Photo: Gary Barnes

Can you pour concrete directly over dirt?

Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt.

razorbackconcrete.com - Can You Pour Concrete Over Dirt?

Can mice get into sealed containers?

Mice can bite through a variety of packaging, except for metal, glass, and heavy-duty hard plastic. Instead of leaving food in containers, consider...

Last updated Apr 6, 2020

Can you reuse soil with roots in it?

Yes you can reuse soil with roots in it. However, try and remove as many as possible. Especially the larger roots left behind. Leaving some smaller...

Last updated Jul 16, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Can You Pour Concrete Over Dirt?

Anyone who has done concrete projects themselves before will tell you that the most difficult part is almost always the preparation. The actual pouring of the concrete is a fairly straightforward process if you have taken the time to properly prepare the project area. Unsurprisingly, we get the most questions pertaining to that preparation phase. Today, we’re going to address one of the most common: can you pour concrete over dirt?

A good base is everything when it comes to successful concrete projects. If the base you are pouring the concrete onto is flawed in any way, it is going to directly impact the quality of the final product. That’s why dirt isn’t always advisable. If the weight of the concrete deforms the dirt base in any way, the entire concrete structure will be flawed. All of that is not to say that it is impossible to pour concrete over dirt. You can absolutely do it successfully, but you need to follow a specific process. Let’s take a closer look at the steps to that process. There are two many things you need to worry about when building a solid base for concrete construction. The first is the thickness of the base, and the second is how compacted that base is.

Frame

Take some wood planks and create a frame around the area that is going to make up the base of your project. This will help keep all of the dirt and soil stacked in the correct area and stop it from spreading when you begin compacting it down.

Base

The thickness needed for a base varies by the type of project you are working on. If you’re building something like a driveway, you’re going to want a 10-12 inch deep base. If you’re building a sidewalk, you can get away with 6-8 inches. It’s also worth mentioning that the soil conditions and climate in which you are working will also have an effect on the way you need to pack the base. For instance, a colder climate will necessitate a thicker base. Be sure to do your research, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional concrete contractor for more information.

Water

Super dry dirt does not compact as well as moist dirt. That’s why it’s important to spray down your base every few layers before you begin compacting. You don’t want to add so much water that you’re dealing with mud, but you want the entire surface of your base to be damp.

Compact

Once you have all the dirt and soil you need poured into your project area, you need to compact it. The best way to do this is to use a plate compactor. This lawn-mower-like tool uses a heavy metal plate to compact all that soil together to create a strong compact base that concrete won’t seep into. You’ll likely need to take four or five passes with the plate compactor to achieve the desired stability for a dirt base. Long story short, yes you can pour concrete over dirt. However, you need to follow the process outlined in this article for the best results. If this all seems a bit overwhelming, we suggest reaching out to a professional concrete contractor. Razorback Concrete is always willing to work with you. Visit www.razorbackconcrete.com to learn more.

Will PEX pipes burst if frozen?

PEX pipes, just like any pipe, can freeze when the temperature drops too low. Because the pipes are designed to be flexible, PEX has the ability to...

Last updated Dec 1, 2019

How can I keep my house warm in winter without electricity?

How to Keep Your House Warm Without Electricity: 15 Easy Tips Block Up Cracks and Crevices. ... Wear Plenty of Layers. ... Use Candles (Safely) ......

Last updated Nov 8, 2018

Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

What is the best height to position your anchor at?

The lanyard should be attached to an anchor that is not lower than the worker's shoulder height (unless an anchor at shoulder height is not possible). Consider the swing-fall distance and free-fall distance when selecting the location of the anchor.

ccohs.ca - Fall Protection - Anchors : OSH Answers

The actual strength of an anchor is dependent on the anchor’s:

Design

Condition

Orientation relative to the direction of loading

Connection to the supporting structure, and

The adequacy of the structure to resist the imposed loading

The load applied to the anchor depends on the fall protection system used, such as fall restraint versus fall arrest systems. For example, in British Columbia a temporary fall restraint system’s anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 3.5 kN (800 lbs) or four times the weight of the worker to be connected to the system. For a temporary fall arrest system, the anchor must be designed to hold a load in every direction of at least 22 kN (5 000 lbs) or two times the maximum arrest force. A permanent anchor for a personal fall protection system must have a load capacity in any direction of at least 22 kN (5 000 lbs). (From BC OHS Regulation Part 11: Fall Protection, Section 11.6) The strength required may also depend on whether an energy absorbing device is used. For details that apply to your jurisdiction, please see Fall Protection – Legislation for Anchor Strength.