The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 3:56 pm**

Since my last post on using blocks and flags LLL has given me something to think about. He mentioned having a concrete hardstanding and I'm thinking that would be a good option.

The area is 8x6 metres and in front of the garage. The only heavy vehicle would be the oil tanker once a year which may put a rear wheel on a small area.

What depth should I go for and is it possible for me to screed it on my own or should I get someone in? What is the maximum size before having an expansion gap?

I can do the preparation myself so it would just need someone to set up the formwork and screed it so hopefully that would keep the cost down.

I thought I would use Accumix Concrete to supply as they have done some in the area.

Any idea as to how long it would take to pour and screed?

Thanks in advance.

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:57 pm**

Two man job. You can set up the formwork, sounds like the concrete lorry can come right up to the area too so then two men to move and tamp the surface. A day to do the formwork at most and then poor concrete in morning and finish by 2-3

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:02 pm**

Sounds good. What depth of concrete would be suitable?

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:11 pm**

150 mm MSH

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:19 pm**

Thanks MSH.

What about the expansion gap, would I need one for that size?

I'm wanting to make sure I have all the information so I can see if the contractor is going to take shortcuts or not.

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:26 pm**

http://www.pavingexpert.com/concjnt1.htm

Posted: **Fri Aug 31, 2012 8:32 pm**

Thanks for that, I had looked on the site but missed the calculation.

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2012 5:03 pm**

IMO, Make your concrete slab 125mm, up the mix to a c35 and add a air entrainer (this will also make working the concrete easyer for you). Make your sub-base 150mm, always a good idea to use some geotextiles under the stone. Put in control joints, on your 8x6 pad put them at 2.6/3 and put 10mm expansion foam with dowels (300mm apart) anywhere the concrete joins another surface.

oh yeah and keep that 18t tanker off the drive!
he has pipes

Posted: **Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:05 pm**

welcome to the brew cabin Rock

we are always glad to hear from specialists
is yours an American franchise? just the logo etc looks yank and they do excel at concrete stuff?
cheers LLL

The Brew Cabin

New concrete hardstanding - Diy or not?