Browse Forums Paving & Concreting Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 21Nov 02, 2014 7:10 am Don't feel too done by regarding not using chairs. The rouges do it to cut time and cost, not that it's much because I'd think most people would be prepared to pay an extra $200 to have it done properly. Drilling into the slab is called doweling and is an accepted practice. It's especially good because you eliminate the chance of either the slab lifting or sinking causing a step between two surfaces. The whole issue with this is, and it's no fault of the owner, is owners accepting this method. Unless you know how concrete should be laid then how are you to know that without 25mm concrete cover it's guaranteed failure of the reo especially when laid directly onto soil. Why do we put reo in concrete? Because concrete has incredible compressive strength but low tensile strength. Why do we put reo on the bottom "generally"? Because when you apply a weight to a slab, the bottom stretches (where reo acts as the strength) and the top compresses (where concrete has its strength) So that's how the two generally marry together. How it fails when reo is on the bottom is it corrodes and expands the concrete causing cracking. Sorry for the long post. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 22Nov 02, 2014 3:48 pm Crazyk Don't feel too done by regarding not using chairs. The rouges do it to cut time and cost, not that it's much because I'd think most people would be prepared to pay an extra $200 to have it done properly. Crazyk there is no such thing as saving time when pouring concrete, once it hits the ground the drying time doesn't change whether there's bar chairs there or not. Cost has nothing to do with it either, a bag of chairs is what? $25. The rouges are the ones who lay the mesh on the ground and dont lift it, they would be the ones you see in the pics with the mesh on the bottom when ripped up. I've said before in this thread, if you have poured enough drive ways you would know that hooking the mesh does work and contrary to what you may think it does not go back down to the ground when walked on. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 23Nov 02, 2014 5:23 pm MG I didn't say saving time laying concrete I said in putting chairs in and prep. If he has to keep his guys there 1hr longer to install the chairs then that's costing him money. Even if it's $25/bag of coarse that's saving money. It's not a one off for them so over a year that's a lot of $25 they are going to save so you can't say that. I'd take it in my pocket any day. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 24Nov 02, 2014 9:32 pm Crazyk when pouring a driveway the mesh remains on the ground because the truck in most cases reverses in over it, then as it drives forward the mesh is lifted as the wheels clear an area. It's doesn't matter how the mesh ends up in the the slab its that it ends up in the right place. And you don't need to use chairs for this to happen in a driveway. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 27Nov 03, 2014 7:05 am mgilla That's easy, driveways and paths are poured on uncontrolled ground. that's no excuse. The ground should be solid underneath. Do many people are happy to pour over friable ground. Concretors are also to scared to dig and they have to pay for deposing. Many concretors all think that 100mm concrete mean having 100mm in half and 75 mill everyone else. Concretors also think dowelling is to drill a one inch (2 inch if you lucky) into footpath. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 28Nov 03, 2014 8:19 am mgilla Crazyk when pouring a driveway the mesh remains on the ground because the truck in most cases reverses in over it, then as it drives forward the mesh is lifted as the wheels clear an area. It's doesn't matter how the mesh ends up in the the slab its that it ends up in the right place. And you don't need to use chairs for this to happen in a driveway. That makes sense, particulary the longer the driveway, otherwise how are you going to get the concrete there?... yeah, concrete pumper, but with competition and the pricing required to compete, the concretor who doesn't use a concrete pump is going to be a lot cheaper. Seems to be a perception that in a non-slab situation, lifting the reo isn't good enough, as in it doesn't stay where it is lifted to, and slips back down to the bottom of the concrete... if it is vibrated, then it will settle to the bottom, that's for sure. Owner Building at Jimboomba Woods in Logan City Qld. Blog : http://bandlnewhomebuild.blogspot.com H1 thread : viewtopic.php?f=38&t=68283 . Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 29Nov 03, 2014 8:46 am You get what you pay for is what I'm saying. Poor substrate prep, lifting reo, inconsistent slab depth... That's what your all accepting and like other issues seen in builds, if people continue to chase "cheap" then be prepared for the consequences. Yes maybe they do have to drive over the reo but does this mean you can't use chairs? I think not. Anyway I'm yet to find any data that says lifting reo is an acceptable method. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 30Nov 03, 2014 9:38 am Crazyk Hmmm I wonder why so many driveways and paths crack. Sorry, but the fact that you ask this, and dont understand why concretors hook-up reo, shows you dont know as much about concreting as you think. Mgilla's posts have all been accurate, yours not so much. Crazyk Why do we put reo on the bottom "generally"? Because when you apply a weight to a slab, the bottom stretches (where reo acts as the strength) and the top compresses (where concrete has its strength) Rubbish. If that actually happened, compressing and stretching, it would mean the slab is too thin or the Mpa too low. If using only one layer of reo you put it nearer the surface to stop cracking on top when there is slab heave. On reactive soils use bedding sand under driveways, shed slabs, to counter the effects of slab heave. Basic stuff any concretor should know. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 31Nov 03, 2014 9:45 am Qeb read the quote properly and don't take it out of context. I said you put it down the bottom in the tensile zone. And the word "generally". I didn't say always. As I said I know why they hook reo up. It's because they cut corners and cost. Prove me wrong and provide facts. Beside you're telling me these guys pulling reo up are pulling it to the top? Yeah right! Bet if you did a concrete cross section it would be toward the bottom. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 32Nov 03, 2014 5:26 pm Crazyk Qeb read the quote properly and don't take it out of context. I said you put it down the bottom in the tensile zone. And the word "generally". I didn't say always. As I said I know why they hook reo up. It's because they cut corners and cost. Prove me wrong and provide facts. Beside you're telling me these guys pulling reo up are pulling it to the top? Yeah right! Bet if you did a concrete cross section it would be toward the bottom. Crazyk all I have left is pull on some gumboots and get out to the coal face get some concrete burn and see why things are done the way they are and not as someone sitting in an office says they should be done. Re: Is this normal for concrete driveway and footpath? 33Nov 03, 2014 8:21 pm I'm not going to argue with you guys. To start taking personal swipes with statements like that just shows how immature you are. It's not like you even know me or my background. Makes me laugh. Find me the best practice facts and I'll happily withdraw my comments......Your not going to find them. Hi all I am looking to run a water line under my concrete footpath which is directly next to my home, was seeing if this is possible without cutting the entire section… 0 20193 Do you have solar on the roof, because if its not a laying defect it looks almost like someone has been walking all over the roof in the mid section of the tile (weakest… 2 1936 To my understanding early saw cuts are to control shrinkage cracks, so doing them now would be pointless. Control joints may reduce ugly cracking during periods of soil… 3 9863 |