I need to make three footer pads for an ornamental metal fence/gate I am making. The upright posts will be 3x3x.120" and six foot or seven foot high depending on which gate. They will have approximately 8'w x 6' high (or 7' high) gates on them. The fourth post will anchor to an existing concrete slab by way of a 12" x 12" baseplate.
I want to pour a substantial footing so that they do not move in the ground when opened. Both will be supported from one in line direction with the additional fencing, but when the gates are open, they will be hanging 90 degrees from that reinforcement/support. I have decided to pour approximately 18" square by 24" deep footers into sandy soil.
Question: when using sack concrete, what is the most you can mix up at one time. I would like to mix enough to pour each footer in one homogenous pour rather than mixing bags and pouring each on top of the previous one, which by now has had time to dry and set. I will be using rebar.
Do I just use a large trough, and mix enough? A wheelbarrow full? Will the time differential make a difference if I make up say two sacks at a time in the wheelbarrow and pour when mixed?
Just want to do it once and have it last longer than I do. And not sag or move.
Steve