The Cement Pour

So the day has arrived when we are finally casting our molds.  Our morning began by unwrapping our molds and clearing them of any moisture and sand that may have accumulated.  Jasmine checked again that the molds were level and we kept a sharp eye out for the truck. Jasmine sprayed the molds with a release agent to help with the de-molding. The students could only observe at this stage for practical and safety reasons as the PH level of the particular concrete mix we used was 11.  Jasmine, the concrete company employees and our concrete techs were in charge of the pour.  The concrete was tinted to add visual interest and difference to the traditional cement benches that will  be installed. As the concrete was poured in, Jasmine tapped the sides of the molds to release any air bubbles that might be lurking in the mix and potentially take away detail.   Once the concrete was in place, it was smoothed and left to partially set up.  When the surface was firm enough, we covered the forms with burlap sacks and wet them in order to keep an even level of moisture as the concrete set.  When we were done, we wrapped them up in a tarp to keep them dark and poly sheeting to protect them from the elements.