaded wet enough so the driver does not run out of water or have to keep re tempering the load to get it to maintain a wet enough slump. In doing so there is so much head water that the cement balls up and floats instead of being agitated by the fins. If you climb up and look in the drum you can see them and since they float they come out at the end of the load. Mixing will only make your load hotter and not break the balls. If you typically only get them when going from a mid range to a super then the batch man needs to go into the mix design and adjust to a lower water cement ratio to compensate for the additional water reduction of a super.
Good advice
yeah, what jason said
Also what helps is if the batch plant can slow down the flow of cement into the truck. Many TXDOT jobs and telling the computer to go slower on the discharge helped a lot. Of course, a wet mix, usually a 6” or above will give you balls. Better to have the trucks travel at full charge for a longer time to give it more time to break them up. A 5” slump or lower to break up the materials is always better. Better to add water on the job than get there too wet and have balls to deal with.
Saying that the balls come from a long haul is a bunch of ballonii. It comes when the batch man loads to fast. The dry mix went into the mixer too fast and didn't break up. Also the drum must be turning full speed when the mix is going in.
These balls do not float. They are the same weight as the rest of the concrete. It only appears as though they float. There are always more balls that can be seen as not nearly all appear on the surface.
late 70s in Connecticut did lots of flat work and footings. 2 guys . Even poured foundation for addition. Made all forms . Helpful that I had precast experience
I have helped on different size pours. I’m lousy at it. It’s amazing to watch these guys do it seemingly effortlessly. This is one of those dying arts. And if you don’t believe it’s an art try it. A good concrete guy is worth every penny of his wages. PS. They had that figured perfectly down to the last trowl full.
Thank you!
@@MikeDayConcrete what do you guys pay per yd for concrete. Out here in New Mexico it went up to $125. You guys did a great job. I was wondering where you guys put the control joints. I'm sure there was some more finishing after that right?
Its not a dying art thats how concrete is screaded
I worked on concrete pouring driveways, curb and gutters, even done a basketball court. I give much respect to these two men the work is hard from beginning to the end! It's not a job for everyone especially when you have to handle those curb and gutters steel forms.
love your work and personality Mike.....is the exact purpose of the vapor barior to keep moisture from wicking up the slab after the 28days????
Thank you and Yes, block moisture from wicking up.
Why so much haters. A lot of super humans out there, doing it all by yourself. Make a video of it, then I'll be a believer. How ever Mike decides to pour it, let it be. It's between him and the owner. If he gets a callback so be it. To me they do clean work. Keep up the videos Mike, I like your team.
Brings back memories I did that for 30 years and I was good
While it is true that two guys can pour something like this when conditions are right. Cool weather, eight inch concrete slump, no mesh to pull, a short radius drain screed and a skilled partner. That being said, you do great work and it is nice to see you work as you are a true craftsman! Things would be different with a 5" slump and a sunny 100F Texas afternoon!
What is a 5 inch slump mean sir
@@jwell1160 slump is a measure of the amount of water within the concrete mix. It tells you the level of "flowability" of the mix when spreading out.
You two are perfectly synchronized. Excellent screening.
Hey Mike, I don’t often subscribe to TH-cam channels but I did for yours because I have such an appreciation for you. I have been detailing concrete for almost 10 years (grinding, polishing, epoxy) and now just getting into pouring and finishing. Your videos really help and your work is fantastic. Thank you.
A New International Olympic Sport...
"Synchronized Screeding."
Isnt it screed?
@@420somewhere4
Yes! You Are Correct...
Type'O... Has Been Corrected!
Thank You...
Good idea. Beats bad mitten! Lol
Nice work, never heard of the plastizer stuff, 1st load looked really wet vs 2nd load too. Seen few clinkers nothing like those tho.
Most here now use power screed w fiber too. Not a pro but been on a bit of flatwork.
They did that 1st load wet on purpose, so they wouldn't get a cold joint at the end. Poured a little mud in my day for about 8 years, best damn job I ever had but just didn't pay enough.
We use quite a bit in the city's too for high rise buildings it has to be wet for the pump to reach 50 75 100 floors up without sacrificing the integrity of the concrete
I have driven concrete delivery truck and finished concrete both. If you’ve never done this you can’t appreciate how back breaking difficult this is. They did a great job.
