Building indoor course

[newmarketeod]

So I'm in Afghaistan, and have a ridiculous amount of spare time on my hands due to the whole draw down thing. I brought my scaler with me, and have a Losi MRC Pro on the way to use while I work on the scaler. The base I'm at is pretty flat, and our compound doesn't have a whole lot of rocks so I had to find a way to get my fix.

Did a bunch of research on here on course, and came up with a plan.

We have a lot of scrap plywood laying around, so I ordered up a roll of chicken wire and a roll of burlap (Thanks Ebay haha). Also we have a pallet of concrete mix here in the compound doing nothing.

Started today, got a majority of the framing completed. It is two sections, each being 46" by 25". It's sized to fit under my desk/workstation in my room.



The far right will be a rock garden style area.
To the left of that will be a peak climb on the closest side, and a v-notch on the far side.
Then to the left is a steep ledge climb on the closest, and a stepped ledge style climb on the far side.

I know usually people add sand to portland cement to get the mix right, but I am hoping I can use straight mixed concrete for it with no issues, as that's all I have access to.

[KJ10]

Got any sand blasting cabinets around? My buddy utilized used blasting sand for one he made.

[Trubble]

I'm thinking the sand is just for texture. To that end, could just drag a broom across the concrete while its still fresh, and groove the surface.
If the mix is kinda runny, and you're feeling particularly maniacal, you could use either a gloved hand, piece of plywood, whatever, and 'pat' the surface. That should raise up some peaks and give a fairly aggressive texture if done right.
Might need to mix up a small batch (just a couple of cups) and try out your techniques. See what works for you.

[4.3 Zook]

Pure cement will crack to pieces,you need sand with the portland to bind it together,preferably sharp sand not beach sand.
Sift some from the yard to mix in..
edit:mix 1 part portland to 2 parts sand for added strength.

[newmarketeod]

Now I understand that pure cement is week due to a lack of binding agent, but do you think the concrete I have will work? It already has sand and small gravel (aggregate) mixed into it.

[4.3 Zook]

Sorry I misunderstood,yeah the premix will work,if the aggregate is too large you could sift it out.

[newmarketeod]

Originally Posted by 4.3 Zook

Sorry I misunderstood,yeah the premix will work,if the aggregate is too large you could sift it out.

Awesome, thanks for the help!