Pouring, Finishing, and Curing

With few exceptions, placing cast panels can be done in the same manner as other pours. Since the panels are poured in a horizontal position, you can use a stiffer mix.

Use a minimum of six sacks of cement per cubic yard with a maximum of 6 gallons of water per sack of cement along with well graded aggregate. As pointed out earlier, you will have to reduce the amount of water used per sack of cement to allow for the free water in the sand. Large aggregate, up to 1 ½ inches in diameter, may be used effectively. Work the concrete into place by spading or vibration, and take extra care to prevent honeycomb around the outer edges of the panel.

Normal finishing methods should be used, but many finishing styles are available for horizontally cast panels. Some finishing methods include patterned, colored, exposed aggregate, broomed, floated, or steel troweled. Regardless of the finish used, finishers must be cautioned to do the finishing of all panels in a uniform manner. Spots, defects, uneven brooming, or troweling, and so forth will be highly visible when the panels are erected.

Without marring the surface, curing should be started as soon as possible after finishing. Proper curing is important, so cure cast panels just like any other concrete to achieve proper strength. Curing compound, if used, prevents bonding with other concrete or paint.