This is when a good driver can really help out. He is the third man. Meatballs we called ‘em! smash ‘em up good, and keep on pouring 😄
Tell me about it my we got a pump truck in for a pour today. The cement truck drivers ended up blowing out a part of the hose. Scared the shit out of me.
You just killed the strength of the concrete, with all that water.
Well done. I did smaller garage pads with a guy, paid very well, in and out by noon.
Nice working with somebody on the same page!!! 👍👍👍
There’s a lot reasons the meatballs can happen. One of the common ones you’ll see is if it’s a large load (10yds or so) there’s not enough open space in the barrel for it to blend. You might notice loads 8yds or under tend to mix more consistently. Also sometimes your not getting enough batch water in the nose during loading.
You are absolutely correct my company only loads 9yrd max some older trucks 8.5
Your right the 10yarders sometimes had lumps
I helped a guy pour the concrete on a floating slap for a shed once we built. Around 10 by 16. That was hard work. No joke. Good thing the delivery driver gave some help.
You two make a great team!
😊 Thanks
Texas resident here.
Why no structural reinforcement?
Ummm, no wire or rebar or any type of inner reinforcement to keep that giant slab from cracking? I suppose that's one way to do it if there's no building codes whatsoever.
So wire will PREVENT concrete from cracking. You sure. Might want to research some more. And I did mention the mix design with fibermesh.
Good lord, please free TH-cam commenting of stupid people...
There is one guarantee with concrete: it's going to crack even if you use wire mesh or rebar. Using the right mix which includes things like fiber mesh, right amount of water, plasticizers and superplasticizers, 2% high early on a cold day so it can cure properly, etc help to reduce the amount of cracking. Cutting and dividing is there to control where a slab cracks.. Good compaction, slab thickness, and weather when placed also play in to how well it performs and lasts. While I'm here, if you are a concrete contractor who: 1. directs the ready mix dude to 'soup it up' with a ton of water because you're lazy, weak or undermanned, man up or pack up shop. 2. if you pour driveways on sand or just dig too much dirt out with the skidsteer and roll it back in without tamping it, its called class 5 and a plate compactor. Slow down and do proper prep...don't skip, or pack up shop. 3. When finishing, the slab starts getting away from you because you're too slow or you didn't properly figure in the weather or the right mixes. What do you do? You spray the damn thing down with water and then the whole thing spalls like a mother fucker within the first year. Treat your customers right and redo the thing. It expensive to replace I know, but if if you don't know what you're doing, or don't have enough skill or guys to get it finished right the first time, you shouldn't be in the business...pack up shop.
@@patrodgers5233 I'm a beginner/novice working with concrete. When assisting others with pours, I'd always hear "make the mix as wet as hell". I was always told you had to have wire/fiberglass mess to strengthen the slab. Your comment is spot on. Do the prep right (i.e. class 5 and a plate compactor), have plenty of help, and know the weather. Thank you for your excellent advice.
The fiber mesh helps to bind it, no real need for rebar
Roman roads are 2000 years old they didn’t have rebar in them. I am of the opinion that rebar rots oxidizes turns to rust Swells up and breaks the concrete from the inside it takes 30 maybe 50 years. It should be galvanized coated. The reason the cement is soupy they put plasticizers in it. I just wonder if that’s what happened Miami surf Side ? You can only make fake rocks so strong.
I am researching concrete foundations. I came across, doing a job of this size with a different more time efficient approach. Clear, compact dirt, lay tarp, lay rebar, pour concrete, level and smooth out with 2inx4inx32ft (use a "L" shape elbow to go over the foundation edge), one man on each side, done. Great video.
It's like watching fancy horses do their routine together. Impressive!
Ive been pouring concrete since i was a little kid, im 19 now so its been about 8 years. my dad owns a business in Mid-Michigan. The plant we use most often (Fisher Sand & Gravel), in the last year we seem to get more and more of what we call Footballs (concrete balls). but all the plants we use up here we seem to get atleast one football a truck it seems now. sometimes they are just small (Size of a baseball) but sometimes we get ones that are basketball sized.
Mike, we call it bad concrete!!! We deal with them the same way... Thanks for all your great videos, keep up the good work.
