concrete expansion joints for patio

[corydel2747]

Hi there I am in central Pennsylvania and I am planning on doing a concrete patio either 14' or 16' x 26' x 6" thick. A few questions how would you space the expansion joints? Just one down the middle or 2 evenly spaced down the middle or what would you concrete guys suggest? Would you recommend sawing the joints or going with regular expansion joints? I was planning on going with fiberglass reinforced concrete would that be enough for a slab this big or would you suggest rebar or wire as well? Let me know what you guys think?

 

[73RR]

If you use a dry concrete mix, as in low water-to-cement ratio, then one joint at the center will do nicely.
Remember, water is only used to hydrate the cement, too much water will result in excessive shrinkage cracks because as the concrete cures the excess water has to leave.
As the water leaves the concrete will continue to shrink and the cracks will start. Yes, lots-o-water makes it easy to place the concrete, but strength will suffer. This is why plasticizers-water reducers are used in critical slabs since the plasticizers do a better job of lubricating the mix components to make it flow better.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superplasticizer

 

[DougWil]

Rule of thumb is 2.5 x slab thickness MAX, 6"x2.5 = 15ft max crack control joint.

Fibermesh isn't for primary reinforcement, it is for secondary as in temperature and shrinkage.

Rebar or heavy mesh will prevent large cracks from forming and vertical displacement of those cracks.
I use #4 at 18" OC each way minimum.