The point: Isaiah Armstrong did not follow any industry standard practices for pouring concrete slabs on grade.
Statement from a Licensed Professional Engineer
I sent photos of the construction process and results to a family member who is a licensed Professional Engineer. This was his response:
- Remove grass and topsoil.
- Compact and level subsoil.
- Put down gravel, plastic vapor barrier, and sand.
- Install wire mesh so it is suspended in the middle of the concrete.
- Pour minimum of 4" concrete, more is better.
- Level top of concrete with forms and install expansion joints no more than 10 ft apart. Closer is better.
- Cover with plastic for a week so concrete can set properly.
I additionally note that, as mentioned before, I am aware that the vapor barrier is not required for patios, sidewalks, and other outdoor structures per Alabama Building Code 1910.1 (Exceptions). Otherwise, I expected the above standard industry practices, or even some semblance of them, would be followed precisely because they are standard industry practices regarding the pouring of concrete slabs on grade.
Isaiah Armstrong did none of these things.
Statement from a Concrete Professional
While attempting to have this mess cleaned up, I consulted with multiple professional concrete contractors and site demolition experts. Here is one such response I received after having sent him pictures of Isaiah Armstrong’s “work”:
WOW!
I have NEVER seen anything like this! Call [name omitted] to get him to demo and remove this mess. I have worked with him for years. He will handle it. You don’t really need a Concrete Cutting contractor. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this!