Thank you
Same here.
In 4 years doing concrete work I've never seen so many "meatballs" as we call them. We also use super p in our wall mix. Love the videos
How much super plastersizer do you use per yrd,or do you just order a 6-7 slump using super?
I believe it's about 12oz per yard
Don't let these boys fool you, it's not as easy as they make it look. On the other hand great job guys!!
You guys rock! Now that’s experience. Slow and steady, calm and simple. I particularly like the synchronized push and shake of the mud off the boots as you screed. I just imagine a couple of eager DIY home owners trying this on a hot day. 😂.
Thanks so much!!
Watch carefully. The kick of the concrete off the boot is for pushing the concrete up to the screed where the void appears whene the foot is lifted. Watch closer.
@@ericharris893 Never having worked concrete on this scale before, I was wondering what the purpose of that kick was. Makes sense now.
Boom pump operator for 15 years. We call em dough balls or powder balls here in UT. They can raise hell with the pump if they make it past the grate, been plugged up on more than one occasion because of em. Just a little present from the dry batch plant.
Our concrete company's owners name is Herb so we call them Herby Heads. Always messing with the batch man telling him we sending them back in the front seat of the truck in a seat belt
Lol.... 😂 we had a guy called tear out Chad . He messed up concrete pours all the time . So we ended up with having to remove the concrete on a number of occasions.
As a concrete truck driver I can tell you a number of things on why you get clumps.
1. mixing time, depending how far the job pour site is from the batch plant you may want to add more mixing time to really mix up that load on short distances in comparison to a delivery that's 20 miles away that'll be mixed well once arriving on site.
2. Dry packing, not having enough water in the drum before dumping material in while truck is being loaded will also cause clumps. Adding more mixing time should help mix it up but still may have clumps.
5 minutes on high idle with the drum on full charge will really help mix it but allot of drivers don't give it 5 minutes because we're always rushed and contractors may get mad so allot of drivers try mixing it up in under a minute and start pouring and still have clumps.
Give the driver a true 5 minutes on high idle and the drum on full charge. Look at the time and time it the moment you hear the truck Rev up. It'll make a difference or at least smaller baseball size clumps in the least.
Not the first time you guys have done this that’s for sure.
Had 54 yard pour for a large inclosed garage about 40 years ago, never had any of that, if fact had 2 inches of insulation board put down before pour concrete on top of it, trucks came about every 30 minutes 9 yards at a time starting at 6 am, everything went great, floors was done early afternoon, we had to keep putting water on it every hour, no problem as the water was already in the building.
Almost can’t believe 2 guys pulled this off, this was amazing
Thank you
😂
2 guys that really know what there doing and work well together, can make alot happen.. I've done it for years with a buddy of mine.. you can work 3 times harder with the wrong crew and more guys.. 2 good concrete guys can make a lot happen
It helps big time when the SUN isn't beating down on you
I’ve poured 1500sq ft with mesh in a slope driveway with one experienced guy, one kinda finisher and another without any experience in 90F day in the noon sun. 3 hrs to complete pour for being one large pad and a smaller 3 cubic meter pad.
The work with the screed board is amazing. So in sync and clearly demonstrates yall know what you're doing
The way you guys wet screen is just beautiful. Hopefully someday I will be able to screed just like you Mike. Thanks for the videos.
YA KNOW SOMETHING FELLAS...
AFTER I READ YOUR STORY, I COMMENTID ON IT. THEN I READ EVERYONE ELSE'S.
THEY ALSO WERE FANTASTIC STORIES GUYS.
I FEEL LIKE IVE KNOWN YA'LL HOGS FOREVER.
WE NEED TO START A DAM CONCRETE CLUB. IT'S NICE AGAIN TO CHEW THE FAT WITH SOME OTHER HOGS AGAIN.
BLESS US ALL BOYS AND GIRLS.
Mike i used to pour concrete we would do 100 yards or more a week for like eight years. I’ve never seen that. I think what you said was right it’s there mixing process doing it.
I’d bring the cement balls back to the batch plant for credit. You shouldn’t have to deal with those. The work is hard enough.
Haha, that's a great idea!
