ᐅ Thicken an L-shaped concrete block using formwork and additional concrete?
Created on: 11 Jun 2018 21:17
K
Kaspatoo
Hello,
Due to the slope at my terrace, I have a retaining wall that is 25cm (10 inches) thick. It was now too short for me, so I had an L-shaped concrete block added. The L-shaped block is 12.5cm (5 inches) thick. To create a straight edge when paving, I want to thicken the L-block with concrete.
So far, I have mostly found information about complete walls or base courses for fences, etc. Now I have a few questions.
- Do I need to build formwork for the full depth of the L-block? In other words, should the concrete pour extend into the ground to the same depth as the L-block? The total height is 1.30m (4 ft 3 in) minus the footing.
- Or can I put gravel up to about half a meter (1 ft 8 in) and only build formwork and pour concrete for the top 60cm (2 ft)?
- Do I need reinforcement? If yes, how much?
- Do I need to first pour a base layer before filling up to the full height?
- How important is frost protection for such a small project? Will the concrete crack otherwise?
I could hire a company for this, but I’m interested in doing something myself. I would appreciate any helpful tips.
Due to the slope at my terrace, I have a retaining wall that is 25cm (10 inches) thick. It was now too short for me, so I had an L-shaped concrete block added. The L-shaped block is 12.5cm (5 inches) thick. To create a straight edge when paving, I want to thicken the L-block with concrete.
So far, I have mostly found information about complete walls or base courses for fences, etc. Now I have a few questions.
- Do I need to build formwork for the full depth of the L-block? In other words, should the concrete pour extend into the ground to the same depth as the L-block? The total height is 1.30m (4 ft 3 in) minus the footing.
- Or can I put gravel up to about half a meter (1 ft 8 in) and only build formwork and pour concrete for the top 60cm (2 ft)?
- Do I need reinforcement? If yes, how much?
- Do I need to first pour a base layer before filling up to the full height?
- How important is frost protection for such a small project? Will the concrete crack otherwise?
I could hire a company for this, but I’m interested in doing something myself. I would appreciate any helpful tips.
B
borderpuschl27 Jun 2018 08:23The problem is that the L-shaped concrete block is cast in exposed concrete quality, which means it has a very smooth outer surface. Freshly poured concrete will not bond to this surface (even with reinforcement), and moisture will always penetrate the gap, causing damage over time. Additionally, it will look quite poor because you’ll end up with different concrete appearances (color, texture). I would suggest using formwork and then adding concrete on top, and perhaps placing a metal sheet over it afterward (though it can get very hot when the sun shines on it), or maybe use cladding panels instead (which might also be available in the same color and texture as your patio slabs).
Yes, that’s exactly what I suggested.
I think I’m not quite understanding you.
First, you say the newly poured concrete won’t hold and will crack, then you suggest using formwork.
I see a contradiction in that.
Or do you mean that only the metal cover prevents this by stopping water from penetrating?
I think I’m not quite understanding you.
First, you say the newly poured concrete won’t hold and will crack, then you suggest using formwork.
I see a contradiction in that.
Or do you mean that only the metal cover prevents this by stopping water from penetrating?
A railing or privacy screen may still be added on top of the wall.
Whether it will ultimately be a metal sheet or something else remains to be seen. The parapet would have the advantage of directing rainwater away and protecting the support wall from dripping.
Therefore, the primary question is how I can effectively and durably reinforce it by adding a second layer.
Whether it will ultimately be a metal sheet or something else remains to be seen. The parapet would have the advantage of directing rainwater away and protecting the support wall from dripping.
Therefore, the primary question is how I can effectively and durably reinforce it by adding a second layer.
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