As discussed above, concrete is very strong in compression, but weak in tension. Larger earthquakes can generate very large shear loads on structures. These shear loads subject the structure to both tensile and compressional loads.
Concrete Driveway Apron
However, a mix with too much water can have a negative impact on concrete strength and durability and prolong the time it takes for your concrete to cure and dry. Water-reducing admixtures are a better alternative to keeping concrete workable during placement without the need for extra water. Weather conditions and the concrete mix design have the greatest impacts on curing time.
Concrete has relatively high compressive strength, but much lower tensile strength. Therefore, it is usually reinforced with materials that are strong in tension . The elasticity of concrete is relatively constant at low stress levels but starts decreasing at higher stress levels as matrix cracking develops. Concrete has a very low coefficient of thermal expansion and shrinks as it matures. All concrete structures crack to some extent, due to shrinkage and tension. Concrete that is subjected to long-duration forces is prone to creep. It is widely used in foot and highway bridges where high flexural and compressive strength are indicated.
Do I Need to Replace My Concrete Driveway?
Concrete driveways may be more expensive to install than asphalt driveways, but they also tend to last much longer. If you’re having decorative concrete poured, the concreter should have photos of their previous work and should be able to tell you where you can view examples. Coloured concrete has colour added through the depth of the concrete while mixing. This could be an option if you’re pouring a new concrete driveway or resurfacing an old driveway.
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Pine board that measures 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 4 inches is usually sufficient for laying a driveway, as well as a number of 4 inches stakes. If you’re looking for the cheapest option for a driveway, gravel is the answer. ‘The least expensive material is gravel, specifically recycled asphalt product or RAP; it is very durable and needs little maintenance,’ says Stephen Keighery, CEO and founder of Home Buyer Louisiana. When drawing up your budget and making a choice among materials, don’t forget the long term. Driveway materials differ in their durability, so it’s worth factoring in their likely lifetimes.
Steel rebar embedded within the concrete mix strengthens the driveway to minimize cracks. A properly installed concrete driveway should last for many decades-and at least two or three times longer than an asphalt driveway. Because concrete driveways don’t need to be replaced or resurfaced as often, fewer raw materials are consumed over the life of the pavement.
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Many municipalities will require the apron to be constructed at a 5- or 6-inch thickness to augment its load-carrying capacity. Most concrete contractors will also install a well-graded, compacted gravel subbase beneath a concrete driveway to provide uniform support and prevent erosion, cracking, and slab settlement. In general, the thicker the subbase, the more weight the slab can support. Upgrades like staining and texturing can increase the cost to $10 per square foot or more.
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Typically, these will be 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 4 inches pieces of nominal lumber, anchored with wooden stakes sufficiently to support the form boards. These stakes are driven into the soil with a sledgehammer at a spacing to keep the form boards ‘on grade and straightly aligned. For curving drives, Masonite or plywood that is strong enough to support the concrete load, but flexible enough to bend.
While the recommended waiting period is a good guideline, there are signs you can look for to determine if the concrete is ready for vehicle traffic. These signs indicate that the concrete has cured adequately and can withstand the weight and pressure of vehicles. Concrete driveways are made of a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone.
