Need DIY HD Concrete driveway technique tips
I need a heavy-duty driveway for my up to 10 ton forklift.
I have a well compacted base of crushed stone.
I plan to mix my own cement for my driveway in segments with my 2yd mixer.
I will use 7 bags of portland per cu. yard, and add air-entrainment admixture.
Each segment will be approx. 17′ X 14′ with a depth of 5-6″. I figure I can mix 2 batches @2cuYds each per segment. Each segment poured on different days.
I will use as little water as possible.
I will also use #4 rebar spaced in a grid at 12′ apart.
What I need to know is:
1. Wether I should have seperate rebar grids for each section(having the ends 6″ from the edges) or should I extend the rebar to connect all the grids together?
2. Anything wrong with supporting the grid with stones or concrete block pieces? Or would it be best to lay it down on the first pour?
3. I also would like advise on where i should look for the best price for these materials (80 bags of portland, 70 20′ rebars and the air-entrainment admixture)? I am between Rochester and Bufalo in NY if that makes a difference.
4. How my plans sound overall?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Andy
Replies
It would be better to dowel the sections together.
I'd bridge between sections with smooth bars to prevent differential movement.
Also: It might be easier to place smaller sections of 8-1/2' X 7', and avoid having to make weakened plane joints in the slab. They will also be easier to screed and finish if you don't do a lot of concrete and aren't practiced up.
2. Anything wrong with supporting the grid with stones or concrete block pieces?
Nothing at all wrong with that, so long as you don't mind the rebar getting knocked off the stones and ending up on the bottom of the slab.
Spring for proper "chairs".
Chairs
Thanks,I think I can keep the grid from slipping off the stones without too much trouble, I was wondering if the chairs are better strength-wise?
Chairs are preferred
Chairs or concrete "dobeys" are preferred because they keep the steel at a uniform height in the slab.
The other problem with rocks is they may not allow enough concrete to surround the bar to passivate any water coming in and allow corrosion to occur. Since this will be the unprotected area, all the potential corrosion will occur there causing bar failure.