Soil Cement backfill-- an update

[Mmathis]

Thought I'd post an update on the progress with this. Hubby & I managed to get the footer dug out and cinder block placed. We used a base of tamped rocks in the trench. The soil-cement would have been perfect to use as the base, but we didn't have the Portland yet, and with our weather, we're on a time clock. That all went well, except for the fact that we were working in yucky, clay.

Then, since the weather had stayed dry, I was able to start on the actual back-fill. I did some more reading, and apparently for what we are doing [backfilling behind the wall], the recommendation was for a slurry rather that the solid-pack stuff. It self-levels and will fill all the gaps in the rock base, holding that together. I was able to get enough mixed per bucket to fill in behind the footer, but WILL RENT A MIXER for the rest of the job! Whew, I thought mixing a slurry would be easier than mixing it stiffer, but it was still a lot of work for one old gal! I got enough mixed to fill in behind the "footer" layer of block.

Anyway, I'll work with the slurry stuff up to a point, then will switch to the dryer mix and use the tamper when I get closer to the surface work.

I checked on the poured stuff yesterday, and it was pretty solid. We had rain yesterday, and it's colder today -- right at the borderline for working with cement -- so will have to wait until tomorrow to do any more work.

 

[sissy]

you can get an additive to work with cement in colder weather and you can also add a fortifier to the mix .Cement fortifier I use when I make cement pots and makes the cent stronger .Lowes and home depot have it here a gallon of fortifier is around 12 dollars and it does not take much

 

[DrCase]

The wall will get easier for you when you get above the ground water