How to Mix Concrete

How to Mix Concrete How to Mix Concrete If you need concrete for some minor repairing, you can prepare or mix the concrete yourself by hand. It is not at all a difficult task. The only thing that a novice requires to focus is the right consistency. One must also learn about the desirable safety precautions as well as the materials required for the mixing process. Here are some instructions that can help you understand the basic formula of mixing concrete.

Instructions

First get the ingredients for preparing the mix. Go for the time-tested mixture formula 1:2:3 parts by dry volume. This means you need to use one part Portland cement for two parts of sand and three parts of coarse aggregate. If you want you can also buy pre-mixed bags of ready-to-mix concrete.
Now take a large wheelbarrow or tub and scoop the ingredients into it. Use a shovel for the purpose. Make sure you start with moderate amount of dry mix. This is important because it becomes harder to mix the ingredients as water is added.
Add little water at a time as you continue to work with the shovel. Mix concrete well by thrusting the shovel underneath the ingredients and then folding them over itself. Continue to add small amounts of water as you mix concrete until it achieves right consistency i.e. neither dry nor soupy.
It is always better to test the consistency before using the mix. To test the consistency, use the blade of your shovel. Try to cut a shallow channel across the surface of the mix prepared. If the channel walls seem crumbly, it means the mix is a bit too dry, so go on to add some more water. If the channel fills in with water, it means it’s too wet so add more mix and continue to stir.
When you evenly and properly mix the concrete it should end up with a consistency that is similar to the consistency of cookie dough.

Tips to Remember

Your work will become much easier if you get pre-mixed concrete bags. You will just need to add water and mix; the measuring is already done.
While mixing the concrete prefer wearing protective eyewear, gloves and a face mask. This is important because the dust rising from the mix can be caustic.