I’d say it’s just part of the job. I only got upset if cement ball vibrated thru the grates on my pump and caused the plug at the reducer etc. usually just mix it in the mixers for a bit and it will get rid of the issue. I’d rather have a cement ball than a fin fish falling into the hopper and causing a plug at the reducer , point of a smaller discharge hose . All I a days work. If that’s the worst thing that happens to you on a job site, count your lucky stars!
Like to see that happen lol
When I started in concrete, my wife and I would do that. I told her we'd do 3 a week, needing every other day to recuperate! Soon she was replaced with two men, and we were doing 3 per day. Three pour the first, head to the second and three pour it, drop one guy to go finish the first, and two go pour the third. One heads to finish the second and one stays to finish the third. Piece of cake!
Where's the Welded Wire Mesh? It's going to crack over time, all slabs do, but the WWM will reduce the cracking and spreading of cracks. I always require a rebar and WWM inspection before any concrete is poured on my jobs. I can't tell you the number of times people have tried to get away without using reinforcing of all types.
Exactly.. idiots pour that amount of concrete without rebars. Well customers will buy again once the merchandise is broken. LoL!
I will say, it looks like they have a good base. There's a great study, which I reference to contractors and architects all the time about under concrete slab construction. It's titled, "Vapor Barriers Under Concrete Slabs", but the most interesting facts are about the use of sand in lieu of compact DGA in this very detailed repot.
www.vaporsafe.com/library/vaporbarriersunderconcreteslabs.pdf
Fiber creet is good for this, you technically don't need rebarb with it only being about 4-6 inches. Only industrial pours like firehouses and 2nd story's would need the barb and the fiber mud.
@@hostileactual7655 Yes, slab reinforcement is local requirement. They do use it in LA; don't use it in Las Vegas. We used to use a 2" sand base in the midwest. No sand base in the west. Has to do with freeze/thaw and expansivity of the soils.
Most wire mesh ends up at the bottom anyway. This is a garage floor. Not a Shop or Floating slab. Rebar is overkill on a slab of this nature, especially if you pour 4000 mix with fiber.
Hate those clumps....we call em "brains". I've been pouring for over 20 years and you fellas are pretty impressive.
Cement driver looks like he's loaded with ambition!
His job is just to drive and unload, nothing more, nothing less.
Those guys work long hours and are often abused by concrete workers. I really don't blame him.
Truck drivers are all the same
I have drove for a company 27 years. Yes they my load to fast or not adding enough water when loading a truck or your loading a hot load from a bulk truck load. Concrete is had work. Your knees and back ware out after 20 to 25 years of working Concrete.
Hauling concrete for years I can say I know alot of good guys.
I’ve seen pump drivers absolutely refuse to pump another drop after seeing one of these cement rocks. But we usually do what you do mike and just bust them up and mix it with some wet stuff
That pump operator didn't know what he was doing, nor did the concrete driver.
The floor pour is impressive, but whit i wanna complement is how nice that stem wall is !!
Who ever the framer is for this job should really appreciate this. A nice level stem with proper bolt placement sure makes for a nice framing job. Everything starts with a good foundation!!!!
That was really enjoyable to watch. Keep up the great work!
Thank you very much!
Yes I get them
I also deliver concrete. It comes from when the mix is batched !!
Also a bad water cement ratio when starting to batch the mix
The only guy I've ever known to pour concrete that wet was my Old Man. I still love pouring concrete.
Self leveling is the only way to go. Put it on a 10 and let it run lol.
It's a pleasure seeing these old clapboard siding houses in Maine which look just like the neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA, 3,000 miles away. Where the siding is all made from old-growth redwood.
No rebar?
He said there was fiber in the mix, I'm sure he'll give you the best answer.
@@augustreil On the Odell Complete Concrete channel he adds his own fiber mesh and uses rebar. Was just curious if fiber mesh can act as a replacement for rebar.
@@user990077 yes fiber can be used as a replacement for rebar.
@@bradbair1405 Thanks for info.
I appreciate you concrete carpenters. I have been on some bigger pours, but usually I have only done small concrete jobs related to building. Im more of a framing carpenter, cornice work, doors, windows, interior doors, wood flooring, walls and trim
Do some roofing too, if its very simple i do the metal roofing on what I build
We used to pour place and finish stamped in larger square footages with only 2 guys, a joke with piss wet slumps and yet there are dry packs in the load..
