Hi smack-ga. Not sure if this is what you are looking for but here are
a few tips. You have to know the difference between cement and
concrete. Cement made up to do a job is sand and cement powder [ ex
hardware store] plus any waterproofing compounds you care to add.
Concrete is the same stuff with crushed metal [ granite ] added.
concrete mix is usually 3;2;1; 3sand, 2 metal, 1 cement. To get a
colour into it, choose a light or creme [ cream] cement and add
coloured pigment [ from the hardware store] Pigment colouring is very
strong so don`t overdo it. Its available in black, red, green, and by
careful mixing, you could achieve other tints. If you want grey, just
use standard grey cement. I have just finished a very cheap [cost] but
effective retaining wall built by forming a long, 12ft, by 12 inch by
12 inch mold using two 12ft. by 12 inch planks parallel to each other
and set level in the ground. hold in place by temporary stakes driven
into the ground. fill mold with a simple 8 sand/1cement mix, making
sure the sand is only damp. not wet. ity should not stick to the
bottom of the mixer. mine is not motorized and I turn it manually As
you fill the mold, hard ram each mix you pour in building up to the
top level of the planks. When the first pour is set, extend the
distance by re-positioning the planks , or if you wish to build
higher, place some thin battens or rods across the top of the first
pour and reset the planks on them and do another pour. It is possible
to get to building top plate height and you have a very solid thick
insulated wall. It is basically a rammed earth construction, aand is
very cost effective. Hope have been of help. |
