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You can get stronger concrete. Standard is 3000 PSI, you can get mixes or 4000, 5000 etc. IT costs a bit more, but can withstand more pressure. You should also make sure the subgrade is good and possibly dig it out more to allow for more stone and then thicker concrete. If the existing driveway was supposed to be 4" maybe there is a slightly thin spot. 6" should withstand about anything. Also, make sure that fibermesh or welded wire mesh is used. This will help stop cracks and keep small cracks from spreading as fast. IT is also essential that it is poured and finished correctly.
I will say that if you go with pavers, they are likely to fail also if the subsurface conditions are not corrected.
You can get stronger concrete. Standard is 3000 PSI, you can get mixes or 4000, 5000 etc. IT costs a bit more, but can withstand more pressure. You should also make sure the subgrade is good and possibly dig it out more to allow for more stone and then thicker concrete. If the existing driveway was supposed to be 4" maybe there is a slightly thin spot. 6" should withstand about anything. Also, make sure that fibermesh or welded wire mesh is used. This will help stop cracks and keep small cracks from spreading as fast. IT is also essential that it is poured and finished correctly.
I will say that if you go with pavers, they are likely to fail also if the subsurface conditions are not corrected.
Thank you, great reply. Very informative. I appreciate you answering the question!!! Is there are way for a layman to confirm that what he paid for is what he is getting as far as concrete grades?
The main way of testing concrete is to pour a small cylinder and then put it on a machine to break it. Check around and find a geotechnical consulting firm in your area and they can do it for you. Might be $500 or so if its a small pour and only need to pull one set of cylinders. Usually on a commercial job its way more (at least a set of cylinders per truck if not more) but they may be able to cut you a break as a homeowner.
The main way of testing concrete is to pour a small cylinder and then put it on a machine to break it. Check around and find a geotechnical consulting firm in your area and they can do it for you. Might be $500 or so if its a small pour and only need to pull one set of cylinders. Usually on a commercial job its way more (at least a set of cylinders per truck if not more) but they may be able to cut you a break as a homeowner.
install a powered gate. problem was solved at 2 of our properties instantly. also stops meth heads who do the knock and rob.
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