[Homestead] Concrete was: preserving poles in the ground

Don Bowen KI6DIU don.bowen at earthlink.net
Fri Nov 2 18:39:44 EST 2007


At 11/2/2007, you wrote:
>Concrete is
> > expensive; it contains a fair amount embedded energy in the cement
> > and it must be installed in good forms with the right mix ratio and
> > the drainage that Don wrote about. Perfect drainage and strong,
> > reinforced concrete can create the bottom of a building that will
> > last centuries.

A lot of people disdain the use of concrete because of its embedded energy 
content and its release CO2 during kiln drying of the cement.  I think this 
should be balanced against its longevity and low maintenance.  As Gene 
mentioned with the correct mix ratio and properly built forms, the result 
will last many lifetimes.

One real problem with concrete structures is the modern use of disposable 
forms.  I have build some concrete walls and patios and try to make sure 
there is reuse in the forms.  My last garden was framed with 2 by 4s from 
the forms to pour a patio.  A recent wall I built for trash can storage 
used plywood sheets that came off some horse stalls that were being demolished.



Don Bowen              Awl Knotted Up                       KI6DIU
http://www.braingarage.com


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