very basic question from a non Eng.

[hocus]

Please remember I am not a Eng, so please excuse any stupidity on this topic.

I work for a fence Installor doing residential work. Time and time again we come across customers who ask us which is better for the post strength...(ready-mix concrete in bags from home improvement stores) 1#mixed outside of the hole with water or 2# poured into the hole dry and water added at the midway and full point. My response is always...they pour driveways and foundation from wet mix concrete why should we doing anything different. I assume other fence companies do this to save time and energy from mixing by hand (residental level you can't get a mixer to all areas of the job site.
Is there a difference???why is one better???Any other places I should go to ask this basic question???I just want to show them solid proof one way or the other....

Thank you for your time and any possible clarification on this issue as much for my knowlege as for my customers.

James
Portland Or

 

[dirtsqueezer]

I think concrete from the wheelbarrow is stronger. Concrete companies are allowed only a miniscule amount of silt\organics in a mix. Too much gets mixed in makes the concrete weaker, and you might add some in there from the walls. Did you make a bet?

 

[BigH]

As dirtsqueezer says: "Premix it before putting down the hole." This is the correct way. Any other way is just plain poor workmanship - a cause of much malady.