Problem with wooden post and old concrete

[ss]

My son has just about finished inserting his posts for a fence, 4 x 4 wooden posts with 6 foot spacing, the posts have been concreted in. Where one of the posts should go he has discovered a large slab of concrete about 6 inches under the surface and the concrete approx 6 inches thick. He reckons it wont come out easily or break up easily. What are the options for putting a post there otherwise he will have to span 12 feet between the post either side. The fence will be vertical slats.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Dig it up or break it up. Its not THAT hard

[Phil L]

Long chisel and lump hammer. electric drill and masonry bit. Pickaxe and/or sledgehammer. None of 'ems gonna be easy, but if he wants easy, he can always put a 12ft stretch in, other than that he uses the above implements until it's out.

[Phil L]

Also, before anyone else says it, 'Angle Grinder!'

[Jules Richardson]

What are the other dimensions? We get river boulders around here - biggest I've found so far (when digging a garden in this case) was 2ft in diameter... takes a while to dig that kind of thing out, but it can be done!

[The Natural Philosopher]

if he wants easy hire a digger.

[ss]

Thanks guys I didnt think there would be an easy. Son wants easy and quick (typical) which usually means `dad` but `dad` has told him to get on with it.

[BartC]

If a 12-foot span is viable, then it probably wouldn't hurt to put the post in on top of the concrete. It'll give some support at least at the midway point, and will look better. It might need a wider than normal lump of cement at the base.

[Tim Lamb]

Spotted in Madeira.... boulders are always tumbling down the hills and lodging in the Levadas. (water channels). Often at a spot where access is only on foot.

The maintenance crew sometimes use heat from a wood fire to crack the rock for easier removal.

regards

>

[Andrew Gabriel]

If you're unlucky, you'll need that for the rebar...

[ss]

He just phoned to say he has bought a metal base thingy that bolts to the concrete and the post fits in the metal thingy, no doubt I will see him tomorrow as he will need MY drill and MY masonry drill bit. Jees I can see me having to finish the job for him as he will screw this up at some point. :-)

[stuart noble]

Good man

no doubt I will see

In a way, that's probably what you're hoping :-)

I helped my son put up a bathroom mirror yesterday. Drilling 4 holes in tiles at *very* precise distances (thank you Ikea) filled him with dread. I gave him the last one to do and it was spot on. Beginners luck