[Crick07]

I just removed a boiler that sat on this concrete pad and I would like to remove the pad. The concrete pad is in my workshop and I have all my tools on mobile bases and I would like a smooth floor. This would gain me some needed room.

I don't know much about concrete but this pad had the 2x4 form around it when I moved into it. House was built in 1978. I do not know if the pad is "attached" to the main floor or not. I thought it would not be attached to the main floor due to the fact it still had the forms around it. The forms would of had to of set on a solid surface (i.e. concrete) I think??

Now that the boiler is removed I would like to remove this pad but don't know which direction to turn to next without messing too much up. I might have to call a professional.

Things I tried tonight:

1) Hooked a strap around the pad and connected it to a come-a-long which I connected to my tractor. I cranked down on the come-a-long tight.

2) While pressure was on the come-a-long I hit the 2x4 form (I removed it earlier in the day and placed it around the pad for this) with a sledgehammer.

After doing this nothing budged. Do you guys have any suggestions??
Thanks!!

 

[joed]

Jackhammer or sledge hammer the slab. It may separate from the floor below as you go.
If it doesn't separate then clean it off as good as you can and top coat it for a level floor.

 

[Ron6519]

I'd whack it on the sides. With any luck, it will just pop off the floor surface.

 

[Crick07]

I did whack it on the sides and it didn't budge, Do you think I am correct in thinking they probably just poured it on top of the original floor? Being someone that isn't seasoned in concrete pouring, is there anything that would be "normal" practices that I can't see?? Such as vertical rebar drilled into the existing floor to give a new pad something to "grip" to or some kind of chemical bonding agent to bond a pad to an existing floor? Maybe I am overthinking it. I honestly think I could break it apart but I don't want to do that and create a bigger problem without consulting other people (you guys).

 

[Ron6519]

There are a number of ways the pad could have been poured. If it doesn't pop off, you will need to try other methods:
Chisel at the base.
Sledge hammer the mass and repair the damage.
Cut around the perimeter for a clean, isolated structure and sledge hammer the mass.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

5 pounds c4 explosive............

 

[Windows on Wash]

I would be willing to bet its not connected too well.

5lb sledge should do it.

 

[gregzoll]

Jack Hammer between the pad and the floor. Any rough areas left, grind them down.

 

[joed]

I am betting they just poured it on top of the existing floor. I would be whacking on top. Start near the edge or one corner and see if chunks break loose.
You could try whacking all over from the top and the whole thing might break loose.

 

[Crick07]

I am going to try again today. Thanks for the replies. I will post back.

 

[Crick07]

It's coming slowly but surely. It is separating from the main floor perfectly. Once I'm done you won't even be able to tell there was anything there. I am mainly using a 4 lb. hand sledgehammer and chisels. I thought about renting a breaker from Home Depot but not sure I will. Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Fix'n it]

if you have a hammer drill. drill a few holes in it. then insert a punch or chissel that is a little larger than the hole. hammer than in. it should split the pad, making it easier to bust up.

 

[Fix'n it]

oh. 4lb hammer is almost laughable. get a 20lb'r.

 

[stadry]

diy'ers & h/o's have time but a decent 30# chipping gun would probably have finished in under 2hrs - just sayin'

 

[Crick07]

I got it all done this weekend. I don't want to do another one by hand anytime soon but I did save money on renting a breaker. Thanks for all the help.

 

[Windows on Wash]

Looks good. Just like sever guessed, no tie into to the slab.

Just needed a bit of this stuff.