160 CEMENT AND CONCRETE 



they were not properly made. People tried to make 

 posts without knowing the first principles of correct 

 construction. Posts were made of poor material, lean 

 mixtures, and incorrectly reinforced. To make good, 

 uniform posts, provide well-made forms. There are a 

 lot of good patented forms on the market, but home- 

 made forms are just about as good. A very satisfac- 

 tory form for posts is outlined under woodworking 

 projects, Sec. 79 and Fig. 136. 



The chief difference between the construction of line 

 posts, and corner and end posts is that the corner and 

 end posts are usually made right in place, as shown in 

 Fig. 153. The hole is excavated, the form built over it, 

 and the steel tied in place, and the concrete then 

 poured. The method of constructing line posts will 

 be definitely outlined. 



Working Instructions: 



1) Place forms so they will be level. Clean them with a 

 brush, and apply a thin film of oil before placing con- 

 crete. 



2) For corner and end posts, a 1 : 2 : 4 mixture may be 

 used. For line posts, use a 1 : 2 : 2-1/2 mixture, the 

 stone not to be larger than 3/4". Where materials are 

 not screened, use one part of cement to three parts of 

 sand and pebbles for line posts. 



3) Mix the materials to a quaky consistency and fill the 

 form half -full of material. Tamp until the material is 

 free of water and air bubbles. 



4) Press two 1/4" twisted steel rods into the concrete so 

 that they will be within 1/2" of the corners of the post. 



