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The best concrete mix for driveways is at least 3500 psi compressive strength and 5-6 inches thick over compacted gravel and earth with a water to cement ratio of . 50 and aggregate less than an inch.
What type of concrete is best for a driveway?
Portland Cement: Portland cement is a material commonly used to create concrete. It acts much like a strong glue, providing a reliable bond that makes it a popular choice for laying driveways and pathways.
What PSI concrete should I use for driveway?
The typical concrete strength used for a driveway is in the 3000 psi to 4000 psi range, although temperate areas of the country may use lower strengths. Contractors, when ordering ready mixed concrete, should advise the producer of the intended use for the concrete.
Is 3500 psi concrete driveway good?
3,500 PSI. Although less likely for general home use, where 3,500 PSI concrete shines is in slab foundations and footings. This is also a good choice wherever heavy loads are expected to be stored or moved, like RV pads.
Are there different types of concrete for driveways?
Basic Driveway Finish Types Broom Finish: A popular choice for finishing concrete is a broom finish. Smooth Finish: Salt Finish: Textured/Stamped Finish: Colored Concrete: Exposed Aggregate Concrete: Washed Finish Concrete:.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a thickness of five inches is recommended. To eliminate standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.
Does higher psi concrete crack less?
Higher psi concrete will resist cracking more but without addressing the cause of the stress cracks sooner or later the cracks will appear. Addressing cracking in concrete slabs is done long before the mix is poured.
How long does it take for 4 inches of concrete to cure?
Your concrete should be solid enough to walk on, without leaving footprints, after anything from 24 to 48 hours. By seven days, your concrete should be cured to at least 70 percent of its full strength.
How much weight can a 4 inch concrete slab support?
Typically we like to limit the weight to about 40 lb/sqft on an unknown 4″ slab. In most cases you can go to 80 lb/sqft in isolated spots, but unless you know roughly what the soil bearing and reinforcing is for that slab you might be looking at cracking.
How much does 3500 PSI concrete cost?
Concrete Prices Per Yard By PSI Mix PSI Mix Price Per Cubic Yard Delivered 2,500 PSI, 5.5 Sack Mix $122 3,000 PSI, 6.0 Sack Mix $124 3,500 PSI, 6.5 Sack Mix $126 4,000 PSI, 7.1 Sack Mix $129.
What is the difference between 3000 psi and 4000 psi concrete?
What’s the difference between 3000 Psi concrete VS 4000 Psi concrete? The MAIN difference is in the amount of cement used. A cubic yard of concrete, whether it’s 3000 psi or 4000 psi, weighs about 4000 pounds (when you include the weight of water).
How long does it take 5000 PSI concrete to cure?
Curing should be started as soon as possible and should continue for a period of 5 days in warm weather, 70oF (21oC) or higher, or 7 days in colder weather, 50 – 70oF (10 – 21oC).
What is the difference between 3000 psi and 3500 psi concrete?
Concrete with a higher PSI is preferred for its durability. Contractors often use 3,000 PSI concrete – which is sturdy and lasts long – in general construction. This type of concrete can be used while damp. Concrete with PSI levels exceeding 3,500 is used for construction of foundations and floor slabs.
Is it cheaper to pave or concrete a driveway?
1. Cost. The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.
What is the most durable type of driveway?
A concrete driveway is the most durable and the most expensive. There are several different types of driveway materials commonly available for your home—including gravel, asphalt, and concrete.
What type of driveway is best?
Longevity: The longevity of an asphalt driveway is a lot higher than most other driveway options. Homeowners can expect their asphalt driveway to last at least 20 years. Durability: Asphalt driveways are hard wearing and durable. The seal that is applied on top of your asphalt driveway encourages greater longevity.
Do you need gravel under concrete driveway?
Whether you pour concrete for a walkway or patio, a strong gravel base is required to prevent the concrete from cracking and shifting. Gravel is especially important in clay soil because it doesn’t drain well, which results in water pooling under the concrete slab and slowly eroding the soil as it finally drains.
Do you need wire mesh in concrete driveway?
When it comes to concrete, you can’t avoid cracks entirely, but wire mesh reinforcement will help hold the material together when they do occur. Also, it will help evenly distribute the weight of cars on your driveway. The added strength of steel is especially crucial if your subgrade isn’t up to par.
Is 4 inches of concrete enough?
For a concrete patio, the ideal slab thickness is at least four inches. There are times where thicker slabs will make more sense, but, most of the time, 4 inches is the perfect thickness for a concrete slab. It is, however, wise to make the perimeter of the slab an inch or two thicker.
