Most builders - professionals and amateurs - use concrete whenever it is necessary to use a bonding material, hard and permanent for the realization of a project. Before using it, however, you need to mix it with sand and gravel; although the process may seem very complex, it is actually quite simple if you have the right tools. You can mix concrete in a wheelbarrow using a shovel or shovel before throwing it onto the surface you are paving.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Dry Mix
Step 1. Purchase the correct doses of concrete, sand and gravel
Precise proportions vary based on the type of cement, so check the instructions on the bag; however, in general you should mix one part of concrete with two of sand and four of crushed stone.
Step 2. Put on the protective gear
Cement releases potentially dangerous dust and residues without proper precautions; wear a mask, safety glasses, and thick gloves when mixing these substances.
Step 3. Gather the materials
Preparing the concrete is a very confusing process and requires a lot of concentration. Prepare everything you need in advance; you need concrete, sand, and gravel, as well as a wheelbarrow, shovel, or other similar tool for mixing.
Step 4. Pour all the "ingredients" into the wheelbarrow
Use a small shovel or shovel to transfer one piece of concrete, two of sand, and four of crushed stone into the container. Remember to wear a mask, as this work spreads a lot of dust and debris into the air.
To prevent the mixture from drying out before you can use it, do not prepare more than half a wheelbarrow at a time; when you have finished one batch, mix the next
Step 5. Mix the materials
Even if they will be mixed one more time later, it is worth making the dry mixture homogeneous before adding the water. After you've poured the cement, sand, and crushed stone into the wheelbarrow, use a shovel (or similar tool) to even them out.
Part 2 of 3: Add the Water
Step 1. Make a hole in the center of the dry compound
Use the shovel to dig a small crater in the center of the dust, making sure that the opening has a diameter equal to half that of the pile; when finished, the compound should look like a volcano.
Step 2. Add a small amount of water
There is no precise quantity to respect; you have to keep pouring the liquid until you get a smooth paste with a consistency similar to peanut butter. Start with minimal doses, to avoid creating a too fluid mixture. Pour about half a bucket of water into the crater you made and mix everything with the shovel until it is completely absorbed.
Step 3. Check the compound
Drag the shovel to the center of the concrete; if the dough is too dry, the walls of the groove you created tend to crumble, in which case you will need to add more water.
Part 3 of 3: Complete the Process
Step 1. Edit the compound as needed
It will take several trial and error to get the consistency right. Add a little water at a time until you get a firm and "spreadable" consistency; if you accidentally overdo the liquid, the cement becomes too fluid and you will need to incorporate another dose of dry mix.
Step 2. Immediately pour concrete on the area to be built
This step should be completed as soon as possible, to prevent the compound from drying out before the project is complete. Tilt the wheelbarrow over the area you need to cover and let the concrete flow.
Step 3. Clean tools quickly
Pour some water into the wheelbarrow as soon as you have emptied it of concrete. Dip the tools in the water and scrub everything with a stiff bristle brush until you have removed all traces of compound.
Advice
- Read the manufacturer's instructions on the bag of cement before mixing it; there may be specific indications to respect.
- If you need more than a concrete wheelbarrow or two for your project, consider renting a portable concrete mixer from a building supply store.
