Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Dry Mortar sidewalk?
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GeorgieGirl84
05-22-08, 07:58 AM
I am very interested in a sidewalk that was featured in the May 2008 issue of Southern Living ("Making the most of a tight spot"). I would like to try it, but I have some concerns due to my inexperience working with mortar/concrete like this.
It involves making a wooden form (they used 1 x 4's), spreading sand, then tamping construction gravel to a depth of at least 1" to make a firm base. They then add dry mortar level with the framework. They set pea gravel or river rocks into the mortar, and work mortar into the spaces with a stiff brush, then tamp the rocks into the mortar with a rubber mallet and a 1 x8 to level it. Using a garden hose on "mist", they spray several times until the mortar is saturated, and then wet it several times a day over the next few days as the concrete cures.
Will this result in a sidewalk strong enough for occasional foot traffic? How can I be sure that all the mortar is wet? Will any scattered dry pockets of mortar compromise the walk? Would I need expansion joints every 8-12'?
Thank you for any help!
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/gardens/landscape/article/0,28012,1729819-2,00.html
It involves making a wooden form (they used 1 x 4's), spreading sand, then tamping construction gravel to a depth of at least 1" to make a firm base. They then add dry mortar level with the framework. They set pea gravel or river rocks into the mortar, and work mortar into the spaces with a stiff brush, then tamp the rocks into the mortar with a rubber mallet and a 1 x8 to level it. Using a garden hose on "mist", they spray several times until the mortar is saturated, and then wet it several times a day over the next few days as the concrete cures.
Will this result in a sidewalk strong enough for occasional foot traffic? How can I be sure that all the mortar is wet? Will any scattered dry pockets of mortar compromise the walk? Would I need expansion joints every 8-12'?
Thank you for any help!
http://www.southernliving.com/southern/gardens/landscape/article/0,28012,1729819-2,00.html