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Geneva, AL

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Using slabs of concrete to create a drive-what do I need to do for prep?

We got a large load of concrete slabs that were headed for the landfill.. They were 2nd & 3rd story walkways that were cut off the side of a building and basically look like sidewalks all piled up....they range in length from 12' to 18' and are 27" wide...our idea was to use them to create a drive where we have only sand/dirt. Other than leveling the surface first, what do I need to do to make sure they don't move and shift after getting them in place?

7 Comments

KMS Woodworks Nederland, CO

I would be more worried about them cracking and breaking. Their "previous" life was as a sidewalk up in the air ( not the same weight loading ) so they will not be of the same thickness needed to support thousands of pound of cars and trucks in a driveway setting.
Are these "slabs" supported in some type of metal frame? I'm surprised that they did not break already in the "deconstruction" process. ...»

a sand bed would be my first recommendation as it would "contour" more to the underside. Given the size of these they are going to be very heavy on their own and once placed should stay pretty solid. Moving them around however is going to take some heavy equipment.

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Jenni H Geneva, AL

I did consider that....they are all reinforced with rebar thoughout....which limits my ability to cut them down but I thought the strength would be adequate to drive on

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Burco Surface & Decor Dallas, GA

how are you moving around slabs that big? they should be fine just start grading down the drive way where the concrete will be level with the yard and where rain water will drain in the direction you need it to.

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Jenni H Geneva, AL

thank you for the advice

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

the steel will add flexural strength however no one recommends ANY steel OR mesh UNLESS the conc has 2" of conc above AND below any reinforcement. conc likes to be square &, if it isn't, will respond by randomly cracking to achieve ' squareness '. cutting is easily done by using a demo saw & dry-diamond blade avail at your local rental shop. good luck - that's going to be a great job when done ( sprinkle GABC into the spaces between slabs to lock them together )

on Apr 28, 2012 · Like 0
Jenni H Geneva, AL

Thanks for the info...that is exactly what I need to know.

on Apr 28, 2012 · Like 0
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

depending on the size of the slabs ( we've cut / removed 6'x5' slabs incl re-bar from hi-rise bldgs ), they're going to be heavy & bulky - reccomend a track'd bobcat w/genl purpose bucket - this isn't an easy job so good luck ! ! ! we h/o's do work cheap :-)

on Apr 29, 2012 · Like 0