Having driveway / parking pad done with concrete starting a week from Monday. Just shy of 5000 sqft, 3500psi concrete, decorative borders. 4" concrete over 57 base. Rebar 2' on center. Contractor has done work for me before, 1600 sqft stamped concrete during pool install last year. I'll be "overseeing" the install. Being prudent, anything in particular I should look for during construction?
Concrete Paving Do's & Don'ts
- Thread starter Gunnert
- Start date
How thick is the 57 base and what's under it? Removal of any organic material before the base is layed is critical. So is good compaction. As for the concrete, I'd step up to a 4000 psi mix and make sure the slump when placed is not more than 4"-5" unless the mix has a high range water reducer. In Southeast Louisiana, reinforcing mesh such as 6 gauge 6X6 is the preferred reinforcing method. The closer spacing of the steel wires seems to be more effective than the wider spacing of rebar over the substrates we have here. Of course, requirements differ in various geographic areas.
Bob
Bob
Contract has been signed with the above specs. Currently driveway has two layers of asphalt, done on the cheap and breaking up throughout. Bottom layer is only about 1 1/2" and top layer is about 1". Pavement is 15 years old but there is no sinkage. Ground is clay. Base will be 2"-4" 57, depending on what is underneath existing pavement.
Toomanytools?
Well-known member
You can always change the spec's you want like up to 4000psi, that's easily done at the plant you just pay the diiference.
cyamaha2007
Well-known member
The rebar needs to be on chairs, dont fall for the we pull it up during the pour.
Always_Thinkin
Well-known member
Not sure where you are located, but curing is critical. Watch freezing and make sure he it has a continuouse wet cure for 7 days. Like someone else said watch the slump. The more water he adds to the mix onsite the strength of your concrete goes down. The batch plant will add the right amount of water to the mix. Most times the concrete truck will get on site and the contractor may want to add water to the mix so it is easier for him to work with. Good for him but not for you.
yucholian
Well-known member
1) Make sure the concrete doesn't come from a supplier far away, otherwise it will be cooked when they pour it. They'll add water to make it workable, but will turn out crappy.
2) Make sure rebars are set properly, tied, etc and not just thrown in
3) Make sure they are not pouring too big of an area at one time
4) Make sure they float evenly. Seems obvious, but not the case 100%
5) Make sure they cut the control joints in a straight line
6) Look for early signs of cracks, within hours after finishing
DAMHIK
2) Make sure rebars are set properly, tied, etc and not just thrown in
3) Make sure they are not pouring too big of an area at one time
4) Make sure they float evenly. Seems obvious, but not the case 100%
5) Make sure they cut the control joints in a straight line
6) Look for early signs of cracks, within hours after finishing
DAMHIK