Cement Query for Kids Climbing Frame

[rsbhj]

Hi

I am looking at using Blue Circle Postcrete over Heavy Strength 40N to secure metal ground anchors for a kids climbing tower. I know Heavy strength is best practice option, but most appear to use Postcrete

Can anyone help confirm how many 20kg bags of both the above I would need depending on the option I use.

The hole required states 55cm depth x 40cm diameter , and is to be topped up with soil so the full hole will not be concrete.

The manual guide also indicates 80kg/40L Cement (see attached). Fill to line 2 on the anchors which is visible on anchors (see attached), the full length of spike anchors is 35cm.

I've attached some snippets, the diagram appears to show the twist in ground anchors being cemented in but you get both twist in and spike for cement in the package. Attached spike Diagram also which I found

What I think I need:-

Postcrete

4 x 20kg bags (3L water to each bag)? The water is according to what I can find on Blue circle website

Heavy Streghth 40N

4 x 20kg bags (2L water to each bag)? The water is according to what I can find on Blue circle website

Thanks

 

[sircerebus666]

I'm trying to figure out what they mean by 80kg in each hole , that would require a massive hole

I used postcrete with no issues when I anchored my kids climbing frame in , dig hole , fill third with water and dump in contents of bag

Wait 5 mins, fill hole, no impatient kids badgering you

 

[rsbhj]

Hi

My take on it is that this is 80kg dried cement, I.e 4 x 20kg bags

The whole is 55cm deep x 40cm in diameter. The hole will not be completely filled, most likely 40cm cement and 15cm soil on top.

 

[noseall]

Postcrete lol. It's for jobbing fencers not structural concrete. I've yet to see an architect specify it.

Mix your own at 5:1 for a strong mix.

 

[rsbhj]

I would use Heavy Strength 40N if the view is that Postcrete is not suitable. Most people seem to use Postcrete for swings and climbing frames without issue. Its not massive 120x120 and 300 high to roof peak.

Just trying to work out just now advice on how many bags I need and the water amount, the attached is based on Postcrete recommendations of filling 1/3 water then add the bags, and all the other info I have on the anchor.

 

[noseall]

I've only (accidentally) used Postcrete once - never again.

Your diagram is a bit nonsensical. No one digs cylindrical holes unless that have an auger, lol. Based upon some sensible shovel dug holes, you are going to need between 1/2 and 3/4 of a tonne of ballast accompanied by say 6 x 25kg bags of cement.

 

[rsbhj]

I am using a "ready to use" either Heavy Strength 40N or Postcrete, I wont be using Ballast and Cement as a mix. What I have provided is based on the info that I have.

 

[noseall]

I am using a "ready to use" either Heavy Strength 40N or Postcrete, I wont be using Ballast and Cement as a mix. What I have provided is based on the info that I have.

Thanks. I'll leave this thread to the DIY'ers.

 

[Nozzle]

Talk about over-thinking it! It's not the great wall of China, carry on with your postcrete, dig a bigger hole and use an extra bag of postcrete if you want more comfort that it won't go anywhere.

Have a chat with @noseall when you're ready to install your pirate ship

Nozzle

 

[rsbhj]

Thanks for your comments @noseall, preference is just to use an easy to use ready mix, just hoping for some advice on previous experience with these products and amount required.

I appreciate that a cylindrical hole is going to be harder but again this is what the diagram had, so if anyone can advise on an appropriate hole size for this it would be most appreciated

Thanks

 

[noseall]

preference is just to use an easy to use ready mix

Postcrete is fast setting and produces a weaker product. If you are comfortable with the working time then crack on.

I appreciate that a cylindrical hole is going to be harder

So why try and do it.

 

[rsbhj]

I never said I was going to do it, I am only putting on the info I have from the manufacturer guides, and asking for some advice. This is a forum and I was asking for advice with either Heavy Strength or Postcrete.

Thank you for your advice as I said but I dont want to use a Ballast and Cement mix out of prefernece.

Nozzles comments just pointless.

 

[Nozzle]

@Nozzle's comment is exactly what you need to know - dig the holes, follow the instructions on the back on the postcrete. Carry on with the job, stop faffing about with Excel drawings, let the kids get on the climbing frame. Complete opposite of pointless, it is THE point.

Nozzle

 

[noseall]

Nozzles comments just pointless.

Nor does he realise that Postcrete is pants and sets quickly. Ignore nozzle.

 

[Nozzle]

It shouldn't be a surprise that postcrete sets quickly to anyone who buys it, intentionally or by accident. That's the point of it, it's very raison d'etre, what it is designed to do. To allow one person to quickly, and without waste, affix a post into the ground and achieve reasonable strength without having to wait 24 hours+.

Ignore away though - you guys keep going with the military grade aggregates for the climbing frame. Happy days.

Nozzle