I'm having a hard time finding the "working time" specifications for Quikrete 5000.
The Quikrete 5000 Data Sheet says "higher early strength", but I'm only assuming that means it will achieve a higher PSI sooner on the calendar, not that it will set up faster while working it?
I'll be manually mixing six 80-lb bags total, two bags at a time for a small concrete countertop project, using water at normal cold-water tap temperatures. The work will be outside under a covered area during cool weather (40 – 50 degrees F) on a dry, sunny day.
Any rough idea how much working time I'll have under these conditions? Similar working time as regular concrete?
Best Answer
I did the pour today.
It was 50° F with about 80% humidity. It looked like rain so I mixed by hand in plastic tubs on tarps inside a garage.
Quikrete recommends 6 to 10 pints of water for one 80-lb. mix. I used exactly 7.5 pints for each bag, which gave me a very stiff mix that held its shape until vibrated.
I mixed four bags in two tubs and it took a good 20 minutes by myself just to get those two 160-lb. tubs mixed thoroughly enough using a hoe and shovel. Then I was able to completely fill 3 of my 7 molds with these two tubs. Filling, vibrating, placing mesh, and screeding these 3 molds took another 50 minutes. I was able to catch a long enough break to clean tools and tubs. Then I mixed the last two bags in one tub and finished the last 4 molds, which were smaller and already had rebar and mesh secured inside. This took another hour.
Short answer: I easily had over an hour of working time.