Introduction: Concrete Mini Tetrapods
Tetrapods are large concrete structures that are used around the world to break up wave action and absorb the ocean's eroding energy. This miniature tetrapod was made by casting ShapeCrete in small plastic cups that were tacked together with hot glue.
Wikipedia Image Credit:Chiether under CC-BY SA 3.0 (Resized)
Materials + Supplies:
- Plastic Shot Glasses from the Dollar Store
- ShapeCrete or Fine Concrete Mix
- Hot Glue Gun
- Clear Packing Tape
- Utility Knife
- Sandpaper
Step 1: Make the Form
Drill or cut a hole in the bottom of one cup, this will be the hole to fill with the mix. Tack the 4 cups together with hot glue. Arrange them as seen in the pictures, or in any way you like.
Tape over the gaps with clear packing tape. Wrapping the tape around the cups will help hold them together.
Step 2: Mix and Fill
Mix ShapeCrete to a Castable Consistency and fill the form in stages. Gently vibrate the form to minimize air bubbles. Filling it a little bit at a time will help the mix flow into the cups without trapping air in the corners. When the form is completely full, smooth the top flat.
Cover the piece with plastic and let it cure for 24 hours, or much longer if you're using a different type of concrete mix.
Step 3: Break Away Plastic
After the piece has cured, remove the form by first peeling the tape off. Gently break the plastic away and remove the cups. It might help to slice the plastic with a utility knife or razor blade and then use needle nose pliers to break the cups off.
Rough edges can be sanded down with diamond hand pads, sandpaper, or files.
Step 4: The Finished Piece
Tetrapods are designed to nest together, so the more you make, the more fun they'll be.
As a desk object, it's useful for holding small charging chords. It may also be useful for holding hair ties, jewelry, bracelets, donuts, stuff like that.
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13 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
Could you do this with normal bagged concrete mix? What is it about ShapeCrete that makes it preferable for this application?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
ShapeCrete doesn't have large rock aggregate, just different sizes
of sand, so it's a finer mix. It also gets harder much more quickly than
traditional concrete, so it can be removed from the form after a day.
The
only problem with using a normal bagged mix is that the largest rock
aggregate is usually about 3/8" in size, and the opening to fill through
is only about 3/4".
If using regular concrete, buy a 5000 psi.
bagged concrete mix and then remove the larger rocks. Fill the form
gradually and vibrate it a lot to help consolidate the mix and minimize
air bubbles. Then leave the piece to cure for 5+ days and you will still
get good results.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Okay, cool! That's a lot of useful advice.
7 years ago on Introduction
Very cool. You could even lay the cable inside the form, through a bottom cup, with the iphone (or android) port on the top - awesome phone charging station!
7 years ago on Introduction
How do you do the color? Thanks!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Colored pigment is added to the dry mix. Check out this link for more detailed instructions:
http://www.shapecrete.com/videos/coloring-part-i-a...
There are a lot of pigments that will work, but the blue used here is Tahoe SmartColor:
http://store.concreteexchange.com/CHENG-Concrete-O...
7 years ago
Finally a holder for donuts
Reply 7 years ago
You just made me smile kind sir. I tip my hat to you.
7 years ago on Introduction
I spent entirely too long attempting to figure out what the usb cable was for... Awesome paper weight design though!
7 years ago
they use this to protect an airport in Korea I think. but I wouldn't use that to hold earbuds. I have REALLY nice designs on ear bud holders but the design it secret at the moment because of producing them and brining them to the market. I'm only 13. but I like the cment part of it
7 years ago on Introduction
Neat idea! The shape looks like it would be a great base for a lamp, or charging station. I like this!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Yes, exactly!
I want to use dixie / styrofoam cups to cast a larger base for a floor lamp.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
That would be really cool!