[TowerTalk] Mixing concrete for a base

[jimlux]

Ed Swiderski, KU4BP wrote:
> All,
> 
> I'm considering mixing my own concrete for my installation. Been trying to
> get a grasp on how much cement, gravel and sand to get. My proposed base is
> for 70ft of 25G. Total, with the anchors, is 2.2 cu yds. Call it 2.5 since I
> plan to "bell" the base.
> 
> I was pricing the ingredients today but got a little confused on the amount
> of each needed. I looked at 94 lb bags of cement and 50 lb bags for both the
> sand and gravel. The problem I had was determining how much in cu yds a bag
> would cover. I have seen that a 50 lb bag of sand covers .5 cu yd.

no way... a 50 lb sack of sand is probably about 1/2 cubic foot (a cubic 
foot of water weighs more than 60 lbs, and sand is denser than water, 
even with the air spaces).

You need literally yards of gravel and sand. Get it delivered in bulk, 
rather than buying it in bags.



> 
> So what I'm looking for is a formula of some sort so I can figure out how
> much I will need of each. I've heard of the "1-2-3 rule" but not 100% sure
> I'm using it correctly.
> 
> 
> Ed KU4BP
> 
> 
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