Cement slab and galvanized wire mesh support

[The Backlash Cometh]

It's a small job, maybe eight feet by four feet and we're going to pour it in three sections because, it's a DIY project and there's no way to bring in a cement truck. Now, I need to put the galvanized wire mesh, which is really just fencing, inside the cement. To make sure the fencing stays in place when I pour the cement, I use to make cement brownies (about 2"-2 1/2" high) with an inverted "U" shaped galvanized nail stuck in place to attach the fencing with more galvanized wire. But time is short. Is there something easier I can use for the "brownies?" I think they're actually called dowels or some "d" word. Like maybe find two large "U" shaped galvanized nails and put them together so they stand up easily?

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

1. Time is running short?

It may help to know what you are doing before you do it. Stake it down the same way rebar is tied. So, you buy some rebar,comes in 10' lengeth. You cut stakes 12 to 24 ",s your choice. You take a sledge hammer pound stakes into ground. Take bailing wire and tie fencing to stake, hence (tie down). Next you pour your concrete. You will need a sledge hammer ,a saws all or hack saw,some wire and wire cutters .Put a hat on so it looks like you know what you are doing! Good luck!

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. That's more involved than we wanted to get in this DIY project

Rebar is too much for us one time, in a lifetime types.

[The Backlash Cometh]

3. I think I found the answer, but don't know where to pick them up quickly.

Mesh or rebar clips. Plastic ones.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. HAHAHAHAHA!

I solved my own problem. First, I didn't know until I checked on the net that mesh clips and rebar clips could be plastic. So I took a good look at what they looked like. So, I'm eating dinner, a couple slices of pizza, picking my teeth with the pizza box supporter for I don't know how long, and then I look at it closely and realize, it's just what I'm looking for. So I went to the pizza place and purchased four dozen. Today, the left brain rulz!

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. Pretty good.

Your doing a small pour. Back when I was working in concrete ,say a dirt floor garage, we just laid the mesh ,the weight of the concrete holds it down. Of course it came down the chute off the truck in volume. You know the new types of concrete, the stuff that cost about 10 to 12 bucks a bag, you don';t need no rebar . You tamp it, float it and trawl it fast because you can drive on it in two hours! It's more than twice as strong as plain old concrete. It's three or four times the cost of the regular stuff though.The other cool thing is it bonds to any existing concrete without preparation work other than pressure wash.

good luck.

[The Backlash Cometh]

6. I hate to admit I enjoy working with it.

I do creative stuff, mostly. But it is rewarding to see some semblance of permanence when you're done, since just about everything we do these days, is so transient.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

7. It's hard work

But you are right in that there are certain rewards about it. You are working right down with the earth.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

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[Jersey Devil]

9. Sounds like a lot of work for a 4x8 slab

Unless you are going to park a car on it I don't see why you'd go to all that trouble. I'd just throw a piece of bunny fence in it and pour the concrete over it.