You two made it look easy. That's teamwork in action. One question though, how come you didn't use rebar? I know you said you had microfiber in the mud but was there anything else in the mix that made you not need rebar?
I do it like this everyday. 2 guys. I've even done garages, and driveways solo. Time is of the essences but don't don't get in a rush. The balls are from "rebatching" the left overs from previous job. No biggie
This was the first load out in the morning.
They come from spinning the barrel too slow while they are adding the water.
Re batching? Don't think so...
Is that e e. A thing?
@@davidjessee7701 🤦 it's not a significant amount it's a little concrete stuck to fins from previous pours that day or a dry pack from loading
I call this a good example of grace and finess. Excellent video.
Thought you were pouring a stiff mix on a hot day. That requires balls.
This is also hard....but I know what you mean.
It takes hard work these two are the perfect example of that. 👍keep it up guys nothing beats an honest day's work!
Thank you 🙌
No doubt they've been working together for some time now, that's concrete hurry up and wait !
Nice job Pouring (or Placing) the concrete...Most experienced two man crews can get it done as you did....
QUESTION: Why don't you have the Vaper Barrier placed under the fill? When you pour on plastic the concrete sets from the top up instead of the top down.... All the water goes to the surface so when you start finishing you are already behind because 1/2 to 3/4 of the concrete is already set.
Hahahaha, that is so far from a 6.5 inch slump it's hilarious!! Believe what you want.
About as wet as self leveling. But they make it work for them. Btw about the clumps, dirty truck fins. Seen it plenty of times, you do what everyone does, pull them out and break them up. He needs to chip that truck out. Good job guys. Been in concrete quality control for 25 years now, not much I haven’t seen.
@@musicmanmatheney3314 I was gonna say the same.. either the truck has lots of buildup or wornout fins.
It would struggle to make a 9" slump. Super plasticizer or not it's too damn wet and I promise you it won't break 3500# in 28 weeks let alone 28 days. These guys need to try pouring concrete on a military base or bridge job. Those "trucks of the trade short cuts" only fool gullible homeowners and contractors that don't give a crap about the quality of their finished product.
@charliehill3062 with plasticizer you'll get 5k in 7 days. I use it in my walls all the time and on my federal and state jobs that require a 3" slump. I don't like to use it on flat but it's fine to use
@alfredgaitan1201 If it did have super P that is fine, but the slump is still not 6.5.
I batched at a prestress plant for 10+ years, from my experience improper aggregate loading causes these balls ( which are basically cement and water) for concrete to mix properly the mixer should be loaded 70 to 80 percent water with all the the aggregate followed by slowly feeding in the cement and remaining water. ( by the way, the powder in the mix is cement, when it is introduced with aggregate as a mix it then becomes concrete.)
Is that soup or concrete? I can't really tell.
I had concrete balls and now my backs done! Best of luck, get all you can. You hit 60 and it ain’t going to be the same! Someone that’s been there and done that!
That sure looks like a workout on your lower back!
The pain is real my friend!
Yeah so I'm familiar with the concrete nuggets, I live in ocean park wa. And we named them ocean park nuggets. Small town and small concrete plant with old trucks. The fins in the drum get worn or there is build up in the drum and it doesn't mix sufficient. We had a truck that was notorious for having lots of balls. Anyways not much else you can do besides break them up. Shortly before that plant closed down I had poured an exposed aggregate patio for a client and one of those baseball sized nuggets got missed initially but was found during the washing/exposing process. Needless to say I was glad to retire old big balls truck as that has been the only bit of concrete I have cut out and repoured in 34 years. Great videos Mike keep it up.
I could poor that solo at a 9" slump and watch it crack all to hell in 6 months.
Zero reinforcing steel....
It's fibres reinforced, perfect for slabs on grade, go check Sika for fibres. He is also using water refucer which allows that slump without loosing strength.
These guys are professionals, no cracks with fibres.
@@christo7105 I don't think hes ever heard of fiber mesh before
Me & my dad did it for years . Back braking work... ❤
No Rebar, no wire. Why?????