Building Homes or Extensions/Concrete in heavy rain

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Expert: - 9/26/2008


Question
I have an outdoor sign to install. The sign is held by (2) 2"x2" squre steel posts. I must dig 3".0" holes to plant the posts anf fill the holes with concrete but it is heavily raining and flood watch has been issued What do I do? I promised my client.

Answer
Nat, sounds like you're going to get wet.  Digging the post holes will be muddy and nasty.  If you are asking if the concrete will set up, no problem.  Even if the hole has water in it, the concrete will force the water to the top of the hole.  Portland cement (the crucial ingredient in concrete) makes hydraulic concrete.  It will set up just fine in a lake, a well, an ocean.

Save the sod portion of your post hole work, hold the concrete down below sod level, install sod - OR - set up two forms (coffee can or 5 gallon bucket rings to pour to the top of the sod level to make easy mowing.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

Organizations
My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

Education/Credentials
I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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