Cement and Concrete Institute

DIY leaflets

The following titles are a selection of the free leaflets available from the C&CI that will be of interest to DIY enthusiasts. If you would like a printed copy to be posted to you, please tick the titles and fill in the order form at the bottom of the list

If you face problems downloading any of the following documents, please inform us.

Use of publications in this section: No material (which may include, but is not limited to, text, pictures and graphics) from this section may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded or distributed in any other way. You may, however, download one copy of a publication on a single computer for your personal, non-commercial use, provided that you keep intact all content and acknowledgment of copyright. Modification of the publications without C&CI's consent, or use of the publications for any other purpose, is a violation of C&CI's copyright.

Please note: The following documents are available in pdf format, however you must have Acrobat Reader in order to download them. You may find Acrobat Reader for free download by clicking on the Acrobat Reader logo link just below.

Concrete basics for building
Aimed at the small builder, DIY enthusiast and home improver, the booklet explains the important factors to consider when making and using concrete, mortar and plaster. It discusses how and why choosing the best materials, using the correct mix proportions, and ensuring good site practice, will improve the strength, durability and economy of the finished concrete. The publication covers concrete materials, storage of materials, estimating and ordering materials, and concrete floors for residential applications.
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Guide to the safe use of portland cements and concrete
Concrete is the world's most widely used building material and workers in every construction sector as well as DIY enthusiasts handle cement and wet concrete every day. Like all materials, there are potential risks involved in handling cement and concrete. This leaflet identifies the areas of risk, provides guidance on how to avoid unprotected exposure, and outlines basic first aid procedures.
Downloadable pdf file: 168 kb
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Concrete at home and on the farm
There are many small concrete projects which the home-owner can confidently tackle. This is a practical guide to making concrete for small jobs and covers the materials needed, how thick the concrete should be, how much is required, suggested mix proportions and how to go about mixing, placing and curing the concrete.
Downloadable pdf file: 155 kb
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Concrete, mortar and plaster mixes for builders
Presented largely in graphic form, this practical leaflet gives the proportions for large and small batches of concrete, mortar and plaster. It includes brief guidelines on quantities of materials to order.
Downloadable pdf file: 118 kb
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Quantities for ordering building materials
Approximate quantities of materials required are given for: concrete; masonry walling; mortars, plasters and floor screeds.
Downloadable pdf file: 88 kb
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Building a fish pond
Covering the construction of a pond shell in concrete, the method described is suitable for ponds with a diameter or length of up to 5 metres. The leaflet provides notes on excavating, lining the excavation, manufacture and use of spacer blocks, mesh reinforcement and mixing and placing the concrete. Water circulation and filtration are not included, and it is strongly recommended that the reader obtain specialist advice on this aspect.
Downloadable pdf file: 71 kb
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Building a pizza oven
This leaflet gives guidance on the selection of materials as well as providing step-by-step instructions on how to construct a pizza oven for home use.
Downloadable pdf file - page 1-2: 681 kb
Downloadable pdf file - page 3-4: 819 kb
Downloadable pdf file - page 5-6: 297 kb
Downloadable pdf file - page 7-8: 1.1 mb
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Lay a concrete driveway at home
A well-laid concrete driveway will give at least 20 to 30 years' trouble-free service and can be laid quite easily by the ordinary homeowner. This publication describes briefly the preparation of the site, recommended concrete mixes, placing of the concrete, jointing and curing.
Downloadable pdf file: 49 kb
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Making small garden ornaments in concrete
Explains how to produce garden ornaments weighing about 40 kg and manually movable by one person.The leaflet describes the equipment and materials required, how to prepare the pattern and make the mould as well as the steps involved in casting, demoulding and curing the ornament. In addition, guidance is given on how to colour the concrete and repair it if necessary.
Downloadable pdf file: 121 kb
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Paving paths and patios
Well constructed paths and patios enhance any domestic property or garden, are practically free of maintenance and make a satisfying home improvement project.

All types of close-packed, cement based paving laid in a mortar bed are covered, and advice is given on selecting materials, preparing the site and choosing a suitable method of laying the paving. The leaflet excludes interlocking paving blocks laid close together on a sand bed without open joints.
Downloadable pdf file: 23 kb
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Mortar mixes for masonry
Mortar binds bricks and blocks together to give strength and stability to a wall. The leaflet discusses briefly the required materials and mix proportions to give freshly mixed mortars the necessary softness and plasticity. It also covers batching, mixing and handling the mortar as well as quantities of materials to order for mortar mixes per cubic metre or per 50 kg bag of cement.
Downloadable pdf file: 25 kb
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Successful plastering
Sand-cement plaster is used extensively in building work as a decorative or protective coating to concrete and masonry walls and concrete ceilings. This publication gives the technical information needed for successful plastering and covers selection of materials, mix proportions, surface preparation and plaster application for conventional architectural purposes. Special applications such as squash courts and swimming pools are outside its scope.
Downloadable pdf file: 45 kb
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Common defects in plaster
Aimed at the homeowner who wishes to assess whether plaster is acceptable, and if not, what can be done about it.

Defects usually fall into one of the following categories:Non-structural and structural cracks; debonding; lack of hardness; grinning;expansion and popping. Causes of the most commonly occurring defects arediscussed and repair method s for each are suggested.
Downloadable pdf file: 25 kb
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Click here For the full list of C&CI publications.

Please complete the form below with the relevant details.

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If you are unable to submit this form via the internet, please print it out and send it to:

PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Cement and Concrete Institute
PO Box 168
Halfway House
1685, Gauteng
South Africa

Tel: (011) 315-0300
International +27 11 315-0300

Fax: (011) 315-0584
International +27 11 315-0584

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Tel: +27 11 315 0300 Fax: +27 11 315 0584 E-mail: info@cnci.org.za