I would do it 18 inches wide - you want concrete to be on the sides on past where the expanded metal is going for strength. Dig your ditch 12 in deep by 18 in wide. Get some 3/8 inch rebar and cut and bend to fit in ditch and up sides, make sure it don't stick up above concrete. Or you could have the concrete plant put fiber mess in the concrete unless you are going to be driving big rigs across it. Set some 2x4's in the ditch so the outside of the 2x4's are where you want the outside edges of the metal to sit when your done (make sure they are down the thickness of your metal so its at the same level as the concrete. Drive some 1x3 steaks in about every 18 inches and nail the 2x4's to the steaks at the right width and height. Call the local concrete company and tell them you want 1 yard of 3000# footing mud at a 4 inch slump. Call a couple of buddies, buy some beer and pour some mud.

Oh yeah, give me a call if ya have any questions - done this kind of stuff my whole life!!
817-205-8525 Shawn

 

Thanks very much bud. Dont be surprised if your phone rings up a 918 number sometime this week..

Sounds simple enough though really.. I will see about getting the little trackhoe today.

 

Im not sure how wide you want the drain but oil up a old gutter and use that as a form.... should be plenty deep and it would be uniform... commercial 6" would work pretty good

 

Don't hesitate to call if you need it. If i'm in the middle of somethin you may have to leave a message but I will get right back with ya!!

 

don`t forget it must have slope or your going to have water sitting there
might also want to check local bylaws to make it legal
sucks when ya get everything done and some paper pusher comes from the city and says tear it out

 

Hey thats a good idea! Ive got about 60' of old gutter out behind the shop too! Thanks!


Good thinkin Kevin, but Im WAY outta city limits.. There is no codes or permits that I have to worry about.

 

Yes you are going the right way. I have a 3in drop on my. This way it will jest about clean it self.

 

I have to say, those are some AWESOME skillz you got there.