Mixing concrete poorly can become a costly mistake.
There are different ways to insulate and strengthen concrete walls. Forms of Polystyrene, for example, serve two purposes: creating a mold for concrete pouring and acting as an air barrier to better insulate your home. Natural materials, such as straw, also can improve the performance of concrete walls. Adding straw to the concrete mix before pouring helps reinforce the bonds between the aggregate and cement, and it creates air pockets that improve insulating properties like an air-entraining agent. The mixture also retains moisture, which slows the curing process and improves the final strength of the wall. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Put on the safety goggles, a breathing mask, thick gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, pants and shoes with reinforced toes.
2. Place the bale on a tarp or concrete surface.
3. Saw the bale into thirds with the chainsaw. Set aside two-thirds of the bale.
4. Cut through the remaining third of the bale with the chainsaw to divide the pieces into 4- to 6-inch lengths.
5. Transfer the bale pieces to a wheel barrow by hand. Cut the straw as you transfer it to ensure every piece is 4- to 6-inches long.
6. Mist the straw lightly with a hose to keep the pieces from flying away.
7. Pour concrete powder into a concrete mixer or wheel barrel.
8. Add straw gradually to the mix as you make concrete. Stir and incorporate one-third of the bale of chopped straw in to the mixture for every cubic yard of concrete mix.
9. Use a cup or bucket to add water in small amounts. Add just enough water to keep the concrete mixture pourable; too much water can weaken the concrete mixture.
Tags: concrete mixture, concrete walls, with chainsaw