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They need to get the aggregate/cement/sand ratios down a little better before you guy's criticism has much validity

Hmmm....I've heard of cases like that.

What I've been told is that it's the unscrupulous masons skimping on the cement.

What happens is they skim off cement and replace it with more sand in the mix than normal. What do they do with the cement they swiped? Sell it, of course! [Linked Image]

So that nice sidewalk or concrete wall starts crumbling after a few months of being exposed to rain and general wear and tear.

It's something to be careful about -- I'm sure that happens all over the world. I've seen some sidewalks here in New York City that appear to start crumbling a few months after they've been poured.....hmmm....