Having commited to gunite to line
the pond, the next step is to put in a bunch or rebar. Concrete is
very strong, but by itself, is only strong in compression. In most
applications, though, concrete structures are also in tension and would
crack and fail if only concrete was used. Rebar is added to take
the tension forces involved in any concrete structure. Since the
pond is holding many tons of water much like a balloon holds water, significant
tensile strength is necessary in the concrete. Therefore, we're putting
in 3/8" rebar on 6" centers.
One must also lift the rebar off the
ground (see the black rebar chairs) to ensure the rebar is embedded in
the middle of the concrete to provide the tensile strength to the concrete.
Most gunite contractors will do this for you at a reasonable price.
I am particular about my rebar though, so I did it myself. I do somewhat
regret this. I probaby could have had gunite and water in the pond
a month or so earlier if I'd just had them do it. Oh Well.
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