How long does the concrete need to harden?

[CraigD1986]

I set my oak beam pier in the ground on Saturday. The hole was 50cm x 50cm and 120cm deep with the beam in the middle and a 1 to 4 ratio concrete mix. I'm hoping to fit the mount and scope to do a test run before building the observatory around it. How long did you guys leave your pier to set before putting anything on it?

 

TIA.

[Ibbo!]

It reaches 2/3 ultimate strength after about 7 days , but do not let it dry out too quickly or it could crack, cover it with a sheet and keep it damp.

I would leave it for a good 4 or 5 days.

[iapa]

19 hours ago, CraigD1986 said:

I set my oak beam pier in the ground on Saturday. The hole was 50cm x 50cm and 120cm deep with the beam in the middle and a 1 to 4 ratio concrete mix. I'm hoping to fit the mount and scope to do a test run before building the observatory around it. How long did you guys leave your pier to set before putting anything on it?

 

TIA.

I left it alone for 10 days

Edited June 20, 2023 by iapa

[CraigD1986]

Thanks guys. I'll leave it be for a few more days at least.