Originally posted by TourDeForce:
I live in Florida, so my opinion on what is best may not be applicable to Michigan, & may require modification.
I work for the engineering division of a municipality & see much paving in both. I have also spent 10 years working for engineering firms in the private sector. My experience here indicates concrete is better for the Florida climate - 4" of 3000 psi standard mix and 6x6x10 welded wire mesh. Some municipalities require 6" of concrete within the right-of-way (from property line to edge of travel lane), & that works really well too.
Many batch plants are pushing high fly ash content mix so they make a better profit. Although that mix will produce acceptable compression test results, it will shear, crack, & wear prematurely. I have seen roadway curbing turn to dust in less than a year, & have had one developer replace over 12,000 linear feet of type "F" curb because of a non-standard mix.
Thanks! You'll appreciate what this guy did then. First, he did it in the beginning of October, which in Michigan is about as late as you want to do concrete. Second, he only used 5-1/2 sack concrete instead of the recommended 6 sack. We need the extra strength since we live on such a busy road. Third, when he was installing it, it was setting too fast for him so he added water...too much water, and then brushed it while it was still very watery. Our driveway looks like a gravel driveway again!
2002 Nissan Maxima SE
Former 2000 SVT Contour owner
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