In mixing concrete by hand a platform is constructed as near the work as is practicable, the sand and aggregate being dumped in piles at the side. If the work is to be continuous, this platform should be of sufficient size to accommodate two batches, so that one batch can be mixed as the other is being deposited. The cement must be kept under cover and well protected from moisture. A convenient way of measuring the materials is by means of bottomless boxes or frames made to hold the exact quantities needed for a batch.

A very common and satisfactory method of mixing concrete is as follows: First measure the sand and cement required for a batch and mix these into mortar, as previously described. Spread out this mortar in a thin layer and on the top of it spread the aggregate, which has been previously measured and well wetted. The mixing is done by turning with shovels three or more times, as may be found necessary to produce a thoroughly uniform mixture, water being added if necessary to give the proper consistency. The mixers, two or four in number, according to the size of the batch, face other and shovel to right and left, forming two piles, after which the material is turned back into a pile at the center. By giving the shovel a slight twist, the material is scattered in leaving it and the mixing is much increased.

A dry mixture, from which water can be brought to the surface only by vigorous tamping, is probably the strongest, but for for the sake of economy and to insure a dense concrete well filling the molds, a moderately soft mixture is recommended for ordinary purposes. Where the pieces to be molded are thin, and where small reinforcing metal rods are placed close together or near the surface, a rather wet mixture may be necessary to insure the molds being well filled.

In the manufacture of such articles as pipe, fence posts, and hollow blocks, a rather large proportion of quiok-setting cement is used, the object being to reduce the weight and consequent freight charges by means of a strong mixture, as well as to make the concrete impervious to water. The use of a quick-setting cement permits the molds to be removed sooner than would be possible with a slow-setting cement, thus reducing the number of molds necessary for a given output. Quick-setting cements are not recommended for such purposes, however, as they are usually inferior to those which set slowly.

In coloring cement work the best results are obtained by the use of mineral pigments. The coloring matter, in proportions depending upon the desired shade, should be thoroughly mixed with the dry cement before making the mortar. By preparing small specimens of the mortar and noting the color after drying, the proper proportions may be determined.

For gray or black, use lampblack.

For yellow or buff, use yellow ocher.

For brown, use umber.

For red, use Venetian red.

For blue, use ultramarine.