A dry mix is immediately mechanically stable whereas a wet mix is more likely to allow the post to move until set.
Semi dry concrete mix for sleepers.
Allow to semi dry and then add the longest bits of wood into the ground.
Create a concrete mixture and lay this in the bottom of the trench around 50mm.
Another thing im not sure on is the spacing to leave in between the slabs 5mm or 10mm.
If the ground is damp the concrete will set without having to add water.
Cement mixing is a great diy skill to master and can be applied to a huge range of outdoor building projects around your home.
Otherwise mix in additional dry mix or water until you get the right consistency.
My question is this.
How to mix cement to make a mortar or concrete mix.
You may want to leave behind some concrete mixture for haunching at the back of the edging.
Start building up subsequent layers with shorter lengths of wood.
Rain and water within the soil will gradually set the mix and the aggregate content keeps the post stable whether its set or not.
For the pointing i was going to leave the slabs to set for 24 hrs and then do another mix of damp mortar with ratio of 3 1 sand cement is this ok.
Use a dry ish building sand plastering sand or if so desired a kiln dried jointing sand.
I have bought the long screws to fix them together but i also want to fix the first one to the ground.
If not simply use a watering can or hose.
If the mixed concrete looks like the mix in step 9 it s ready to pour.
With the correct tools materials safety equipment and a bit of elbow grease you can make your own mortar or concrete mix ready to use for your next job.
Any residual dampness will cause the sand cement mix to stick and will probably result in a stain.
Work it to the perfect concrete mix ratio.
The advantage of a dry cement mix is that whilst constructing the wall you can take out and re position the railway sleepers without getting wet concrete everywhere.
It s tempting to just squirt water into the dry concrete mix with a hose and mix up a soupy batch of concrete.
Mortar mixes are often used dry for bedding fence posts.
Consequently this is a technique that is only really practical during the summer months.
I have bought some old railway sleepers very heavy and i want to make a box out of them.
This dry mix seems a lot easier than using the damp mix and would take a lot less time.
As this is the first time ive done this i am thinking the dry mix would be easier but is it going to set properly its only going to be for walking on.