[mhac]

Looking for some input. Putting together a high school shop project to teach kids about concrete, maybe touch on how foundation walls and slabs work. While I've done a bit of concrete work, I've never had to set reebar or ties, and I might be overlooking other important aspects here.

Your input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Half-fast Eddie]

The problem with that is …. what do you do with it once the concrete is hard? Some lucky student gets to take it home … delivery not included.

 

[wallmaxx]

Exactly. I used to walk to school in Canada. That would be a ***** to carry home.

Have the school loan you a diesel work truck with a tailgate lift and then these kids can learn some contracting issues like delivery and installation. A full trade approach.

 

[Fishindude]

We did lots of concrete work in our business. Built a really cool conference room table out of concrete in the office.
Myself and some buddies built concrete shooting benches at our local gun club. Figured the knuckleheads couldn't tear those up.

 

[NYCB]

If you want to hit on the basics of concrete it should probably be reinforcement and the placing and finishing of flat work.

Pre-cast stuff is kind of a specialty.

 

[Half-fast Eddie]

If you want to hit on the basics of concrete it should probably be reinforcement and the placing and finishing of flat work.

Pre-cast stuff is kind of a specialty.

Yeah but … rebar and flat work is dull and pedestrian. Counters and such are tiktok friendly.

 

[mhac]

The problem with that is …. what do you do with it once the concrete is hard? Some lucky student gets to take it home … delivery not included.

It's the problem with any school project... Shouldn't be too hard to find a spot around school for it. ...or bust it up and pour it again next year.

 

[mhac]

We did lots of concrete work in our business. Built a really cool conference room table out of concrete in the office.
Myself and some buddies built concrete shooting benches at our local gun club. Figured the knuckleheads couldn't tear those up.

Did you reinforce any of it? If so, any tips?

 

[mhac]

Yeah but … rebar and flat work is dull and pedestrian. Counters and such are tiktok friendly.

Tik tok aside, thought it would be a good way to show how to form and pour 6 in foundation walls and slab. Any feedback in that regard would be great.

 

[Rio]

Go over the basic steel in concrete requirements like distance of rebar to earth and edge of slab,have them do a little research and discuss why the steel can't be exposed or too close to air or earth, be really careful how you detail out the pieces that are connecting, don't want that to fall over or come apart and crush someone.

Go over different form release options, ways to construct the forms so they can be removed, how to place and consolidate the mix, how much water and any other additives to use, what slump is and how it can be used as one way to assess if the mixture is close enough, aggregate size, type of finish, etc..

It looks like a bench so maybe make a stencil imprint to give credit (or blame) to those who participated and find a place to put it on the school grounds.

 

[Fishindude]

Did you reinforce any of it? If so, any tips?

Yea, but it would almost be easier to do drawings for you than try to verbalize it.

 

[P42003]

Show them some videos of the Florida State University bridge collapse and subsequent forensic study.