Basic Use

For any concrete use requiring high early strength and rapid strength gains. QUIKRETE 5000 sets quickly, making it ideal for cold weather applications. It has a walk-on time of 10 - 12 hours. QUIKRETE 5000 can be used for any application requiring concrete in a minimum thickness of 2" (51 mm), such as slabs, footings, steps, columns, walls and patios. 

Composition & Materials 

QUIKRETE 5000 consists of a uniformly blended, properly proportioned mixture of stone or gravel, sand, Portland cement and other ingredients approved for use in concrete. 

Limitations 

When used in structural elements, comply with the steel reinforcing and additional requirements of applicable building codes. 

Installation 

Machine Mixing

• QUIKRETE 5000 can be mixed in a barreltype concrete mixer or a mortar mixer. Choose the mixer size most appropriate for the size of the job to be done. Allow at least 1 cu ft (28 L) of mixer capacity for each 80 lb (36.3 kg) bag of QUIKRETE 5000 to be mixed at 1 time
• For each 80 lb (36.3 kg) bag of QUIKRETE 5000 to be mixed, add approximately 6 pt (2.8 L) of fresh water to the mixer. Turn on the mixer and begin adding the bags of concrete to the mixer
• If the material becomes too difficult to mix, add additional water until a workable mix is obtained
• If a slump cone is available, adjust water to achieve a 2" - 3" (51 - 76 mm) slump Note - Final water content should be approximately 6 - 10 pt (2.8 - 4.7 L) per 80 lb (36.3 kg) bag and 4.5 - 7 pt (2.1 - 3.3 L) per 60 lb (27.2 kg) bag.

Hand Mixing

• Empty bags into a suitable mixing container
• Add approximately 6 pt (2.8 L) of clean water for each 80 lb (36.3 kg) bag
• Work the mix with a shovel, rake or hoe and add water as needed until a stiff, moldable consistency is achieved
• Do not exceed a total volume of 10 pt (4.7 L) per 80 lb (36.3 kg) bag or 7 pt (3.3 L) per 60 lb (27.2 kg) bag
• Be sure all material is wet; do not leave unabsorbed puddles of water

Temperature of Water 

Set times will fluctuate in extremely hot or cold weather. Use cold water or water mixed with ice cubes in severely hot weather; use hot water when mixing in severely cold weather.

Site Preparation 

Stake out the area and remove sod or soil to the desired depth. Nail and stake forms securely in place. Tamp the subbase until firm.

Application

• Dampen the subgrade before concrete is placed. Do not leave standing puddles
• Shovel or place the concrete into the form. Fill to the full depth of the form
• After the concrete has been compacted and spread to completely fill the forms, strike off and float immediately
• To strike off, use a straight board (screed), moving the edge back and forth with a saw-like motion to smooth the surface. Then use a darby or bull float to float the surface. This helps level any ridges and fill voids left by the straight edge
• Cut the concrete away from the forms by running an edging tool or trowel along the forms to compact the slab edges
• Cut 1" (25.4 mm) control joints into the slab every 6' - 8' (1.8 - 2.4 m) using a grooving tool
• Allow the concrete to stiffen slightly, waiting until all water has evaporated from the surface before troweling or applying a broom finish