When you think of concrete, you think of a striking, versatile, durable, functional and quality product. Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world. The components of concrete are simple: gravel or limestone, water, sand, cement and certain chemical additives. The science surrounding concrete is intricate.
When considering what kind of material to use for a driveway, there are many vital features to keep in mind such as initial price, durability, life cycle costs, and aesthetics.
A concrete driveway will boost property values in most areas, but if it is done properly. Many homeowners do not have adequate knowledge regarding proper construction practices and thus, end up with a product that they are not happy with. Constructing a concrete driveway requires planning and dialog with your concrete contractors in Darwin. Issues that should be tackled are proper subgrade preparation, good concrete finishing practices, jointing, curing and sealing the concrete.
€ Proper Mix
The subgrade should be smooth, uniform, damp, compacted, and free of frost and have positive drainage. Concrete is sold based on compressive strength, therefore to maintain it, water to cement ratio should not exceed.45. The slump, or rigidity, of the concrete should not exceed five inches. Do not add excessive water at the jobsite as it will weaken the concrete and reduce the overall quality and durability of the concrete.
€ Concrete Finishing
As concrete is a perishable product, it should be delivered and placed as quickly as possible. The concrete should be placed next to the finished position as possible, either directly off the mixer truck or by wheelbarrows. Finishing the concrete is a very significant step to insure a quality end product. Many short cuts used during this stage can have catastrophic end results. A concrete driveway can last for over 30 years if it's installed, finished and cured properly. Next, use a bull float before bleed water accrues. After concrete is bull-floated, it should not be touched until all the bleed water on top of the concrete has evaporated. Starting the finishing operation too early can trap surface water and weaken a surface. Cleaning the surface must wait for the evaporation of bleed water.
€ Curing
Once the concrete finishing is done, it needs to be cured. Curing is a simple process that is often ignored. Some of the water in the concrete is essential for a chemical reaction called hydration that continues to occur for weeks and months. If this water evaporates too fast, the concrete might never achieve its design strength. Liquid-spray curing compounds can be applied to the concrete as soon as the final finish is done. For at least three days, concrete should be protected against freezing temperatures.
When considering what kind of material to use for a driveway, there are many vital features to keep in mind such as initial price, durability, life cycle costs, and aesthetics.
A concrete driveway will boost property values in most areas, but if it is done properly. Many homeowners do not have adequate knowledge regarding proper construction practices and thus, end up with a product that they are not happy with. Constructing a concrete driveway requires planning and dialog with your concrete contractors in Darwin. Issues that should be tackled are proper subgrade preparation, good concrete finishing practices, jointing, curing and sealing the concrete.
€ Proper Mix
The subgrade should be smooth, uniform, damp, compacted, and free of frost and have positive drainage. Concrete is sold based on compressive strength, therefore to maintain it, water to cement ratio should not exceed.45. The slump, or rigidity, of the concrete should not exceed five inches. Do not add excessive water at the jobsite as it will weaken the concrete and reduce the overall quality and durability of the concrete.
€ Concrete Finishing
As concrete is a perishable product, it should be delivered and placed as quickly as possible. The concrete should be placed next to the finished position as possible, either directly off the mixer truck or by wheelbarrows. Finishing the concrete is a very significant step to insure a quality end product. Many short cuts used during this stage can have catastrophic end results. A concrete driveway can last for over 30 years if it's installed, finished and cured properly. Next, use a bull float before bleed water accrues. After concrete is bull-floated, it should not be touched until all the bleed water on top of the concrete has evaporated. Starting the finishing operation too early can trap surface water and weaken a surface. Cleaning the surface must wait for the evaporation of bleed water.
€ Curing
Once the concrete finishing is done, it needs to be cured. Curing is a simple process that is often ignored. Some of the water in the concrete is essential for a chemical reaction called hydration that continues to occur for weeks and months. If this water evaporates too fast, the concrete might never achieve its design strength. Liquid-spray curing compounds can be applied to the concrete as soon as the final finish is done. For at least three days, concrete should be protected against freezing temperatures.
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