[Illustration]
Ordinarily speaking, concrete should be deposited in layers about 6
inches thick.
After placing concrete in the Form, it should be “tamped” _lightly_
with a wooden or iron tamper (or rammer) until the water shows on the
top and no stones are left uncovered by mortar.
In order to obtain a smooth face on the concrete, the mixture should be
carefully “spaded” immediately after “placing”—on the side next to the
Form where the finished concrete will be exposed to view. By “spading”
is meant the working of a spade or a beveled board between the concrete
and the side of the Form, moving it to and fro, and up and down. This
forces the large stones away from the boarding, or Form, and brings
a coating of mortar next thereto, thus making the face of the work
present an even, smooth appearance.