Question 1

How many 20kg bags of cement per m3?

Accepted Answer

One 20kg bag can cover an area of 1.1 m2 with a depth of approximately 10mm. Alternatively, it takes 108 x 20kg bags to make one cubic meter of mixed concrete. The Concrete Mix is available in 20kg plastic lined, multi-walled paper sacks, as well as small and convenient 10kg plastic bags. It is important to clean all tools and equipment promptly with water after use.

Question 2

What is the difference between cement and concrete in Australia?

Accepted Answer

What is the difference between cement and concrete? While these terms are often used interchangeably, it's important to note that cement is actually an ingredient of concrete. Concrete, on the other hand, is a mixture of aggregates and paste. The aggregates consist of sand, gravel, or crushed stone, while the paste is made up of water and Portland cement.

Question 3

What is the basic information about concrete?

Accepted Answer

Concrete is a construction material made up of aggregate (typically sand and gravel) that is held together by cement and water. It is a hard and chemically inert substance. In ancient times, clay was commonly used as the bonding substance by the Assyrians and Babylonians.

Question 4

How thick should a concrete slab be?

Accepted Answer

Standard concrete floor slab thickness in residential construction is typically 4 inches. However, it is recommended to increase the thickness to 5 or 6 inches if the concrete will be subjected to occasional heavy loads, such as motor homes or garbage trucks. In order to prepare the base, the ground level should be cut to the appropriate depth to accommodate the desired slab thickness.

Question 5

Can you concrete over concrete?

Accepted Answer

Concrete in good condition, without breaks, buckling, or large cracks, can serve as a suitable foundation for a new layer. Before pouring the new concrete, make sure to fix any small cracks.

Question 6

How long do you have to stay off a new concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

After 48 hours, it is safe to walk on the concrete, but remember that it is still in the process of curing and getting stronger. Please avoid using any wheeled vehicles such as cars, bicycles, or skateboards on the surface. After 7 to 10 days, the concrete will have gained enough strength to support the weight of a car.

Question 7

How thick does the concrete need to be for a driveway?

Accepted Answer

As for thickness, the standard for passenger car driveways is four inches for non-reinforced pavement. It is recommended to have a thickness of five inches for heavier vehicles. To ensure proper drainage and prevent standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street at a minimum of one percent or 1/8 inch per foot.

Question 8

Is it OK if it rains after pouring concrete?

Accepted Answer

Once the concrete has finished curing, which typically takes between 4-8 hours after pouring, it becomes hard enough for walking on. At this point, the impact of rain on the concrete should be minimal. It's important to note that the curing process is a chemical reaction, and it can take up to 28 days for ready mix concrete to fully cure.

Question 9

Is wire mesh necessary in concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Even some driveways don't need the steel mesh, but most recommend it since vehicles weigh quite a lot. Something like a carport or garage floor may not require a permit. They should, however, have reinforcement. They take a lot of weight and traffic, so they need the support.29

## Rewritten:

Even though not all driveways require steel mesh, it is highly recommended due to the heavy weight of vehicles. Structures like carports or garage floors may not need a permit, but they should still be reinforced to withstand the weight and traffic they will endure.

Question 10

What makes a good concrete driveway?

Accepted Answer

Unlike the concrete patio and its design, a driveway should be at least six inches thick. It is better to have more thickness, but having too much material can weaken and make the surface unstable. A helpful guideline is to build the base using a gravel subbase that is about three times as thick as your desired finished top course.

Question 11

What are the Australian standards for concrete slabs?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, concrete slabs must adhere to the Australian Standards AS 2870 and AS 3600 when being fixed. The most common thickness for slabs in Australia is typically between 85mm and 100mm. Specification documents usually state the thickness of concrete slabs.

Question 12

How thick does a concrete slab need to be to not crack?

Accepted Answer

In residential concrete, the minimum thickness for walkways and patios is 4 inches. If there is heavy truck traffic expected, garage slabs and driveways should be 5 to 6 inches thick. Otherwise, 4 inches is enough.

Question 13

What happens if slab is too thick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a concrete slab can indeed be too thick. When a slab is overly thick, it has the potential to crack and settle because the underlying soil may not settle evenly.

Question 14

Should I insulate concrete slab?

Accepted Answer

An unfinished and uninsulated basement can cause almost one-third of your home's heat to be lost. Insulating the concrete floor not only improves the comfort of your home but also greatly enhances its energy efficiency.

Question 15

How long do concrete slabs last?

Accepted Answer

The lifespan of a concrete slab can vary due to different factors. Typically, a concrete slab lasts between 25 and 50 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, you can increase the lifespan of your concrete slab to over 100 years.

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